Wisconsin America250 Commission

Official Wisconsin America250 logo for the United States Semiquincentennial celebration
The Wisconsin America250 Commission

Wisconsin has a great opportunity to explore the state’s story and connect Wisconsinites with America’s founding principles. The semiquincentennial (250th) Anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolutionary War, and other important events in our nation’s founding present incredible opportunities for institutions and organizations around the country to engage and educate their communities.

Wisconsin America250 (also known as A250WI) is a state-level commission was established by the 2021 Wisconsin Act 95. The purpose of the commission is to plan, coordinate, and implement a program to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and to specifically highlight the role of Wisconsin in that event and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present and future. A250WI is the state-level partner of the National Commission, America250.

America250 (A250) seeks to deepen understanding of our history, democratic process, and each other through education, increase engagement in our communities and governing affairs, and foster unity that includes the ‘many’ Americans in our ‘one’ nation.” A250 also helps place states and territories in a strong position to elevate their identity, drive economic activity, and increase community engagement during the Semiquincentennial. These are the goals of the American250 Wisconsin Commission, which is a state-level partner for the national commission. The 250th also provides an unparalleled opportunity to remind all Wisconsinites what this state and nation have done over our histories, and what we collectively stand for.

Events from this organizer

Today

  • Celebrating AMERICA250: Independce Day Celebration on the Captiol Square" in Madison, WI, on July, 4, 2026. Includes event times for the Capitol City Band (10 AM - 12 PM) and the WisVets Museum (10 AM - 5 PM)

    Celebrating AMERICA250: Independence Day on the Capitol Square

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    Wisconsin State Capitol 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI, United States
    Wisconsin America250

    Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM (Full Schedule Below) Location: Wisconsin State Capitol & the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison, WI Cost: Free and open to the public Event Overview: Join fellow Wisconsinites on the historic grounds of the State Capitol for a once-in-a-generation Independence Day celebration! As part of the nationwide AMERICA250 Semiquincentennial initiative, the Wisconsin America250 Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) are proud to co-sponsor a majestic day of music and community pride. Brought to you in partnership with the Capitol City Band Association, this milestone event brings history to life right in the heart of Madison. Come honor the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding with music and inspiring stories of your family, friends, and neighbors who served. Schedule of Events: Patriotic Concert - Tribute to the Troops: Then and Now 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Wisconsin State Capitol Grounds (King Street Walkway) The Music: Enjoy a musical performance by the Capitol City Band, led by conductors Dave Pedracine and Zach Masa-Myers, that will fill the Square with a powerful selection of patriotic standards, stirring Sousa marches, and timeless American compositions. The Salute: At the heart of the concert is a deeply moving musical and narrative salute to America’s armed forces – “Tribute to the Troops: Then and Now.” The Colors: Bear witness to a proud military tradition featuring a formal presentation of the colors by the VFW Post 7591 Black Knights Color Guard and Auxiliary. Special Gallery Tours 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM or self-guided (doors open at 10:00 AM) Location: Wisconsin Veterans Museum (30 W. Mifflin St., where State Street and the Square meet) The Tour: Enduring Service: 125 Years of Veteran Stories The Experience: On the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum staff are giving special gallery tours to share amazing stories of Wisconsin veterans from the past 125 years. Join us for stories of the behind-the-scenes jobs needed to keep the military moving, Wisconsin women who were the first in their ranks or in their endeavors in the military, and WWI women and men surviving the results of the trenches. Guided tours will be given at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm or come in anytime to go at your own pace. All ages welcome. For more information click here. Attendee Details & What to Bring Seating for the Concert: The morning performance is an open-air, lawn-style event. Attendees are highly encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for comfort. Museum Admission: Admission to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum and the special Enduring Service gallery tours are always free. Inclement Weather: In the event of severe weather, the morning concert will move into the Capitol Rotunda. Afternoon museum tours will take place indoors rain or shine. Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday on the Square, where Wisconsin’s gratitude meets our nation’s history.

    Free