America's 250th Celebration for Business Playbook

Introduction

July 4, 2026, will mark 250 years since the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence. Businesses and chambers of commerce have a unique opportunity to lead their communities in commemorating this once-in-a-generation milestone in ways that strengthen civic pride and unity. Recent studies by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation show that while civic knowledge is lagging, 82% of Americans believe businesses (and by extension chambers) can help bring people together.

We have developed this playbook to help chambers, businesses, and organizations of all sizes plan inclusive, nonpartisan celebrations that educate, engage, and inspire. It is designed for any organization, from large, staffed businesses to small, volunteer-led groups. Each strategy is presented with tiered options (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced) to accommodate different capacities and budgets. Whether you can undertake year-long programs or a single event, you will find scalable ideas. The emphasis is on building community by ensuring celebrations welcome all citizens and leveraging help from local governments, schools, libraries, museums, and businesses.

Above all, the tone is joyful, meaningful, and unifying, framing the 250th not as just a celebration of our history but as a chance to rekindle civic trust and strengthen community connection.

Goals and Guiding Principles

Before diving into activities, please keep these core goals in mind. Every initiative should strive to:

• Reinforce Civic Identity and Pride: Highlight your community’s contributions to the American story and celebrate the shared values that bind us. Aim to spark pride in local heritage and in the nation’s journey toward “a more perfect union.”
• Support Civic Education and Participation: Use the 250th to boost understanding of our history and government. Encourage learning and foster opportunities for people of all ages to actively participate in civic life (e.g., voting, volunteering, civil dialogue).
• Be Inclusive and Nonpartisan: Ensure celebrations welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and political stripes. Activities should focus on shared history and values, free of partisan messaging. Emphasize themes of unity and gratitude for community contributors.​

America’s 250th anniversary will be a national celebration, with governments and organizations participating across the nation. Partnerships can be an effective way to expand and amplify your organization’s efforts:

• Align with National Civics Initiatives: Tap into nationwide programs, including those led by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, like the National Civics Bee^® and Civics@Work, that provide ready-made frameworks to engage students, families, and communities. Tie local efforts to larger movements to amplify impact.
• Leverage Existing Programs:​ No need to reinvent the wheel. Many states and counties have committees and grants to support local events related to America’s 250th birthday. Many provide useful toolkits and resources to reduce effort and build consistency.

Your Contribution

This playbook is a living webpage, updated regularly with new initiatives and ideas shared by chambers, businesses, and other organizations. Have a creative way to celebrate the semiquincentennial? Share it—we’ll amplify your ideas nationwide.

Civic Celebrations (Parades, Ceremonies, Fireworks, Bell Ringing)

Major public events will be the centerpiece of many 250th celebrations. Chambers and local businesses can either organize signature events or enhance existing community traditions in 2026.

Basic I: Community Ceremony and Bell Ringing

If resources are limited, start with a simple yet meaningful ceremony on July 4, 2026. Coordinate a gathering at a historic site, town square, or veterans memorial for a flag raising or bell ringing at the designated time. Invite a few local dignitaries or a high school band to perform the national anthem. The National Bell Festival is coordinating a new bell to lead nationwide ringing tributes in 2026. Your town can join by having church bells, school bells, or even handheld bells ring in unison.

A short speech or reading (see Educational Programs below) can add substance. This basic event is low-cost, relies on volunteer effort, and can be promoted as part of a nationwide “Let Freedom Ring” moment.

Basic II: Join the National Flag Foundation's "Light to Unite" Campaign

Encourage the lighting up of buildings and landmarks in red, white, and blue on July 4, 2026. Check out their website for a list of national, state, and local-level organizations that have already joined the campaign.

Intermediate: Patriotic Parade and Fireworks​

For organizations with some capacity or in towns that usually have July 4th festivities, expand on what is already planned. Work with the municipality and community groups to organize an Independence Day parade themed for the 250th. Encourage other businesses and civic groups to create floats celebrating local history or American innovation.

