America's 250th Anniversary: A More Perfect Union

America's 250th Anniversary: A More Perfect Union is sponsored by National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This special NEH initiative leverages the humanities to advance civics education and promote a deeper understanding of U.

"A More Perfect Union" | National Endowment for the Humanities A More Perfect Union: Exploring America’s Story and Celebrating Its 250 Years of Cultural Heritage On July 4, 2026, America will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s principles of equality, liberty, and government by consent of the governed.

This historic milestone is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, celebrate the nation’s rich cultural heritage, and look toward its next 250 years – it is an opportunity that calls for the humanities. Accordingly, in 2019, NEH launched "A More Perfect Union."

This special initiative leverages the humanities to promote a deeper understanding of America’s history and culture, advance civics education and knowledge of the nation’s core principles of government, and preserve and provide access to the nation’s heritage.

Through "A More Perfect Union", NEH funds humanities projects that: Engage the public in American history Preserve and provide access to the nation’s heritage Build secure and sustainable cultural resources for future generations Strengthen teaching and learning about American history Advance scholarly research on American history Leverage technology to explore America’s past Since the launch of " A More Perfect Union", NEH has awarded more than $85 million to support scholarly research, educational resources, and public humanities in all 50 U.S. states and six jurisdictions.

We encourage you to join us in celebrating 250 years of America’s culture, heritage, and history by discovering NEH-supported humanities projects. NEH is an ex officio member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress to commemorate our nation's founding. NEH’s Role in Planning the Nation’s 250th Anniversary U.S. Army photo, GPA Photo Archive U.S. Army photo, GPA Photo Archive Celebrate America!

Grant Opportunity Executive Order on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday American Heroes Student Art Contest NEH’s A More Perfect Union Press Release Rediscovering Our Revolutionary Tradition Visitors view the Star-Spangled Banner National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution Public Humanities Projects on American Excellence Public Impact Projects Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission White House Photography Office Arts and Culture Summit for America's 250th Anniversary Featured NEH-Supported Projects Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers courtesy Museum of the American Revolution The Declaration's Journey Making History at 250: The Field Guide for the Semiquincentennial American Philosophical Society These Truths: The Declarations of Independence National Opportunities through America250 America’s Field Trip is a multi-year contest that invites students in grades 3-12 to submit artwork and essays, answering the question, “What does America mean to you?

” for the chance to earn unique experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites. The program is provided by America250, a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation. NEH Announces $75.

1 Million for 84 Humanities Projects NEH Announces Funding Opportunity for Museums and Historic Sites on the History of American Excellence NEH Announces New Grant Program for Cultural Organizations on the People, Events, and Legacy of 1776 NEH Announces New Grant Program to Enhance Access to Original Documents of America’s Founding and Government NEH Announces Grant Opportunity to Create Statues of Iconic Americans for the National Garden of American Heroes A More Perfect Union logos: