In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary. That’s not just another date on the calendar.
It’s one of the biggest national celebrations of a lifetime. Communities, companies, institutions and media outlets across the country will be paying attention. Millions of people will be thinking about history, heritage and the future of the country. For any organization, all that attention is an opportunity.
Let’s be honest: people care about milestones. What matters is how you use them. America 250 gives organizations a built-in platform to tell stories, connect with audiences and show relevance on a national stage.
But to do it right, it's important to plan strategically. Brands have to make their story about more than a logo or an anniversary. They have to tie it into something bigger—the American story.
How Does America 250 Align?
America 250 offers something PR professionals rarely get: a year-long hook with sustained national attention. This is not a one-day news cycle; it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to align stories with America’s history.
When thinking about America 250, ask yourself how your organization’s work connects to America and its history or about enduring values like service, innovation or community. For nearly every organization or company in this country, that connection is there to strategically leverage.
Start With Your Audience: What Will Make Them Care?
As communicators prepare plans for 2026, the first question isn’t “What do we want to say?” It’s “Why should our audience care?” America 250 is going to generate headlines, events and online chatter. To stand out, a story has to speak to an audience’s values.
Are they driven by innovation, community service, education or cultural heritage? Are they consumers, educators, local leaders or employees? Think about what will resonate with an audience personally, and tie that back to the celebration. If the intended audience can see themselves in the story, the more likely they are to engage, share and remember it.
Connect Your Story to the American Story
Every organization has a history. America 250 is a chance to show how it fits into the larger story of the country.
Has the company played a role in shaping an industry or community? Has the nonprofit strengthened neighborhoods or empowered new leaders? Has the institution preserved culture or inspired innovation?
When a brand links its work to the broader American journey, it transforms an anniversary into a story that matters.
For example, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation led a Marines Across America campaign that showcased the impacts Marines had on local communities, state-by-state, after their active-duty service concluded. This approach allowed the Foundation to share unique stories of Marines to local markets, far away from the National Museum of the U.S. Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia.
That connectivity happened because this year's Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary provided a useful hook. America 250 gives every organization that same chance.
Partner With State Commissions: A Shortcut to the Celebration
While much of the attention is currently focused on the national America 250 events, it is important to remember that plenty happen on the state level. Every state has (or is in the process of) created a state commission for the America 250. These state-level commissions are already planning events, educational programs and media opportunities. They are looking for partners, now, who can add value and help bring the celebration to life.
Working with a state commission is not just a way to get on the calendar. It’s a way to embed an organization in the national story, connect with local leaders and gain exposure that extends beyond a brand's own network. Early partnership also gives brands access to ongoing programming and media coverage throughout 2026.
A Moment to Not Watch From the Sidelines
America 250 will grab attention. People will be celebrating. Media will be covering. Communities will be reflecting.
A PR pro's job is simple: give audiences a reason to notice your organization, and give them a story worth staying for. The anniversary provides the moment. The story gives it meaning.
If you plan thoughtfully, connect authentically, and link your mission to the bigger picture, America 250 can become one of the most powerful opportunities an organization will ever have to deliver its message and story.
Sean O’Leary is Senior Vice President at Susan Davis International.