Incorporate a marching band, veterans’ groups, and youth organizations waving flags. If a parade permit or route is a hurdle, consider a “vehicle parade” or decorated car caravan through town. Follow the parade with a fireworks display, possibly cost-shared with the local parks department or sponsors. Emphasize that 2026 is special, for example, with a 250th birthday cake ceremony before the fireworks.

• Example:​ The Greater Des Moines Partnership expanded its July 4th parade in 2024 with themed floats, historical reenactors, and local marching bands, resulting in a 30% increase in foot traffic for downtown businesses.

Advanced: Festival-Scale Celebration

Large chambers or coalitions of organizations can aim for an extended celebration, such as a multi-day festival or series of marquee events throughout 2026. For example, host a “Semiquincentennial Community Festival” on July 4th weekend with live music concerts, food trucks, historical reenactments, and family activities. Tie it into national plans: in 2026, major cities are planning weeks-long celebrations—Philadelphia is planning to extend its annual festivities from Juneteenth to July 4th in 2026.

A smaller community could likewise hold events across a week, e.g., a heritage fair one day, a civic picnic and field day the next, ending with a big parade and concert.Orjoin forces regionally if multiple chambers and businesses in a county coordinate, they can stage a county-wide parade or fireworks show bigger than any single town could do.

• Example: In 2022, the Raleigh Chamber collaborated with the North Carolina Museum of History and local breweries for a week-long heritage festival, attracting 50,000 visitors and generating significant tourism revenue.

Additional Tactical Guidance for Civic Events

Always link your local events to the national moment. For example, promote your July 4, 2026, activities as part of “America’s 250th Birthday [Town Name]’s Celebration.” Invite representatives from all segments of the community (business owners, veterans, students, faith leaders) to participate for inclusivity. Plan for rain contingencies (indoor ceremony or alternate date). And don’t forget to register your event on state or national calendars when possible.

Educational Programs (Contests, History Projects, Founding Document Readings)

Use the semiquincentennial to spark learning and reflection within your community, especially among young people. Educational initiatives can range from fun contests to profound ceremonies, scaled based on your capacity.

Basic: Founding Documents Reading and Student Essay Contest

Organize a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 (or on July 2 to honor the vote for independence). This colonial tradition has seen a revival; for example, in one city, leaders brought back public Declaration readings to remember America’s beginnings. You can convene local officials, teachers, and students to take turns reading the Declaration aloud at a park or courthouse.

• Example: Cincinnati’s July 4th Project, in partnership with the League of Women Voters, Democracy & Me, The Cincinnatus Association, and Cincinnati Parks, hosted a public reading of the Declaration of Independence in 2025. The event was free and hosted in a public park to make it easily accessible to the public. Twenty readers were selected based on their involvement and service to the local community.

Intermediate I: National Civics Bee and Local History Projects

If your chamber or organization has the staff or partner support, consider hosting a National Civics Bee competition in 2025-26 or beyond. For organizations interested in participating in the National Civics Bee, we invite you to complete the National Civics Bee Partner Interest Form to stay informed and be considered for future opportunities, including the 2026-27 National Civics Bee.

You can host your own local bee or partner with nearby chambers or the state chamber to run a regional National Civics Bee competition for middle schoolers. The U.S. Chamber Foundation provides toolkits with essay prompts and quiz questions. Your role would be to recruit schools to participate, secure a venue (perhaps a school auditorium or community college), and celebrate the winners.

• Example:​ The Colorado Chamber piloted a regional National Civics Bee competition in 2023, which later expanded statewide thanks to strong educator engagement and sponsorship support, and they continue to be a National Civics Bee state partner.

Intermediate II: Local Business Treasure Hunt

Encourage families to learn together and host a local treasure hunt! Work with your historical society to create a list of 5-10 significant local historical sites or artifacts. Participants can pick up a “History Passport” at their local chamber, library, or alternative site and get it stamped at each site to win a small prize. This encourages families to explore their own community’s heritage during the semiquincentennial year.

