Be a Part of the Kick Off for America's 250th on the National Mall
Be a Part of the Kick Off for America's 250th on the National Mall
The Trust for the National Mall is honored to announce that Norah O'Donnell, CBS News Senior Correspondent and author of the upcoming book We the Women, will serve as Emcee for AMERICA’S BALL for THE MALL, which will honor America's historic 250th anniversary on May 7, 2026, on the National Mall.
AMERICA’S BALL for THE MALL will serve as the kickoff to the grand celebration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, which will culminate on July 4th on the National Mall. Our 2026 signature gala will be an event like no other, designed to celebrate our most loyal supporters and champions for the National Mall and honor a historic milestone 250 years in the making.
AMERICA’S BALL for THE MALL will honor all 50 states and territories, featuring the Trust’s 2026 History, Heroes & Hope Awards and welcoming special guests and entertainment. Past honorees have included Commanders' Josh Harris, Salamander Resorts' Sheila Johnson, Grammy-winner Dave Grohl and David M. Rubenstein. Our marquee gala will welcome 600+ partners and champions to celebrate and support our mission with the National Park Service to restore, preserve and enrich America’s Front Yard, for America's 250th and for generations to come.
Make your plans and reserve your table below to be a part of history for this monumental evening, set against the backdrop of the soaring Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol, as we come together on the National Mall to honor our nation’s history and its founding.
Exclusive Sponsorships and Signature "State Table" Sponsorships Available Now Opportunities are limited and selling fast.
Be a part of this monumental evening that welcomes an array of prominent philanthropists, business leaders, members of Congress, public officials and our generous partners and benefactors for an unforgettable night of celebration in support of the National Mall.
Thank you to all who have already joined us as early sponsors for AMERICA'S BALL for THE MALL. Scroll down to meet our sponsors. Contact us at events@nationalmall.org for additional details.
About Norah O’Donnell
Norah O’Donnell is CBS News’ senior correspondent and a “60 MINUTES” contributing correspondent. O’Donnell previously served more than 12 years on the anchor desk, both as the managing editor and anchor of the “CBS Evening News” and a co-host of “CBS This Morning.”
She is a multiple Emmy Award-winning journalist and has interviewed every living president, including President Donald Trump for “60 Minutes.” In 2024, she secured a historic and exclusive sit-down with the late Pope Francis, which was recognized with a 2025 Emmy Award for Outstanding Edited Interview.
O’Donnell is set to publish her new book WE THE WOMEN in February 2026, which explores the hidden heroes who shaped America ahead of the United States’ 250th birthday celebration.
O’Donnell is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she received a degree in philosophy and a Masters degree.
O’Donnell grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and lived overseas while her family served in the U.S. Army. She is married to Geoff Tracy and is the mother of three children.
Thank you to our media partner Washingtonian Magazine for featuring AMERICA’S BALL for THE MALL in their December issue.