A Message from Catherine Townsend, President & CEO
A Message from Catherine Townsend, President & CEO
Photo: Kevin Ambrose (@dcstormchaser)
As the Washington Monument is once again illuminated in the night sky, and visitors gather on the National Mall this week—from Fourth of July celebrations to the energy of the World Cup Fan Fest—we are reminded of the unique power of this place to bring people together in a shared spirit. As we look forward to the radiant display of fireworks over the National Mall this weekend, we mark the monumental milestone we have been building toward: July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The Semiquincentennial is an incredibly exciting opportunity to reflect on our nation's journey, and the National Mall stands at the absolute center of this historic celebration. As America’s Front Yard, it serves as the physical embodiment of our civic life and a living monument to our shared history. It is a space that belongs to all Americans, designed to bring us together and reflect the enduring strength of our nation and the possibilities that lie before us as we honor 250 years of American democracy.
At the Trust for the National Mall, we are deeply committed to preserving this iconic and dynamic landscape, in partnership with the National Park Service, so that it continues to inspire future generations. We are proud to advance that mission through Our Monumental Moment: The Campaign for the National Mall, a national call to action that has generated tremendous support as we honor America's 250th anniversary.
Building on a long tradition in which every monument and memorial on the National Mall has been made possible or restored in part through private philanthropy, the Trust continues to restore and care for iconic sites while creating educational experiences that bring our nation's story to life at its most visited and symbolic national park.
Through restoration projects, educational initiatives, and digital experiences, we are helping preserve the National Mall's most iconic places while making its stories more accessible to visitors, families, and students across the country. In honor of this milestone, I hope everyone visits the National Mall Gateway, a transformative new digital experience that makes history and civics engaging and accessible for visitors, families, and students—on the National Mall and from around the world.
Public-private partnerships are at the heart of realizing our vision for a vibrant, fully restored, and accessible National Mall. We are grateful to the National Park Service, our Board, donors, partners, volunteers, and the lead partners of the Our Monumental Moment campaign, whose commitment has helped strengthen the National Mall and advance its future during this historic anniversary. I am also deeply grateful to the extraordinary Trust team, whose passion and commitment make this work possible every day. Their generosity reflects the enduring values the National Mall represents.
The National Mall stands as a testament to the enduring promise of our nation—and to the shared story that continues to unfold. This Independence Day, we invite you to join us and be a part of history. Visit NationalMall250.org to explore our work, support our mission, and help carry that promise forward.
With great pride and appreciation,
Catherine Townsend
President and CEO
Trust for the National Mall