A toddler sits on his father's shoulders and hold up a small American flat at a July 4 naturalization ceremony at Monticello.

America Turns 250 at Monticello

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, Monticello welcomes visitors with an array of special tours, engaging programs, and family activities capped off by a special 4th of July celebration on the mountaintop.

Featured 2026 Offerings

Explore the Exclusive Declaration and 250th Collections

Celebrate American freedom and independence with our collection of Declaration of Independence products, including home decor, wall art, apparel, accessories, and more. Declaration of Independence gifts are an ideal way to commemorate our nation's founding. Shop now and join the celebration.

Collection Exclusives

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The Great Clock at Monticello is shown with its pendulum ticking

What’s a Semiquincentennial?

Semiquincentennial: (/seh-mai-KWIN-sen-ten-ee-ul/): A 250th Anniversary 

Whether you call it a Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial, Semiquincentennial, or the Quarter Millennial, 2026 marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate the birth of American independence and democracy.

See the Countdown

Thomas Jefferson's Journey to Revolution and American Independence

Monticello is where Jefferson refined the ideas of freedom established in the Declaration. Monticello is both a tribute to and the embodiment of the American experiment.

Explore the History

Thomas Jefferson is considered the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, although Jefferson's draft went through a process of revision by his fellow committee members and the Second Continental Congress.

Learn More Painting depicting Jefferson and the Committee of Five presenting the Declaration to the Continental Congress

Check out this interactive read of the Declaration of Independence, including brief explanations of key sections.

Reading the Declaration An engraving by William J. Stone meant to be an exact replica of the original "embossed" version of the Declaration of Independence

Take a deep dive into the Declaration and its enduring principles through this three-part reading and discussion tool kit designed for learners of all ages.

Learn More and Download Reader A dark blue silhouette of Jefferson's profile over which a quill pen angles down from left to right and the words Declaration Book Club are written above Monticello's logo.

Explore resources that reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality inspired by Jefferson’s words.

Learn More The first page of Thomas Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration of Independence.
A family receiving tickets to Monticello.

Monticello Membership Program

Monticello is a nonprofit that depends on the support of visitors like you. Commemorate America's 250th with a Monticello Membership and enjoy year-round access, exclusive perks, and member-only benefits.

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Monticello 250 Logo depicting Monticello's roof with Jefferson's signature partial over it and the words 'We Hold These Truths' curved along the top, the numbers 1776, 250, and 2026 just below horizontal center, and the word 'Monticello' curved at the bottom. All in red in a red circle with another blue circle just around it.

Stay in Touch on 250

Sign up for updates on Monticello's growing plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States.

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