WI Gears Up For America’s Semiquincentennial: What To Know

The pinnacle of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence — called the Semiquincentennial — occurs this summer on Independence Day, but Wisconsinites can get into the spirit now.

In the planning stages by the bipartisan, congressionally mandated America 250 committee since 2016, the celebration includes a diverse array of events, ranging from large, nationally significant spectacles to smaller, locally focused community activities.

Here’s what we know about events in Wisconsin:

• April 6 - Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy Exhibit. (South Wood County Historical Museum540 3rd St S Wisconsin Rapids).
• April 16 - American Songbook: 250 Years, a Good Start! (Eagle Municipal Building 820 East Main St.Eagle).
• May 2 - The Ladies 1776 Liber-tea. (Village Hall and Park Pavilion300 W. Spring St.Rochester).

The official U.S. Semiquincentennial website is at America250.org. The planning committee and partners aim to touch all 350 million Americans in some way and engage them in thoughtful reflection on the nation’s history, its founding principles, and its future.

President Donald Trump, who took office after much of the planning for the Semiquincentennial was complete, has added his signature style to the celebration. A separate slate of “Freedom 250” events includes a UFC prize fight on the White House lawn, a “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall, and the Patriot Games, a four-day national high school athletic competition.

There are multiple ways for Wisconsinites to get involved in the national 250th celebration, starting by sharing their personal narratives through Our American Story or America’s Invitation.

Students in grades 3-12 are invited to share their perspectives on what America means to them in America’s Field Trip, with a chance to earn a trip to some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks. Or they can join in a national effort to make 2026 a landmark year for volunteerism through America Gives.

A new initiative recently announced by the committee seeks ideas for America’s Startup, a national collegiate startup competition created to spotlight early-stage business ideas with the potential to drive America’s future economic, technological, and societal progress.Participants submit a proposal and pitch video outlining their business idea, with selected teams advancing through a multi-stage review process that includes a live pitch experience.

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