Lombardo announces plans to celebrate Declaration of Independence

Nevada will honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in a nonpartisan initiative from Jan. 1 to July 4, 2026, Gov. Joe Lombardo and state officials announced in a press conference Wednesday.

The launch of the six-month program will be Presidents’ Day, Feb. 17, 2025, and will encourage Nevadans to engage in civic education, activities, storytelling opportunities and volunteerism. The initiative will encourage students in kindergarten through the 12th grades and organizations throughout the state to consider projects and contributions for the celebration.

“This is an historic moment to celebrate,” Lombardo said. “But more important than the fireworks and parades, this is an opportunity to use this time to come together as Americans and Nevadans.”

Brenda Scolari, director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, said the department is providing funding for events and programming and hopes to receive approval from the Nevada Legislature for special grants. An America250 commission was formed by executive order for the U.S. semiquincentennial and will begin meeting in the first quarter of 2025 to pursue fundraising opportunities.

Organizations and schools will be encouraged to sponsor essay or speaking contests, afterschool camps or vacation programs, scouting groups, history or civics day showcases, activity booklets, virtual field trips, student research projects, oral history programs, audio or walking tours, photo contest exhibits, social media posts, workshops or webinars and more.

“Let's take advantage of this opportunity and knowledge our shared patriotism and our shared love of our country,” Lombardo said. “The plans and details are still being shaped, as you can imagine. It will be launched in a full campaign on Presidents’ Day 2025, but you don't have to wait until then to get involved.”

Scolari thanked Lombardo and his team for their support. Both noted they have been working with an advisory group of educators, historians, nonprofits and others to encourage engagement in the state’s communities.

“As you can imagine, something of this size and breadth and magnitude, volunteers are monumental in success and leading one of these types of endeavors,” Lombardo said.

Scolari said a goal also is to provide scholarships and strengthen civic engagement through existing curriculum in schools while celebrating diversity, she said.

“From schoolrooms to boardrooms, we want to see Nevadans participate in meaningful ways,” Scolari said during the announcement.

She said she looked forward to America250 promoting a positive, patriotic spirit among Nevadans.

“It's not only a celebration of why we're unique as a state in the West, but then we’ll look forward on how to have our children and our children's children really embrace how to be better community citizens,” she said.

For information, go to www.america250nevada.org.