The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is pleased to announce its Texas America250 programming in celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

As the nation celebrates this landmark, Texans look back over their long and storied history to remember key moments in the Lone Star State’s journey. Our famously independent and loudly proud state also contributes its own unique history to the broader, unfolding American story. Texas-specific commemorations such as the 1936 Texas Centennial marking 100 years of independence and 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial remain landmark moments in the state’s history.

Texans of all ages will be invited to join TSLAC’s statewide reading challenge and encouraged to visit their local libraries to view our traveling exhibits on loan throughout 2026. Traveling Texas America250 exhibits will highlight historically significant Texas Treasures from TSLAC’s collections. We will also highlight other historical records from the State Archives and resources from our extensive library collections, the E-Read Texas program, the Talking Book Program, and the Texas Center for the Book.

More information, including how to join the reading challenge, as well as a digital exhibit, video, poster, reading lists, calendar of programming, and more will be available at www.tsl.texas.gov/america250 in early 2026. Learn more about nationwide celebrations at america250.org.

Read the TSLAC press release.

TSLAC is proud to work alongside the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Office; the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission; the State Board of Education; and the Bullock Texas State History Museum on the Texas America250 Commission.