A250: North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
America 250 NC is North Carolina’s official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Led by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, this statewide initiative invites people across the state to reflect on the big ideas that helped shape the United States, including liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness.
North Carolina played an early and important role in the American Revolution. The Halifax Resolves, adopted in April 1776, made North Carolina the first colony to officially sanction independence. From the coastal towns to the mountain communities, people across North Carolina joined the fight for freedom and helped lay the foundation for the new nation.
America 250 NC is not just about marking a date on the calendar. It is a chance to explore how these founding ideas were lived out, challenged, and reimagined by the people of North Carolina. From political acts to everyday resistance, from well-known leaders to unsung voices, this commemoration helps us better understand our shared past and invites us to shape the future together.
To observe this momentous occasion, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress (P.L. 114-196) to encourage Americans to remember our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a promising future. America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our state in the development of the United States. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is the statewide entity charged by Governor Cooper with the leadership of the commemoration for North Carolina.
To this end, DNCR is connecting with a variety of local, state, and federal partners to accomplish the goals of this commemoration. Each provides a unique viewpoint and approach to commemorating this anniversary. As we prepare to mark this anniversary, we are focused on lifting the voices (both historical and present) of North Carolinians to present a complete narrative of our state’s role in our country. To this end, we are happy to introduce the America 250 NC planning guide. You will find our guiding themes and goals, suggestions on how you can engage with the anniversary, and additional resources.