Intermediate III: "Young Founders" Business Pitch Competition

Teach kids in your community how to innovate and build their own business by hosting a Shark Tank-style event for local students to pitch business ideas or hosting a kids’ business fair. Participants should create products and businesses inspired by American values, such as innovation, freedom, and opportunity, or look to solve a problem in the local community. You can look to Acton Children's Business Fair for fairs already planned in communities near you or host your own!

Advanced: Civics Learning Series and Historical Exhibitions

For a more ambitious approach, develop a Civic Learning Series leading up to July 2026. This could be a monthly public lecture or panel discussion on milestones of American democracy and local history. Partner with your local college, law school, or high school to host topics like “The Constitutional Debate and Why It Matters Locally” or “Evolving Rights Since 1776.” You can feature history teachers or invite guest speakers (perhaps your state’s semiquincentennial commission can recommend scholars or arrange speakers).

Complement the talks with traveling exhibits or public displays. Advanced programs require more coordination, but they deeply engage the community in learning and pride. A few examples include:

• A traveling Smithsonian or state museum exhibit on Revolutionary history, if available, or a locally curated exhibit of artifacts and stories (maybe set it up in the library or town hall).
• Some states offer print-on-demand exhibits. North Carolina, for example, provides downloadable exhibit materials for communities to use.
• A public art or poster contest where students create artwork of historic American events or figures, which you then display in local businesses or as a gallery walk at the local library or city/town hall.

• Example: The Boston Chamber partnered with the Massachusetts Historical Society to host a rotating exhibit on Revolutionary-era artifacts in member business lobbies.

Additional Tactical Guidance for Educational Programs

• Promote these programs through schools and youth organizations as far in advance as possible to get on the school district’s calendar for 2025-2026.
• Make use of existing curricula: the National Archives, Library of Congress, and state historical commissions often have 250th resource kits for teachers and communities.
• Lastly, ensure that educational events are interactive and celebratory, not just lectures. Incorporate Q&A, quizzes, or creative elements (like having attendees sign a replica Declaration scroll) to make learning active and fun.

Public-Private Partnerships (Joint Initiatives with Libraries, Museums, Schools, Government)

Collaborative partnerships will magnify your reach. By joining forces with public institutions and nonprofits, even a small organization can help orchestrate big things in their community.

Basic: Library and School Tie-ins

Partner on a single project with an existing community institution like your local library or public school.

• Team up with the public library to host a special 250th exhibit or lecture—your team can handle promotion and perhaps refreshments while the library provides venue and content.
• Collaborate with a local school on a project like planting a “Liberty Tree” or painting a patriotic mural on campus.
• Convene a group of volunteers and offer to support the city’s official plans e.g., have chamber members volunteer at the town’s events or help raise funds. The key is to demonstrate the chamber’s commitment to the civic celebration by lending a hand and a platform.
• If your community already has one, join or partner with your local 250th Community Committee.

Intermediate: Join or Form a Semiquincentennial Planning Committee

Bring multiple sectors to the table to plan your local 250th celebrations. Invite city officials, county historical commission reps, arts council, veteran organizations, and educators to a roundtable. Draft a simple mission—aligned with those guiding principles above—and meet periodically to coordinate plans.

A moderate-level partnership like this helps pool resources. Play to committee member strengths—one partner might secure a grant while another provides volunteers, etc.

• Example: In Morris County, New Jersey, the chamber of commerce joined forces with the county government, tourism bureau, historical society, library, and others to create a 250th Anniversary Steering Committee. They jointly launched a central website to list events and resources.

Advanced: Public-Private Legacy Initiatives

For a truly impactful partnership, develop a signature legacy project in collaboration with public entities. These high-level partnerships involve significant planning and fundraising, but they yield big, tangible results and media attention.

