In an article published on the FamilySearch blog site, ideas were shared in celebrating the United States 250th anniversary of its founding. Celebrations all over the country will mark the history of the United States and honor the personal histories of its people. As part of the festivities, the nonprofit America250.org, private citizens, members of Congress, and others have sponsored America250, an official, nonpartisan initiative that is designed to help citizens celebrate the country’s milestone birthday.
Key Takeaways
- America250 celebrations can help us learn, engage, and unite.
- Key events will be broadcast nationwide, July 1–5.
- America’s Block Party will be synchronized throughout the country on July 3–4.
- The Our American Story initiative collects and records voices from all over the country.
- Opportunities abound to serve and give.
- Connect more deeply with your own American heritage with these ideas for families, individuals, and organizations. See how you can make your celebrations even more impactful for yourself and others.
Why Are We Celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States?
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Celebrating this anniversary gives individuals, communities, and organizations the opportunity to reflect on the past, honor ancestors and historic figures, and look forward to the future. The America250 organization aims to “educate, engage, and unite” all citizens throughout the year. They are encouraging everyone to serve, donate, learn, gather, and celebrate.
To learn more about why this year is considered the 250th anniversary, read this article about the age of the United States.
Discover Your Place in America’s History
With 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, over 2 centuries of family stories have shaped the United States. Find out more about your ancestors’ lives in American history and share your family’s stories.
Our American Story
Organizers of the America250 celebration are inviting Americans from all backgrounds to share their stories. Every person has a perspective and perhaps an experience reflecting his or her identity, service, community, and experience. All who wish to participate can do so directly through the America250 website. The goal is to create the “largest archive of American stories ever created” and “collect and preserve our nation’s unique stories.”
If you know someone whose story ought to be told, you can also nominate a living individual to be interviewed. A friend, veteran, family member, community leader, or anyone with a unique experience or perspective can be nominated. See, for example, brief video stories here and here.
If you’re interested in recording your story but want to keep your story more private, FamilySearch’s Record My Story feature allows you to create your own private record for yourself or your family.
Connect with Your American History in a More Personal Way
If you want even more ideas on how you can make your America250 celebration impactful, consider some of these ways to commemorate both your United States heritage and your own family history. These ideas can work in tandem with the official America250 celebration, enhance a group-sponsored event, or be your own private way to observe the holiday.
Ideas for Making a Personal Connection
Whether your family all lives in the same city or is spread across the nation, these ideas can help you connect with your relatives, living and deceased. They include opportunities to learn more about your country, your personal history, and yourself.
Some of these activities require a FamilySearch account, but don’t worry—it’s free and easy to sign up! Once you do, be sure to fill out what you know about your family to connect to the worldwide FamilySearch Family Tree. As soon as you’re connected to the shared Family Tree, you will have access to an incredible breadth of community-gathered information.
Learn About Your Ancestors
- Discover who your famous relatives are—from world leaders to entertainers.
- Explore your ancestors’ military records, and reflect on the ways that they served their country.
- Learn if you had any ancestors who were passengers on the Mayflower and explore what their lives looked like.
- Learn about your ancestors’ occupations and how they compare to the most common vocations of the time.
- Honor the veterans, read their obituaries, and learn where they were laid to rest.
- Explore what your ancestors’ lives looked like when the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
- Discover if your ancestors served in the war of 1812 and what unit they served in.
- Search your tree for any ancestors who participated in the Revolutionary War.
- Learn when, why, and how your ancestors immigrated.
Share your Family’s Story for America250
However you choose to celebrate this exciting anniversary, we hope that you take the time to honor your family’s history in the United States. Your ancestors’ stories, as well as your own, are unique and inspiring. Get started today with FamilySearch and America250 to preserve your story and learn about your ancestors.
Published by FamilySearch on June 25, 2026