Governor Polis Signs Executive Order to Support America 250-Colorado 150 Commission
Today, Governor Polis took action to help prepare Colorado for its sesquicentennial, or 150th birthday in 2026, which also happens to be America’s 250th birthday.
“As we approach our state’s 150th birthday, we are not only working to make Colorado more affordable, livable and safer for everyone, but we will ensure that we can give our state the celebration it deserves,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We want everyone to be able to take part in this meaningful milestone, and together we can make Colorado’s 150th, and America’s 250th, one to remember. This is about honoring our past, while celebrating our bright future ahead.”
The Governor’s Executive Order directs all state agencies to develop and implement plans that incorporate the goals of the America 250-Colorado 150 Commission to ensure the celebration in 2026 honors Colorado’s history. The state agencies need to get going. Agencies are required to send their plans to the Commission by July 1, 2024.
“Colorado is made up of very diverse communities,” said America 250-Colorado 150 Commission Chair Ramona Martinez. “As we pursue our mission through community partnerships, outreach and educational opportunities to celebrate our shared history we must make sure that we include all communities throughout Colorado. With the Governor’s leadership and enthusiasm, we can make 2026 a year to remember for generations to come.”
“In 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—our nation’s semiquincentennial,” explained America 250-Colorado 150 Commission Co-chair Stephanie Hartman, PhD. “At the same time, Colorado will mark the 150th anniversary of our entrance into the Union—our state’s sesquicentennial. As we create opportunities to commemorate and celebrate Colorado’s stories, the Commission is committed to recognizing that our shared history includes the experiences of all who have called Colorado home.”
She reiterated that 2026 will be an opportunity for us to “come together as we celebrate Colorado by acknowledging our complete shared history, honor what makes Colorado unique, and recognize our shared destiny.”
The America 250-Colorado 150 Commission was created by legislation sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, former Senator Don Coram, Representative Marc Catlin, and former Representative Daneya Esgar and signed into law by Polis in 2022.
Last year, the Governor also signed legislation, also sponsored by Senator Zenzinger, Senator Rod Pelton, Representative Barbara McLachlan, and Representative Catlin. This bill expanded the Commission and allocated funding to History Colorado to support the statewide celebration.
To learn more about the planning of the celebration, visit www.historycolorado.org/america-250-colorado-150.
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