Title
Commission to Plan Celebrations for the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America - For the purpose of creating the United States of America semiquincentennial commission to plan celebrations in the City of Annapolis commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S.A.
Body
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
City of Annapolis
Resolution 49-23
Introduced by: Alderwoman O’Neill
A RESOLUTION concerning
Commission to Plan Celebrations for the 250th Anniversary
of the United States of America
FOR the purpose of creating the United States of America semiquincentennial commission to plan celebrations in the City of Annapolis commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S.A.
WHEREAS, On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding; and
WHEREAS, This is a momentous occasion that should be commemorated with a variety of events and activities that reflect the diversity and strength of our nation and the role that the City of Annapolis had in its founding; and
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis was pivotal in the founding of the U.S., not only as the capital of Maryland during the Revolutionary War but also:
● 1774 - The First Continental Congress met in Annapolis,
● 1783 - The Treaty of Paris was signed in Annapolis, which officially ended the Revolutionary War,
● 1783 and 1784 - Annapolis was the temporary U.S. capital and home of the Continental Congress, and
● 1787 - Annapolis was the site of the Constitutional Convention; and
WHEREAS, In 2026, Annapolis will be a significant center for celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. as the City commemorates the role of Historic Annapolis in the establishment of the United States; and
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis recognizes the importance of engaging its citizens, businesses, educational institutions, and various organizations in celebrating the U.S. Semiquincentennial and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of American history, culture and achievements.
NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that:
1. There is hereby created the “Annapolis U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission” to plan and coordinate the City of Annapolis celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America; and
2. The Commission shall:
a. Consist of nine to 15 members, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, representing various sectors of the community, including two City of Annapolis residents and no more than one representative from each of the following groups:
i. The Annapolis Mayor's office; and
ii. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC); and
iii. Historic Annapolis Foundation; and
iv. Banneker-Douglass Museum; and
v. Anne Arundel County; and
vi. Maryland State Senate; and
vii. Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission; and
viii. Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London Town & South County Heritage Area (Four Rivers Heritage Area); and
ix. City of Annapolis business community; and
x. Arts Council of Anne Arundel County; and
xi. Maryland Hall; and
xii. National Parks Service.
b. Meet at least quarterly to plan and coordinate the celebrations through 2026;
c. Submit a quarterly report to the Mayor and City Council on its activities, ensuring transparency and accountability.
3. A quorum of the Annapolis U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission shall be no fewer than seven members in attendance at meetings, and a majority for voting purposes is a majority of those commissioners present.
4. Commission duties include and are not limited to:
a. Developing a plan for the commemoration of the U.S. Semiquinentennial in Annapolis, outline specific events, programs and initiatives that align with the city’s historical significance and cultural heritage; and
b. Identifying and securing funding for the celebrations by seeking grants, sponsorships and donations while also exploring partnerships with county, state and federal agencies dedicated to the U.S. Semiquincentennial; and
c. Coordinating with local, county, and state agencies to ensure the smooth operation of the celebrations; and
d. Submit a report to the City Council three months after the final event, at which time the commission shall dissolve; the report will evaluate the celebrations' success and make recommendations for future celebrations in the City of Annapolis.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage.