WASHINGTON, DC – Lynn Forney Young, Honorary President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), has been appointed to a prestigious national commission created to plan celebrations and commemorations surrounding the 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026.

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission, established in July 2016, assumes the task of facilitating nationwide plans to observe the historic occasion. Over the next nine years, this body will play a central role in shaping the anniversary narrative on a national level. Members of the group will solicit ideas about how to mark the anniversary, meet within the hallowed walls of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall to develop a plan, submit recommendations for the consideration of the President and Congress, and assist with the execution of the approved itinerary.

Eight members of Congress, 16 private citizens and 9 federal officials, including the Secretary of State, Librarian of Congress and Archivist of the United States, comprise the committee roster. Commissioner Young was appointed to serve by Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

“We are excited to collaborate with individuals and organizations across the country to celebrate 250 years of America’s freedoms, as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizenship,” said Commissioner Young. “We look forward to celebrating our nation’s incredible history and fostering a renewed appreciation for all of the Americans who founded our nation and ensured its progress through the generations.” 

The Daughters of the American Revolution is honored to be represented on a prestigious committee with a mission so closely aligned with the National Society’s founding principles. For more than 125 years, the DAR has championed historic preservation, education and patriotism. The more than 950,000 women who have joined the nonprofit organization since its founding in 1890 have worked to preserve historic places, documents and artifacts; to foster an understanding of our nation’s past in schoolchildren, new citizens and everyday Americans; and to support the servicemembers and veterans who sacrificed to safeguard our freedoms.

As the immediate past President General of the DAR, who served from 2013-2016, Commissioner Young brings proven leadership and planning ability to her new post. During her administration, the National Society celebrated its 125th anniversary, established the National DAR Day of Service, recorded a collective 14.5 million hours of volunteer service contributed by members, and achieved an official Guinness World Record for most letters to military personnel collected in one month.

Her service on the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission gives voice to the 185,000 current DAR members, who represent not only the descendants of the men and women who achieved American independence, but also women who live in communities across the nation and around the world. These dual qualifications will inform Commissioner Young’s contributions to the Commission, as well as DAR initiatives tied to the 250th anniversary celebration, which are currently taking shape.

DAR members and the public are encouraged to provide feedback and ideas for ways the nation can celebrate our 250^th anniversary. If you have suggestions or questions for the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission as they develop plans, please email [email protected].

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Daughters of the American Revolution

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 125 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.

USA250

USA250 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded to spark the nation’s imagination leading into and through the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The Pennsylvania-based group was founded by private citizens to promote a celebration of the Semiquincentennial and to facilitate a conversation on the nation’s future, driven by the values and philosophy articulated in the Declaration of Independence. USA250 helps to facilitate the United States Semiquincentennial Commission which was signed into Public Law 114-196 in July 2016. To learn more about the work of USA250 and the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commision, visit www.usa250.org/commission.