Governor Gordon Signs Executive Order Creating Task Force to Begin Planning Efforts for America’s 250th Anniversary

Governor Mark Gordon has signed an executive order establishing the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force to make recommendations on the planning of events and activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States. 

According to information from the Governor’s Office, the task force will prepare proposals for events and activities that will occur as part of the celebration in 2026. It will include members appointed by the Governor representing the Wyoming Legislature, The Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone Tribes, Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, Wyoming Office of Tourism, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges and other non-governmental or industry organizations.

The executive order does not authorize the task force to expend or obligate funds, unless those funds are specifically appropriated by the Legislature in a future session. The Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force follows the creation of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which was established by Congress in 2016. The nonpartisan Commission is composed of 16 private citizens, 4 U.S. Representatives and 4 Senators, as well as 12 ex-officio members from all three branches of the federal government and its independent agencies. Those interested in serving on the task force can should send an expression of interest to boards@wyo.gov.