A commission has been formed to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026. The New York State 250th Commemoration Commission is made up of representatives of the state departments of Education and Parks and Recreation and the Office of Historic Preservation. They will be tasked with developing a plan to celebrate the anniversary of the Revolution and its significance to New York State and the United States.

“New York State played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, and we look forward to welcoming people from all over the world to join us in commemorating the 250th anniversary in 2026,” Governor Hochul said. “The commemoration will not only celebrate the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence, but will also emphasize New York’s ongoing effort to achieve our nation’s founding principles of representative democracy with equal participation and rights for all.”

The first meeting of the commission is set to take place on May 15 at the Huxley Theater in the New York State Museum in Albany. The meeting will be open to the public. The commission is scheduled to meet quarterly.

“From Washington’s Headquarters to the final resting place of Baron von Steuben, New York State Parks and Sites preserves a large and nationally significant collection of Revolutionary War sites," said Commissioner Pro Tempore of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Randy Simons. "The commemoration’s themes align with our agency’s ‘Our Whole History’ initiative to tell more accurate and inclusive stories about our shared past. As our agency celebrates its Centennial year, our Revolutionary War heritage has emerged as a major theme. In 2026, it takes center stage.”

“This very important chapter of New York’s early history is imperative to share, as New York was at the center of political decisions that influenced the outcome of the Revolutionary War and helped shape the United States,” said State Department of Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. “When our students have opportunities to explore and learn about the significant historical events of the past, they are able to gain invaluable insights into the present, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and informed decision-making. We are honored to be able to collaborate with our partner agencies on this Commission and look forward to igniting an excitement for lifelong learning through historical education as we celebrate 250 years of democracy, freedom, and independence.”