• Advocating for and helping fund a permanent asset like a museum expansion, monument, or park dedicated to the 250th.
• Launching a 250th grant program for local nonprofits or schools, perhaps in concert with the county.
• Example: In Pennsylvania, a partnership between a hospitality business and America250PA led to installing a Semiquincentennial Bell and memorial park at a historic silk mill site. Community members and businesses raised nearly $500,000 for this lasting legacy. In Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, the county government offered $1,000 grants to every municipality to spur local 250th projects.

Community Dialogues (Civic Conferences, Town Halls, Speaker Series)

In a time of polarization, facilitating civil dialogue can be one of the most meaningful ways to commemorate our 250th year. Chambers, being nonpartisan conveners, are well-positioned to host safe spaces for community conversation about the past, present, and future.

Basic: “American Ideals” Town Hall

Organize a single community town hall meeting focused on a historical or civic theme relevant to your community. For example, host a facilitated discussion on “Our Hometown’s Past 250 Years and the Next 250” or “What Does Freedom Mean to Us Today?” The goal is not to debate current politics, but to connect history to present community life.

• Keep it accessible: perhaps a 90-minute evening event at the library or community center, free to attend.
• Have a skilled moderator (maybe a respected retired educator or a librarian) pose open-ended questions.
• Use a common prompt, such as reflecting on a quote from the Declaration of Independence, then inviting attendees to share their thoughts.
• Provide light refreshments, set ground rules for respectful listening, and invite a mix of people. Don’t only target officials; also invite students, parents, seniors, etc.

This basic dialogue costs little but sends a strong message that the community values the voice of all its members.

Intermediate: Speaker Series or “Civic Conversations” Forum

Develop a series of moderated discussions throughout 2025-2026, each on a different topic that ties local history to contemporary civic issues. You might call this series “Looking Back, Moving Forward: Community Conversations for 250 Years.” An interactive format works well, e.g., start with a short panel or a storytelling round, then break into small groups for discussion before coming back together.

Examples of sessions include:

• Exploring your town during a past turning point (Revolutionary War, Civil War, Civil Rights era) and how those events shaped local identity.
• The evolution of your local government.
• Discussion of key figures in your local history and how their legacy lives on.

Partner with your local university or community college’s history/political science department for expert panelists or moderators. You can also tap local storytellers: long-time business owners who can speak to changes over decades or residents whose family histories are intertwined with local history.

• Facilitation Tip: Provide training or a guide to moderators. Consider using resources from civic dialogue organizations (like National Issues Forums, Civity, Braver Angels, or the Magnet Collective) to structure or help lead the conversation.

Advanced: Civics Leadership Summit

For a high-profile approach, host a one-day conference or summit on civic life as part of the 250th. This event could gather local leaders, business owners, educators, and citizens to discuss improving civic health in your community.

Pulling off a summit requires significant planning: securing venue space (maybe the local college or conference center), inviting a broad attendee list, and possibly charging a registration fee or finding sponsorship to cover meals and materials. However, it can leave a legacy of its own, perhaps the formation of a permanent civic roundtable, new chamber of commerce, or local government subcommittee on civic engagement.

• Include keynote speakers with ties to the community, such as a renowned historian.
• Organize breakout sessions on topics like “Educating the Next Generation of Citizens,” “Business’s Role in Civic Renewal,” etc.
• Incorporate workshops on practical civic skills, e.g., how to run for local office, how to volunteer effectively, and how businesses can support voter participation.

Latest Research

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To ensure productive conversation, consider bringing in a professional facilitator or training volunteers in advance, especially for larger forums. Always have a plan for documentation: take notes or record ideas that emerge and consider publishing a short “What We Heard” report afterward. This shows participants that their input mattered and can spur follow-up action beyond the anniversary.

Legacy Projects (Monuments, Time Capsules, Beautification Initiatives)

Creating something lasting for the semiquincentennial will give your community a tangible reminder of this milestone and your organization’s leadership in marking it. Legacy projects can be physical (a monument) or programmatic (a fund or time capsule).

