ABOUT
ABOUT THE COMMEMORATION
The year 2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and with it, nationwide efforts to thoughtfully reflect on the USA at past, present, and future. As part of the planning for commemorations established by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, each U.S. state and territory is expected to create or designate an official entity (a “state 250th commission”) to organize their state’s planning and programming for the Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary. Washington’s Semiquincentennial Committee—staffed by the Washington State Historical Society—coordinates our state’s official activities for the 250th.
Washington’s 250 Committee works to ensure that all communities, regardless of size, capacity, or location, can participate in the commemoration of America at 250. As we observe this once-in-a-generation anniversary, we recognize the shared history of Washingtonians beyond the United States’ Revolutionary Era. Our commemoration creates opportunities for us to think about the past to better understand the present, using history to build stronger, more connected communities and a more perfect union in our country’s future.
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE
Founding Legislation
Established during the 2022 regular legislative session via Senate Bill 5756, Washington’s Semiquincentennial Committee provides guidance for our state’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Each quarter, the committee meets to discuss commemorative activities. Committee meetings are open to the public, and we encourage you to attend.
On The Committee
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Denny Heck, Washington’s Lieutenant Governor, serves as chair of the Semiquincentennial Committee.
In addition to serving as Acting Governor when the Governor is out of the state, the Lieutenant Governor is President of the Washington State Senate and Chair of the Senate Rules Committee.
Washington State Historical Society
Represented by Jennifer Saunders
Founded in 1891, the Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting Washington’s rich history.
A trustee agency of Washington State and a nonprofit membership organization, WSHS provides services to researchers, lifelong learners and partners with communities to explore how history connects us all.
Washington State Legislature
Represented by Representative Carolyn Eslick, Senator Chris Gildon, Senator Sam Hunt, and Representative Kristine Reeves
The Washington State Legislature is composed of the State Senate and House of Representatives who serve the 49 districts of Washington.
According to the 250 Committee’s founding legislation, four legislators sit on the Committee: one member from each of the two largest caucuses in the Senate and one member from each of the two largest caucuses in the House.
Commission On African American Affairs
Represented by Keahna Umpstead
Washington’s Commission on African American Affairs serves as the official state representative of the African American community—advising the Governor, Legislature and state agencies regarding policy development and implementation. The commission also works to establish relationships with local governments and private sector organizations that promote equal opportunity for African-Americans.
Commission On Asian Pacific American Affairs
Represented by Nagheen Kamkar
A state agency that serves as a voice for Washington’s diverse Asian Pacific American communities, the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs works to ensure access to government, business, education, and more.
Department Of Commerce
Represented by Shannon Halberstadt
The Washington State Department of Commerce works with local governments, Tribes, businesses, civic leaders, and organizations to strengthen Washington’s communities. Commerce is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington, administering a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth.
Department Of Archaeology And Historic Preservation
Represented by Dr. Allyson Brooks
The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is Washington State’s primary agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation. DAHP advocates for the preservation of Washington’s irreplaceable historic and cultural resources – significant buildings, structures, sites, objects and districts – as assets for the future.
Northwest Museum Of Arts & Culture
Represented by Ellen Postlewait
The Eastern Washington State Historical Society, which operates as the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, is the largest cultural organization in the Inland Northwest. The museum preserves and cultivates the heritage of the Inland Northwest people through collections, exhibitions, and programs that bring their stories to life.
Governor's Office Of Indian Affairs
Represented by Craig Bill
The Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs promotes the government-to-government relationship between the State of Washington and Indian Tribes, advocates for the social and economic betterment of all American Indians and Alaska Natives living within Washington State, and educates for a greater cultural understanding of the State’s first citizens.
Commission On Hispanic Affairs
Represented by Maria Siguenza
The Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs aids in the development of public policy and the delivery of government services to the Hispanic community, and works to establish relationships with state agencies, local governments, and the private sector.
Washington State Women's Commission
Represented by Eliza Craig
The Washington State Women’s Commission improves the life of every woman by ensuring equitable opportunities and removing systemic barriers through engagement, advocacy, and public policy, while being inclusive of our diverse populations.
Washington State Arts Commission
Represented by Karen Hanan
A state agency that advances the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout Washington, ArtsWA promotes public value of the arts through public art, grants, Creative Districts, and arts in education.
Humanities Washington
Represented by Julie Ziegler
Founded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in 1973, Humanities Washington is a nonprofit organization that opens minds and bridges divides through events and programs led by cultural experts, scholars, and storytellers across the state.
LGBTQ Commission
Represented by Alvaro Figueroa
The Washington State LGBTQ Commission works to improve the state’s interface with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, and intersex community, identify the needs of its members, and ensuring that there is an effective means of advocating for LGBTQ equity in all aspects of state government.
Office Of The Superintendent Of Public Instruction
Represented by Hannah Tofte
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the state’s 295 public school districts and 6 state-Tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education.
Office Of The Secretary Of State
Represented by Janette Gomes
The Office of the Secretary of State serves Washingtonians by safeguarding government records, documents, publications, and processes; preserving the integrity of elections; engaging the public in civic education and participation; and promoting trust by providing the public with information about corporations and charities.
Washington State Parks
Represented by Owen Rowe
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for and ensures public access to Washington’s most treasured lands, waters, and historic places, connecting Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage through recreational and educational experiences.
