The Office of the Chair of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, a federally appointed body in charge of planning and developing the commemoration of the 250 th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, has appointed Frank Giordano, President and CEO of the Philly POPS, as Executive Director.

July 2026 marks the 250 th anniversary of American Independence. In July 2016, both Chambers of Congress unanimously passed the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. The Semiquincentennial Commission was formed by the United States Congress to prepare an overall program for commemorating the 250 th Anniversary of the founding of the United States and the historic events preceding that anniversary. The 33 member body is comprised of members of Congress, private citizens and federal officials.