How state courts will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary

Across America, plans are taking shape to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The upcoming "Semi quincentennial" may not be as easy to pronounce as our last big birthday — the 200th "bicentennial" in 1976 — but it is an important opportunity for state courts to emphasize not just where they came from, but where they are today, and where they are going.

In the coming weeks, NCSC will roll out a comprehensive set of resources to help state courts develop an anniversary plan that aligns with their time and resources, so every court can mark the event in a meaningful way.

How courts plan to celebrate

Here are a handful of early examples from across the country that provide insight into how courts plan to celebrate.

Ohio

The Ohio Supreme Court — long known to be a national leader in civics education and engagement — has developed its own extensive America 250 webpage that includes a calendar showcasing upcoming events around the state. It also includes a link to fun Ohio Judicial Firsts. Among the "firsts" is 1802 when "The first Ohio constitution, approved before statehood, established the state Supreme Court and courts of common pleas. The three-judge Supreme Court, appointed by the General Assembly held court in each county every year."

Kentucky

The 1976 bicentennial aligned with the year Kentucky unified its entire state court system, and the Bluegrass state is off to the races (pun intended) linking the celebration of America's 250th with its own yearlong campaign commemorating its unification. They are planning a series of videos, public events, and educational partnerships.

Vermont

In one of the original 13 colonial states, Vermont, a statewide judicial committee is planning events associated with the 250th anniversary. Co-chaired by a supreme court justice and the state court administrator, the committee has brainstormed a long list of ideas including local 250th anniversary events at county courthouses in conjunction with county bar associations and historical societies and hosting a naturalization ceremony in the Vermont Supreme Court courtroom in early July.

What's happening in your jurisdiction?

NCSC is collecting examples of how state courts are planning efforts for this big birthday. Share your ideas by completing our form. We'd love to hear what you have planned!

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