MEDIA

In 2026, we all mark the 250th anniversary of America. As Utah commemorates that milestone, we thought it would be nice to visit with some students and some senior citizens to find out how they feel about being Americans.

Among countries with populations of at least 120 million, the United States comes up as the most religiously diverse, according to a new report from the Pew Research Center. The first in a series about what it means to be both American and religious as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence. 

“The Pen Is Mightier: Writing a Revolution,” an America250 Utah exhibit commemorating the nation’s Semiquincentennial, opened Jan. 30 at the Utah State Capitol with contributions from Utah State University’s Bringing War Home project.

The American Legion, an organization that has been advocating for veterans since 1919, is encouraging their members to host events and report their locations online for America's Potluck on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The Smithsonian Magazine highlights some of the opportunities across the country for the 250th "birthday bash," which includes exhibitions, historical reenactments, America's Potluck, and more.

The University of Utah highlights five items from the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Rare Books Department on loan to the state for The Pen Is Mightier: Writing a Revolution exhibit, all of which are accessible to visitors at the Utah State Capitol through December 2026.

Congresswoman Celeste Maloy: As we look toward the 250th anniversary of our founding, we should rekindle the intellectual fire of those who made this country possible. The Founders did not design a nation that could run on autopilot. They expected us to take the controls, think for ourselves and shoulder the work of keeping our republic strong. It is time for us to rise to that expectation.

Nicole Handy and Jennifer Ortiz, director of Utah Historical Society, talk about the Museum of Utah and America250 Utah's new exhibit, both at the Utah State Capitol. The Pen Is Mightier: Writing a Revolution highlights communications of colonists during the Revolutionary-era. The exhibition also covers what was happening in Utah in 1776.

More than 3,000 local leaders attended the Nation League of Cities event in Salt Lake City in November. Their "Planning for America250" panel featured America 250 Utah Executive Director Nicole Handy, who called on cities to host America's Potluck gatherings on July 5, 2026.

America's Potluck is featured among the list of festivities that will occur throughout 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

As the United States prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force, in partnership with the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, invites residents, organizations, and communities across the state to take part in America’s Potluck.

America 250 Utah Executive Director Nicole Handy and Director of Communication Renee Leta joined the hosts of Good Day Utah to discuss the 249th anniversary of the 1776 Dominguez Escalante expedition of the west, which explored parts of Utah. Walk250, a signature program of the 250th anniversary in the state, offers trails and family activities that users can trace the steps of the expedition.

Utah Public Archaeologist Ian Wright and America 250 Utah Executive Director Nicole Handy joined the hosts of Good Day Utah to discuss some of the exciting milestones Utah will be celebrating over the next year. Next year marks the 250th anniversary of both the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Dominguez Escalante expedition of the west which explored parts of Utah.

Guest editorial by Nicole Handy, executive director of America250 Utah and Lisa R. Halverson is a civics education research fellow at Utah Valley University’s Center for Constitutional Studies.

How Utah leaders plan to participate in nationwide movement, dubbed America250 Utah initiative

Performer and philanthropist Marie Osmond introduced Utah's governor and lieutenant governor and kicked off what will be a year of "celebration and service."

On July 1, Utah's Legislature, Governor Spencer Cox and Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson invited Utahns to mark next July, 2026 on their calendars as the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country in 1776.

President J. Stuart Adams issued a statement to commemorate the kickoff of America's 250th anniversary in Utah.

Opinion piece by Dr. Matthew Brogdon, senior director of the Utah Valley University Center for Constitutional Studies

"Today is just the start, we’re going to have activities all year long." Interview with Nicole Handy, executive director of America250 Utah.

America’s 250th birthday is still a year away, but Utah is already kicking off a yearlong celebration leading up to that big milestone with an event held on the Capitol steps.

America250 Utah invites Utahns to commemorate the historical milestone through signature programs and local community events.

Gov. Spencer J. Cox says he has been anticipating celebrating America’s 250th as long as he’s been alive.

On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies represented by the United States Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence.

It will focus on encouraging discussions about our democracy and civic institutions to help strengthen understanding and inspire action.

Kate Fowler said she was awed to be in America's capital.

The two won by writing a response the question, "What does America mean to you?”

Organizers say the ceremony is just one of several events aimed at bringing American history out of the past and back into the present.

On July 4th, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — and Utah is gearing up for a bigger party than usual.