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Sesquicentennial. Semiquincentennial. Sesquisemiquincentennial.

In 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—our nation’s semiquincentennial. At the same time, Colorado will mark the 150th anniversary of our entrance into the Union—our state’s sesquicentennial. As the Centennial State, Colorado is the only one who will observe twin anniversaries—our Sesquisemiquincentennial.

As we celebrate this uniquely Colorado commemoration, we invite you to pause, reflect upon, and honor Colorado’s shared history as we imagine our future together through community events, educational opportunities, statewide celebrations, and more.

The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission was established to guide Colorado's twin commemorations in ways that enable all Coloradans to participate. We encourage Coloradans from all corners of our state to undertake diverse, imaginative efforts to remember our shared past and imagine a unified future. As we create opportunities to commemorate and celebrate Colorado’s stories, the Commission is committed to recognizing that our shared history includes the experiences of all who have called Colorado home.

2026 will be an opportunity for us to come together as we celebrate Colorado by acknowledging our complete shared history, honor what makes Colorado unique, and recognize our shared destiny as we strive toward a more perfect union.

We acknowledge that the land currently known as Colorado has been the traditional homelands of Indigenous peoples since time immemorial.

Featured Programs

Commission Signature Initiatives

The Commission has developed 12 signature initiatives for the commemoration to honor our shared history and celebrate Colorado. In addition to encouraging the people of Colorado to participate with these signature initiatives, we empower communities to imagine and create their own commemorative programs and projects.

Funding Opportunity: Community Grants and Aligned Giving

The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission launched its Community Grants Program to support localized, high-impact projects as Colorado prepares to commemorate its 150th anniversary of statehood alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The Community Grants Program expands on the Commission’s existing Aligned Giving Program.

The Commission has also partnered with Colorado foundations on the Aligned Giving Program. The Anschutz Foundation, Daniels Fund, El Pomar Foundation, Boettcher Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, and the Adolph Coors Foundation have collectively committed over $5 million to support projects celebrating the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commemoration. This $5 million includes both proposals submitted through this process and other related projects under consideration by foundations in their regular grant making over the next 18 months.

Colorado Digital Passport

The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission is thrilled to launch a statewide digital passport. Participants can check-in at sites to earn rewards, badges, and exclusive offers. Sponsored by United Airlines, this passport program is designed to encourage both locals and visitors to explore Colorado’s hidden gems, diverse businesses, and rich heritage

Events Calendar

We invite communities across the state to be part of a once-in-a-generation commemoration, honoring the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood. This statewide calendar highlights events that celebrate our shared history, culture, and communities across our great state.

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Drone Show Calendar

Feature Your Event

Share all of the exciting opportunities to participate in your local community! Open to community groups and organizations planning events and programs, this will be the best way to see what is happening around Colorado as we commemorate the anniversaries.

To be included on the America 250 - Colorado 150 statewide calendar, your event must commemorate Colorado’s shared history and/or celebrate the people, cultures, and communities that make our state unique. We encourage events to align with the commemoration by using our logo, branding, or messaging where appropriate. The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission is excited to share our logo with you for no cost, and we hope to see it featured with all commemorative events in Colorado!

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