Obamas, Bushes to join forces for America’s 250th birthday

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama will lead the 2026 celebration of two-and-a-half centuries since the founding of the United States, organizers said Thursday. The former presidents with first ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama will serve as Honorary National Co-Chairs of America250, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The organization has partnered with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission which Congress created in 2016 to plan the celebration. The presidents and their wives who led the country into a new century will now commemorate this historic milestone, America250 said Thursday.

The milestone is a time to reflect and recommit to the country’s founding values while celebrating the greatness of America, the Bushes said. America is not the same country it was 250 years ago and history plays a big role in shaping the future, the Obamas said. The stories of these presidential couples are foundational to the nation, said America250 Chairwoman and former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios. Hopefully, their unique voices will encourage everyone to participate in this important commemoration, she added.

What kind of celebrations is America250 planning? America250 plans to engage all 50 states and 6 U.S. territories in several, multi-year commemorative activities leading up to the anniversary, according to America250.

• The organizers recently launched a national project to compile a massive oral history and understanding of the United States, called Our American Story. Organizers will also collect items from all over the country for a time capsule that will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026.

• The group also launched America’s Field Trip, a national contest for students grades 3–12 to submit entries about what America means to them. Out of thousands of participants, organizers chose 75 winners from across 27 states who will be rewarded with a behind-the-scenes field trip at iconic American historical and cultural sites.

• America250 plans to debut another national program called America Gives later this fall that will revolve around charitable giving, volunteer service, and public service to revive service around the year..

Dig deeper: Read Myrna Brown’s report from WORLD Magazine about the generational promise of equality for all under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.