FamilySearch Invites Americans to Discover Their Family's Role in the Nation's 250th Anniversary

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this month, FamilySearch is encouraging individuals, families, educators, and community organizations to discover their family history and preserve the stories that connect them to America's past and future.

Through its new America250 initiative, FamilySearch is expanding opportunities for people of all ages to explore their heritage using billions of free historical records, the collaborative FamilySearch Family Tree, and simple story-preservation tools.

A centerpiece of the initiative is the 250 Challenge, which invites participants to add ancestors, photographs, stories, documents, and memories to the FamilySearch Family Tree. Every contribution helps preserve family experiences for future generations while strengthening America's shared historical record.

FamilySearch also encourages individuals and families to submit meaningful family stories to the America250 "Our American Story" initiative. Selected submissions may be preserved in the Library of Congress, allowing family experiences to become part of the nation's enduring legacy.

With free access to billions of census, immigration, military, and local history records, FamilySearch helps people discover how their ancestors lived, worked, served, and contributed to the communities that helped shape the United States. Throughout the America250 celebration, many users will receive personalized discovery experiences highlighting Revolutionary-era ancestors, military service, migration journeys, occupations, and even possible connections to signers of the Declaration of Independence.

FamilySearch centers and affiliate libraries throughout the country will offer free assistance from trained volunteers who can help visitors discover ancestors, preserve photographs and family memories, and participate in America250-themed activities for families, schools, youth groups, and community organizations.

"America's history is made up of millions of individual family stories," said FamilySearch. "By preserving those stories today, we help future generations better understand the people, sacrifices, and experiences that built our nation."

FamilySearch also suggests ten meaningful ways to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, including recording family stories, participating in local America250 events, serving through family history projects, exploring educational resources, and attending RootsTech 2026 presentations focused on America's heritage.

For more information about the America250 initiative, the 250 Challenge, or to begin discovering your family's story, visit: familysearch.org/en/america250