In the News: The Trust at Press Kickoff for America’s 250th in D.C.
TRUST “IN the News”| Media coverage: America 250th in the nation’s capital
The Trust was honored to join a powerful collection of partners including the U.S. National Archives and the Smithsonian institution on January 28 at the Archives Museum to announce projects and plans in Washington DC for the 250th anniversary of American independence coming in 2026. The ceremony took place in the rotunda, before the backdrop of the Declaration of Independence and the essential American documents we will celebrate in 2026.
President and CEO, Catherine Townsend, shared remarks spotlighting the meaning of this monumental moment, and the Trust and the National Park Service’s ambitious plans inspired by our nation’s founding in 1776 that will have generational impact on America’s Front Yard.
SAMPLING OF COVERAGE:
Washington Post: D.C. announces its plans to celebrate nation’s 250th birthday next year
“Renovations and upgrades to the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials will reopen on the National Mall later this year and early next, according to Catherine Townsend, president and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall. Plans are underway to restore fountains and beautify Lafayette Square, she said.
“Officials have plans, but not full funding, to revamp the Sylvan Theater at the base of the Washington Monument as well as Constitution Gardens and a memorial to the Declaration’s signers.
“‘Originally built as a gift to the nation in the bicentennial, we are ready to break ground on this incredible project — once fundraising is complete — to make this a new gift to the nation,’ Townsend said.”
WTOP: America turns 250 next year. DC’s party will last all year long
“‘A few of the iconic memorials will have new additions in time for 2026,’ said Catherine Townsend with the Trust for the National Mall. ‘The Jefferson Memorial’s new undercroft educational exhibits will open later this year, and the Lincoln Memorial undercroft will open in summer of 2026 with an immersive new museum and tour.’
“Her nonprofit is also still working to help revitalize Constitution Gardens and the memorial for the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. There’s also a continuing effort to improve the Sylvan Theater near the Washington Monument.”
Washington Business Journal: How the nation's capital will celebrate America's 250th birthday
"Many of next year’s events will be held against the backdrop of the National Mall. Catherine Townsend, president and CEO of nonprofit Trust for the National Mall, is preparing to see the ranks of visitors swell from 36 million annually, and the trust has several projects in the works including new additions like the Lincoln Memorial undercroft, with a new museum and tour, to open in summer 2026. The trust is also rebuilding the old Sylvan Theater at the base of the Washington Monument and restoring the Constitution Gardens, and a memorial to the 56 signers of the Declaration, which was originally built as a gift to the nation for its Bicentennial.
“‘Our ambitious plans for America’s 250th will have a generational impact and will ensure the National Mall inspires all who visit for generations to come,” Townsend said.”