Basic I: Time Capsule

One of the simplest legacy projects is assembling a 250th Time Capsule. Invite residents, schools, and businesses to contribute small items, letters to future residents, or artifacts that represent today’s community. Choose a suitable container (many companies sell archival-quality time capsules) and dedicate a day to “seal” it with some fanfare.

You might bury it on municipal grounds with a small plaque. Ensure it’s truly sealed or stored safely if burying is not feasible, perhaps place it in the library archives. Mark it to be opened on July 4, 2076 (the tricentennial), or even 100 years from sealing.

Basic II: A Beautification Initiative

You could plant 250 trees across the community (or a number symbolic to your town). “Liberty trees” are being planted in various counties as living memorials. The chamber can partner with a gardening club or parks department to run a volunteer tree-planting drive, which doubles as a service project, tying into the “America Gives” theme of volunteerism. Even cleaning up a historic cemetery or sprucing up Main Street with new American flags and bunting in 2026 can count as a beautification legacy.

Intermediate: Historical Marker or Public Art

Consider commissioning a historical marker, plaque series, or mural that will endure beyond 2026.

• Work with your local historic preservation board to identify an important site or a set of sites. lacking proper markers. Unveil a new bronze plaque on July 4, 2026, that tells a story about your town’s founding or another milestone in the past 250 years.
• Sponsor a community mural or public art installation with a semiquincentennial theme by inviting local artists or students to paint murals depicting local history or American ideals (“freedom,” “innovation,” etc.) on prominent walls or even large canvases that can be displayed in city hall. Public art not only beautifies but tells a story. Be sure to include signage about the artwork’s connection to the 250th.
• Example: One creative example is Pennsylvania’s “Bells Across PA” art project, which is placing artist-decorated fiberglass Liberty Bell sculptures in each county.

Advanced: Major Commemorative Structure or Fund

In communities with significant fundraising ability, a bold legacy project could be undertaken.

• This might be building a semiquincentennial park or plaza, a dedicated space perhaps with 13 trees for the original states, benches, and flags, or erecting a new monument or statue honoring a local Revolutionary War hero, indigenous history, or other relevant aspect of the past 250 years.
• If physical construction is too ambitious, consider an enduring programmatic legacy: set up a “250th Civic Pride Fund” or scholarship. This could be an endowment (even a small one) that awards a scholarship to a student or a grant to a local nonprofit providing civic education every year on July 4. It’s a way to keep the spirit of 2026 alive for years.
• Example: Large legacy projects benefit from public-private partnerships: Pennsylvania’s  America250 Commission Semiquincentennial Bell in Wayne County was done with a private company’s partnership and broad community donations.

Often, major legacy ideas can attract specific donors (e.g., a local philanthropist might love the idea of donating a statue or funding a scholarship in their name tied to the 250th). Promote the legacy project as part of the chamber’s vision for the future, a gift to the next generations.

Additional Tactical Guidance for Legacy Projects

To maximize community buy-in, make legacy projects participatory. If doing a time capsule, hold an essay contest for students to include letters, or invite the public to vote on which items to include, with input from the historical society to ensure preservation of appropriate materials. If planting trees or creating a park, involve volunteers in planting days or paver engraving fundraisers.

Always tie the legacy to the theme of the semiquincentennial: emphasize how it honors the past and will inspire the future. A plaque or marker should explicitly mention it was established during the 250th anniversary year.Don’t forget to plan for publicity: the dedication of any legacy item (even a single tree) can be a media event in 2026, giving positive exposure to the chamber and its partners.

