In 2022, the Academy began convening national, state, and local organizations planning to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. These organizations represent the arts, museums, libraries, local history agencies, state and jurisdictional humanities councils, and academic centers. Each convening has sought to identify both the opportunities and challenges that the commemoration of the semiquincentennial presents.
This group came up with a list of guiding principles for people and organizations planning for 2026: Listen and Dialogue; Include; Reckon, Celebrate, and Imagine; and Experiment. Each of these values will help to ensure that the anniversary is used as an opportunity to think openly about the nation’s past and develop a collective vision for the country’s democratic future.