AMERICA’S 250TH ON THE NATIONAL MALL
Inspired by this historic milestone, our work will have generational impact, for 2026...and beyond, featuring:
Transformational Restoration Projects
A Brand New National Mall Civic Learning Platform
Once-In-A-Lifetime Events
Volunteer Programming to Welcome Visitors
TRANSFORMATIONAL RESTORATION PROJECTS
Lockkeeper’s House Fully restored with Immersive Exhibits– Reopened 2022
New U.S. Park Police Horse Stables Education Center – Opened 2023
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Opening of New Exhibits, Accessibility Ramps & Restrooms – 2026
Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum – Grand Opening – 2026
Seawall Restoration at the Tidal Basin around Jefferson Memorial – Completed in 2026
56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial and Constitution Gardens Reimagining this central space on the National Mall
Lafayette Park Beautifying and Restoring this historic park at the White House
Sylvan Theater Reimagining this humble community performance space at the Washington Monument
NATIONAL MALL 250 PROGRAMMING TO CONNECT VISITORS TO HISTORY
A Brand-New National Mall Civic Learning Platform – Experience the National Mall Gateway, a new digital and on-site platform coming in 2026 that invites visitors to curate tours, learn their civics, dive in to history, discover hidden stories and experience the National Mall like never before as the nation’s greatest living history classroom. Virtual visitors from around the world will enjoy first-of-its-kind access to America’s Front Yard. On-site visitors can plan their visit with curated tours and special on-site programming.
Expanded Volunteers-in-Parks Volunteer Corps – We’re working to expand and train a new special corps of volunteers to help NPS Park Rangers welcome, guide and educate visitors for 2026 and beyond.
National Mall 250 Commemorative Art Exhibition – American Semiquincentennial-themed art installation is being planned for 2026 on the National Mall.
Future Rendering of Constitution Gardens (PWP Landscape Architecture)
NATIONAL MALL 250 SPECIAL EVENTS
2025 Commemorative Events:
AMERICA’S BALL for THE MALL – May 7, 2025
Public Preview of Ken Burns Upcoming Film The American Revolution on the National Mall – October 29, 2025 — A public screening of highlights from Ken Burns’ upcoming film, The American Revolution, the culmination of a year-long national tour commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Presented in partnership with the Trust for the National Mall, the screening will take place on the National Mall and will be open to the public. The film’s premiere follows on November 16.
Select National Mall 250 Commemorative Events in 2026:
Trust Signature Semiquincentennial Series
AMERICA’S 250th BALL for THE MALL – May 6, 2026
Join the Trust for the National to celebrate and support its mission and the Semiquincentennial in a grand tent on the National Mall, featuring its History, Heroes & Hope Awards, special guests, and more.
National Mall 250 Red, White & Blue Concert – TBD 2026
Welcoming special guest stars and performers to celebrate the Semiquincentennial under the monuments and beneath the stars on America’s Front Yard.
National Mall Civic Learning Forum– TBD 2026
Join leaders in history and civics and our Civic Education and History partners for a Semiquincentennial Forum, for a look back on history, and what lies ahead...wigs, bonnets and tricorne hats optional.
National Mall 250 Commemorative “Notes of Remembrance” on Memorial Day – May 25, 2026
National Mall 250 Flag Day Commemoration – June 14, 2026
Semiquincentennial Fireworks and Parade – July 4, 2026
Grand Opening of the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum – 2026
Thomas Jefferson Memorial Unveiling of New Features — 2026
Semiquincentennial Commemorative Art Exhibition — Fall 2026
National Mall 250 Special Veterans Day Commemoration – November 2026
A Look Back…at the Bicentennial Celebration on the National Mall Marking America's 200th Anniversary in 1976
Photos: Smithsonian Institution