Media and Marketing Campaigns (Storytelling, Branding, Digital Engagement)

An effective media and marketing strategy will amplify your 250th activities and engage the broader community, including those who might not attend events in person. It also reinforces or establishes your organization’s position as a community leader. Consider layered campaigns:

Basic: Patriotic Storytelling Series on Social Media

Launch a simple yet powerful social media campaign in the months leading up to July 2026. For example, a “250 for Our Town” initiative where each day (or each week if daily is too much) you share a short post about a local historical fact, a notable figure from your community, or a patriotic message. If you want to turn this basic initiative into a more advanced initiative, you can try to highlight 250 stories in 2026! You can crowdsource content with the goal of gathering local stories together: ask employees and community members to submit what they love about America, their community, or a photo of something meaningful in town.

The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission’s “America’s Invitation” program is doing something similar by nationally collecting personal stories of what America means to everyday people. You can echo that on a local level. In terms of branding, create a special hashtag (e.g., #TownName250) for all your posts.

Bonus: Design a simple 250th logo or graphic incorporating your town’s name or an iconic image (many state commissions have logos you can adapt). Use this on all digital posts and encourage members to use it too. Even with a minimal budget, consistent storytelling and visuals will build excitement.

Intermediate: Commemorative Marketing Materials and Local Press Features

Step up your marketing by producing some commemorative materials and securing traditional media coverage.

• A local chamber can create a “Semiquincentennial Toolkit” for chamber members: this could include window decals or posters that businesses can display (“Proud Participant in the 250th Celebration”), a sample press release they can use if they host an event, and tips for how they can incorporate 250th themes (some chambers are providing style guides for 250th branding for events and programs).
• Produce branded merchandise like T-shirts, pins, or banners with the 250th logo and sell them, or give to sponsors/volunteers, both as a fundraiser and to spread visibility. Or provide them to employees to wear while volunteering in the community and share pictures on your organization’s social media.

Coordinate with local newspapers, radio, and TV to run special features. Local media may be very receptive to positive, community-driven content given the occasion.

• A local radio station could do “Countdown to 250” segments highlighting a piece of local history or profiling a “Civic Hero of the Week” (someone in the community who exemplifies civic spirit).
• The local paper might have a special insert for July 4, 2026, highlighting local events.

Advanced: Integrated Marketing Campaign and Digital Engagement Projects

A larger chamber or coalition of businesses can execute a full-scale marketing campaign that leaves a lasting impression. Develop a dedicated website or section on the chamber site for 250th Celebration information, a one-stop hub for event listings, historical content, partner links, and resources for how people can get involved.

Implement interactive digital content to drive engagement:

• Film a video series where you interview community members about what being American means to them, tying into “Our American Story” oral history initiative. These could be short clips shared online weekly.
• Run a digital time capsule project where people submit online messages or photos to be archived and displayed throughout 2026.
• Use modern tools, hashtags, Instagram challenges (e.g., “post a photo of yourself with the flag and tag the chamber”), or maybe a TikTok or YouTube contest for young people to create civic content specific to their community in celebration of the semiquincentennial.

On the branding side, don’t shy away from merchandising on a bigger scale: e.g., a local artist-designed commemorative poster or coffee table book of your community’s 250-year journey could be produced and sold. Lastly, consider a culminating marketing piece like a “250th Celebration Highlight Reel” video that compiles the year’s best moments. This can be both a marketing asset for the chamber and a historical record. Coordinate with national branding if possible: America250 has an official look/feel; some state commissions offer media toolkits. You can co-brand your efforts with those to give a professional polish.

Additional Tactical Guidance on Media/Marketing

Consistency and positivity are key. Develop a communications checklist and calendar so you can map out messaging from now until the anniversary. Include important dates like major holidays or historic milestones for content themes. Use the language of celebration and unity in all messaging. As America250’s leaders said, this anniversary should be “the antidote to division”, and your marketing can reinforce that by highlighting themes of togetherness.

Ensure any images or videos you use are diverse and inclusive, showing the whole community. Engage your employees and other local businesses in the campaign: perhaps a “Patriot Partner” program where businesses commit to decorating for Independence Day or adding a historical fact sign in their shop, etc., and in return, they are spotlighted on other partners’ social media platforms.

