The Countdown to America250 has begun
America250 Nevada encourages groups to plan programs, events, and initiatives to celebrate Nevada’s contribution to the American story
Reno, Nev. (June 25, 2025) – The America250 Nevada Commission is looking to the people, organizations, and government entities of the state of Nevada to begin planning for 2026 and the Semiquincentennial anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.
America250 Nevada has developed efforts to educate, engage, and celebrate the state’s contribution to the American story, spearheaded by a Planning and Advising Committee, which is governed by the Governor-appointed Commission, and supported by staff at the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. In particular, the plans include immersive and accessible initiatives focusing on Nevada’s heritage, including an oral history project, volunteer engagement opportunities, an expansion of civics education in the state. The project begins in January 2026 and ends on July 4th, 2026.
America250 Nevada planning committee has initiatives that will activate diverse voices in the state’s past and present, and elevate those that will carry us into the future, including:
Our Nevada Stories is an oral history program in collaboration with the Divisions of Museums and History and Nevada Arts Council. Starting in July, State Folklorist Brad McMullen and museum staff will be collecting stories from Nevadans in person and online, creating a database of our history from perspectives of our citizens. Some of the key stories will be added to a new podcast to begin airing and ready for download in January 2026.
Civic Seal is a partnership with Nevada's Department of Education and the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement. This program aims to expand and deepen civics education with funding to schools to support the Civic Seal program, which teaches government, public speaking, and leadership skills.
Nevada Gives Volunteer Projects will support 36 volunteer projects ranging from clean-ups to art installations. Each project aims to promote community engagement and foster a sense of unity among Nevadans.
Grants are available from Travel Nevada and Nevada Arts Council to fund projects that elevate the America250 story and engage the communities in Nevada.
Community Calendar will live online to help promote all the events and programs happening throughout the state.
With six months until the launch of the America250 Nevada plans, there are items that can be done now to begin planning or engage with the programs:
Nominate a notable Nevadan to be interviewed for the first round of Our Nevada Stories. Nominations are accepted after July 1 until Aug. 17. Click here for the nomination form.
Donations are being accepted on the America250 Nevada site. All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of the proceeds go to the programs of the state’s initiatives.
Submit a proposal for a volunteer project to be considered for volunteer recruitment support and funding. Available until Oct. 31, 2025. Nevada Volunteers is hosting Q&A sessions on July 30, 2025, and Sept. 15, 2025. Those interested can also attend an extended Lunch & Learn on all the America250 NV initiatives on Aug. 21, 2025. Register here.
Plan an event. There are great resources for ideas online. See the resources section on America250nv.org. Events can be submitted to the community calendar.
For more information on America250 Nevada, visit www.America250NV.org. For more information on the national America250 initiatives, visit www.america250.org.
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About America250 Nevada:
America250 Nevada is the state of Nevada’s official effort aligning with the America250 initiative to commemorate the nation’s 250th Anniversary in 2026. America250 Nevada will work to celebrate the anniversary of the nation’s founding by recognizing the diverse contributions of Nevadans while promoting civic education and engagement. To learn more, visit www.america250nv.org.
About America250:
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 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. To learn more, visit www.america250.org.