Happy Birthday USA

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The Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States, is being celebrated this year and everywhere you turn, you are being invited to participate.

When I think of 1776 and the birth of this nation, I think of my Revolutionary era ancestors and how they were involved in the struggles and successes in their lives.  I suppose I am fortunate to have such ancestors to remind me of the "Spirit of '76" in establishing our country.

I have to remind myself that 1776 was only the beginning, the birth. It is the 250 years of growth, exploration, immigration, poverty, riches, turmoil and triumph, that we celebrate today. These are the stories, the moments in our personal and collective histories that we can share with others.  

Some of our stories are proud moments; some are humorous; some are of sad times or regrettable situations. But they all must be shared; look around you and find a place where you can contribute your story.


National Celebration



America250

America250 is striving for “350 by 250” — our goal to engage all 350 million Americans by our nation’s 250th anniversary. Join us in celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial by sharing your story through Our American Story or America’s Invitation, inviting students to describe what America means to them as part of America’s Field Trip, or helping make 2026 a record setting year for volunteer service through America Gives.

What is America250?

Comprising the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress in 2016, and America250.org, Inc., the nonprofit supporting organization to the Commission, America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and Former First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama serve as Honorary National Co-Chairs. The effort is supported by a bipartisan Congressional Caucus of more than 350 members — the largest caucus in U.S. history.

Official website of the 
U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission
Copyright 2021-2026
America250.org.Inc

Visit this website to get ideas of how you can participate in the celebrations.  America250.org, Inc. is supported by dozens of corporations and non-profit agencies.


Washington State 


https://www.america250wa.org/

The Washington State Legislature established the Semiquincentennial Committee via Senate Bill 5756 to coordinate and provide guidance for Washington’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, as marked by the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The committee is chaired by the Lieutenant Governor and supported administratively by the Washington State Historical Society.

Email: 
info@america250wa.org


Presented by the Washington State Historical Society:



What is Moments That Made US?

On July 4, 2026, the nation will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Moments That Made US is a free, customizable, print-on-demand exhibition exploring the ideals at the heart of the Declaration of Independence through moments in our history that have defined their meaning. It does so in a user-friendly format that organizations can adapt, afford, and make their own.

This commemoration is a chance for every community, large or small, to come together with a shared purpose in reflecting on the past and building stronger, more connected communities in the future. Moments That Made US will ensure that every interested institution can access compelling content in 2026. 



https://america250wa.org/resources/moments-that-made-us/

This is a physical display that can be implemented by a community or museum that has a place to put it on public display.  What an opportunity to work with your neighbors!



KOMO TV  Seattle, Washington

KOMO TV is part of the Sinclair Broadcast Group which is presenting Amazing America 250, using photos and videos contributed by viewers to celebrate the stories and moments in our 250 years of history.  Go to the website and enjoy the entries that are posted there.  You may be reminded of your own stories or get inspired to share.  It may be the story of the young Afghan immigrant who has established a non-profit to help immigrant children learn English or it may be a picture of Mount Rainier on a crystal clear day.



South King County Genealogical Society

What shall we do as a society?  We don't have a building where we can do a public display but we have this blog and our website where we can post stories and pictures.

What will you share?  Unless you are a bump on a log, you have stories and photos about your family's contribution to America's 250 years of history.  Dust off your artifacts and start writing those stories you have been researching and telling for years and years.  Hey, you know you have them or you wouldn't be a genealogist.  

Over the next few months (years?) send us your moments in history.  Take this challenge and send your contribution to m.strickland@skcgs.org.


Next week: This family grew apples from coast to coast.


MaryLynn Strickland    



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Send your stories to m.strickland@skcgs.org


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