Don’t forget to monitor engagement metrics (likes, shares, attendance driven by media) to see what resonates and adjust your campaigns accordingly. The goal is not just to inform, but to also instill a sustained sense of civic pride that lasts beyond 2026.

Connection to National Programs (Tapping State America 250th Commissions and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Initiatives)

Finally, remember that your local efforts can gain strength by linking with state and national semiquincentennial initiatives. This ensures consistency in messaging and provides your organization with pre-made content and support. Here’s how to connect at all levels:

Basic: Use Toolkits and Branding

Many state 250 commissions and national organizations offer free toolkits, logos, and event ideas. For instance, the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) has published a “Guide to Planning for the U.S. Semiquincentennial” with simple program ideas. Download these resources and pull ideas that suit you. (The American Association for State and Local History, 2021)

Adopt their branding where appropriate; it can be as easy as using their hashtags in social posts to join the nationwide conversation and boost engagement on your posts. Basic alignment might also include scheduling your big events to coincide with national moments.

Intermediate: Integrate National Civics and Service Programs

Join promotions for things like Civic Learning Week (usually in spring) or Civic Season (between Juneteenth and July 4, aimed at engaging youth in history and action). For instance, during Civic Season 2026, you could host one of your dialogue events or a volunteer fair, and list it on the national Civic Season calendar. Also, if state commissions or historical associations have planned traveling exhibits, see if your area can be a stop.

The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s National Civics Bee, which we discussed under Educational Programs, is a prime example of a national program local chambers can host. If you haven’t already, reach out to the U.S. Chamber Foundation (or your state chamber) about being involved in 2026 competitions. It’s an excellent way to showcase your chamber’s commitment to youth civic education, with a proven template.

Advanced: Become a Local Leader in National Commemoration

Position your organization as a model by fully embracing partnership with America250 and your state’s commission. For example, apply for any official designation like “America250 Community” if such programs exist (some states, like Ohio and Utah, might certify towns that meet certain criteria of engagement). If your state has a semiquincentennial commission advisory board, try to get a representative on it.This way, you stay in the loop on big plans and funding opportunities.

Coordinate your marquee events with nationwide ones: Ensure your event is registered with your state commission, and even consider a livestream of nationwide or state-wide ceremonies during your event to tie them together.

If your community has the capacity, host or partner with a local National Civics Bee and invite neighboring communities to a larger joint competition or festival, with support from national partners.

Finally, share your successes up the chain: document and report what your chamber did to the U.S. Chamber Foundation and other partners. They may feature your story as a case study, which not only recognizes your community but also spreads best practices. U.S. Chamber Foundation newsletters, for instance, highlight partners’ successes in civics programs. By actively engaging at the national level, your chamber amplifies its impact and demonstrates leadership that goes beyond local, truly embodying the spirit of ‘E Pluribus Unum’ (Out of many, one).

Additional Tactical Guidance for National Connections

Assign someone on your team or a volunteer as the liaison to keep track of state and national updates. Subscribe to relevant partner newsletters, follow their social media, and join any webinars or partner calls. This liaison can periodically brief your planning committee on new resources, such as partner toolkit releases or grant announcements. Make use of national branding collateral: many communities, like Chester County, Pennsylvania, have media kits. Consistent use of slogans or logos (e.g., “Start Here, America Did” is Pennsylvania’s tagline) alongside your custom local message can lend credibility and weight.

Moreover, tapping into national programs often opens funding avenues. For example, state commissions and federal agencies have grant programs for the 250th. Keep an eye on those and be ready to collaborate with eligible entities (museums, schools) to apply. In essence, don’t operate in a bubble; by connecting outward and upward, your organization magnifies what’s possible for your community.

About the authors

Pamela Sharma

Pamela manages Civics@Work initiatives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

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Hilary Crow

Hilary is head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s The Civic Trust.

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Michael Carney

Michael Carney is president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

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