On New Year’s Eve, fireworks were displayed behind the Washington Monument, and a birthday candle projection accompanied the playing of “The Star‑Spangled Banner,” marking the start of Freedom 250’s countdown to the semiquincentennial. The federal celebration has been criticized for emphasizing a narrow view of American history that centers predominantly white male figures, while some state commissions have developed alternative programming that highlights diverse historical contributions. Rhode Island’s commission, established by governor appointment, has highlighted the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, the first Black battalion in U.S. military history, and supported a presentation on the regiment’s experiences at the John Brown House Museum. North Carolina’s commission has featured the Edenton Tea Party, noting 51 women’s pledge to boycott British goods, and has published a children’s book on the topic; roughly 3,700 copies have been sold. The commission also secured funding for a new children’s book about Martin Black, a free Black participant in the Revolution, and has worked with the Rhode Island Historical Society to bring related programming. In Illinois, the state commission created a free passport with about 60 historic sites, including the Elijah P. Lovejoy memorial and Cahokia Mounds, and has distributed 100,000 copies as of June. Georgia’s commission, led by chair Cameron Bean, has focused on grant‑making and sponsorship to support events such as the African Film Festival Atlanta and an African American Heritage Symposium. Connecticut’s commission has awarded over $800,000 to more than 80 organizations, prioritizing programming that reflects local history and community involvement, and has avoided a focus on “drums and guns,” according to commission vice chair Jason Mancini. Boulder, Utah, resident artist spent 250 hours carving handprints into a boulder to mark a year of volunteering, while Connecticut’s project manager Cyndi Tolosa noted plans to translate materials into Spanish and increase outreach to Spanish‑speaking communities. Tribal communities in Connecticut have expressed reservation about the historical language used in founding documents, and some tribal members have chosen not to participate actively in the commission’s activities. Illinois commission chair Gabrielle Lyon said the state’s approach aims to include a broad range of voices, building on lessons from earlier anniversaries. North Carolina’s public historian Ansley Herring Wegner said the semiquincentennial offers an opportunity to provide history to the public in accessible ways, through ongoing educational resources and partnerships with museums and libraries. Despite funding shortfalls—such as a reduction in support for a humanities organization in Illinois and a zero base budget for North Carolina’s commission—the state commissions have relied on fundraising, private funds, and existing networks to continue their work. The effort is intended to strengthen cultural infrastructure and create inclusive commemoration, with the hope that the 250th anniversary will reflect the diverse experiences of all Americans.