Comprising the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress and America250,org, Inc., the nonprofit supporting organization to the
Commission, America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country.
This multi-year effort, from now until December 31, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past,
honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama and Former First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama serve as Honorary National Co-Chairs
and the effort is supported by an extensive bipartisan Congressional Caucus.
The Tennessee America 250 Commission promotes an inclusive statewide celebration and educational commemoration of America’s 250th by interpreting
and preserving Tennessee’s unique stories, objects, landmarks, and places across our diverse state that defined who we are as Tennesseans and Americans.
Tennessee’s America 250 Commission, a twelve-member body chaired by Ashley Howell, Tennessee State Museum, includes Tennessee State Senator Todd Gardenhire
and three other members of the Tennessee General Assembly along with members representing the Tennessee Historical Commission and other related bodies.
Linda Moss Mines, Chattanooga and Hamilton County Historian, chairs the Chattanooga-Hamilton County America 250 Committee.
Vice-Chairs Jim Frierson and John L. Edwards and Secretary Jim Webster are joined by more than fifty representatives of historical societies,
community-based groups and business/educational institutions.
Marti Rutherford, Becky Browder and Captain Mickey McCamish, USN[Ret] chair the Committee’s America 250 celebration, in conjunction with the
Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department’s events, to be staged along the Tennessee Riverfront while Col. Scott Hardin, USA [Ret], Chairman,
2026 Chattanooga Area Veterans Council and Bill Norton, USMC, Immediate Past Chair, CAVC chair the 2026 Armed Forces Parade and other veteran events.
