A Fourth of July Message from Catherine Townsend: Our Monumental Moment Begins

A Fourth of July Message from Catherine Townsend, President & CEO of the Trust for the National Mall

As fireworks light the skies this Independence Day, our sights are already set on a truly monumental moment – July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of American independence. With just one year to go, the countdown is on. On that historic day, the National Mall will serve as the nation’s front yard and center stage for the Semiquincentennial. This will be a once-in-a-generation celebration of American freedom, unity, and democracy.    

At the Trust for the National Mall, we’re proud to lead the charge with Our Monumental Moment: The Campaign for the National Mall, a national call to action to restore, activate, and elevate this iconic space. Through legacy restoration projects and inspiring educational and volunteer programs, we’re ensuring that the National Mall reflects the strength of our freedom and democracy and remains a vibrant symbol for the next 250 years – and beyond. 

This campaign is only possible because of strong public-private partnership. We extend gratitude to our partners and the team at the National Park Service and to our new Superintendent Kevin Griess, whose leadership and steadfast stewardship guide the care of this American treasure every day. As Superintendent Griess recently affirmed: “Our partnership with the Trust exemplifies what’s possible when we come together with a shared purpose. The National Mall is not just a place to visit – it’s a symbol of our democracy, and it deserves our very best.”  

We are also honored to be partnering with the America250 U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and thankful for the support of U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who recently shared during the Trust's America's BALL for THE MALL:

"Now is the time for this organization to dream bigger than ever...The National Mall will be a flagship and a backdrop for this monumental and incredible celebration of freedom's birthday...philanthropy and private investment will be instrumental..."    -The Honorable Doug Burgum

We are grateful to the first-in corporate supporters helping to bring this bold vision to life – Humana, Inc., as Lead Partner, and Leadership Circle members to date HP, Inc. and The Home Depot. Distinguished campaign supporters include Caterpillar, GE Aerospace, and Northrop Grumman, whose generosity reflects the enduring values the National Mall represents. 

Together, we are shaping a legacy for the next generation. But it will take all of us. Every monument and memorial on the National Mall has been built or restored, in part, by private donations. That legacy continues now. 

To honor this Independence Day – and the one that lies ahead – we invite you to join us and be a part of history. Visit NationalMall250.org to explore and support our campaign initiatives including the restoration of the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial and Constitution Gardens, and a new digital learning experience, the National Mall Gateway, that will help visitors, students, and teachers connect with these historic and symbolic grounds like never before. 

As Our Monumental Moment begins, please join us and consider a gift – to restore, preserve, and celebrate the National Mall in honor of America’s 250th.  

With gratitude,

Catherine Townsend
President and CEO
Trust for the National Mall