The Countdown is On To America's 250th on the National Mall
America's 250th on the National Mall | The Countdown is on…
Trust for the National Mall joins National Partners, Mayor Muriel Bowser for Official Press Kickoff for America’s 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.
“The American Semiquincentennial is less than one year away. The National Mall will be center stage for the grand national celebration. And we’re ready for this Monumental Moment! Two-hundred and fifty years in the making, America’s 250th will be celebrated around flagpoles, on stages, and on city streets across the nation – but nowhere grander than here on America’s Front Yard, the National Mall.
“We are working closely with the National Park Service to execute a vision to enrich and protect the National Mall to deliver on America’s promise. Our ambitious plans inspired America’s 250th will have a generational impact inviting the world to mark this historic milestone and ensuring the National Mall inspires all who visit for generations to come.” — CEO Catherine Townsend
The Trust and the National Park Service have partnered for 15 years to restore, preserve and enrich the National Mall --- the iconic landmarks that honor the founders of our nation, the historic structures, landscapes, and beloved cherry trees as well as new educational opportunities that enhance the visitor experience. Our shared plans inspired by the Semiquincentennial include:
Transformational Restoration Projects: Lincoln Undercroft Museum opening in 2026, Restoration of Constitution Gardens and the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial — breaking ground for 2026, Restoration of Lafayette Park at the White House — break ground late 2025, a new Sylvan Theater at the Washington Monument — planned to break ground in 2027.
Educational and Arts Programming: An exciting new civic learning experience is on its way for 2026 featuring digital and mobile platforms and onsite programming to connect visitors, both in person and virtually from anywhere, to the National Mall and its historic purpose. Our critically acclaimed, award-winning Beyond Granite initiative will return with an exhibition that reflects on America’s 250th in 2026. And an expanded VIP Volunteer Corps with NPS will help Park Rangers welcome the tens of millions who will visit in 2026, and beyond.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebratory Events in 2026 – Stay tuned for the full roster...coming soon. But AMERICA’S BALL for THE MALL: The Road to 250 kicks off the lead up to the Semiquincentennial celebration on May 7, 2025!! Sign up at the link below to be the first to learn about upcoming special events for 2026.
We’re counting down the days to July 4th, 2026. Join us! And be a part of this grand national celebration in 2026: Go to nationalmall250.org.
Mayor of the District of Columbia Muriel Bowser and Trust President and CEO Catherine Townsend
Trust President and CEO Catherine Townsend, The Honorable Dr. Colleen J. Shogan, Archivist of the United States, Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO, Destination DC, Lisa Sasaki, Deputy Under Secretary of Special Projects, Smithsonian Institution
