Governor Joe Lombardo Announces America250 Nevada, Encourages Nevadans to Begin Planning to be part of America250
CARSON CITY, Nev. (November 13, 2024) – Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo called on Nevadans to begin preparing for the nation's 250th birthday in 2026. At a press conference held earlier today at the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City, Governor Lombardo introduced America250, a non-partisan national initiative to honor the anniversary of the United States of America. He highlighted the importance of 2025 as a year of planning and collaboration. In addition to the nationwide celebration, Lombardo announced that America250 invited each state to participate in their festivities and introduced America250 Nevada, an effort to commemorate the anniversary with events that honor the American milestone while highlighting the Silver State’s contributions, its journey to statehood, and the people and events that have shaped its history.
"We envision participation from every corner of our beautiful state, and I have confidence our citizens will rise to the occasion,” said Governor Lombardo. “Their dedication and passion have already contributed to positive growth in the state. Similarly, I hope they embrace this momentous occasion to plan celebrations and activities that inspire respect for our past, commitment to our present and hope for our future.”
After inviting Nevadans to use the next year for planning, Lombardo announced that America250 Nevada is formulating several efforts to educate, engage, and celebrate Nevada’s contribution to the American story, spearheaded by the America250 Nevada Planning and Advising Committee and the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. In particular, the entities are planning immersive and inclusive initiatives focusing on Nevada’s heritage, including a mobile history initiative, engagement opportunities, signature programs, and opportunities for the public to join in the planning.
The central signature initiative, Mobile History, will be used as a central engagement tool for the six-month promotion starting in January 2026. The Division of Museums and History will bring Nevada History to key parts of the state with an immersive experience to examine and discuss key parts of the story of Nevada and encourage visitors to envision the state’s future in 50, 100, and 250 years, and will operate beyond 2026. Mobile History will also be used to educate audiences at various programs across the state, including volunteer opportunities, civics information initiatives, storytelling events, and history-based quiz contests.
America250 Nevada planning committee is preparing initiatives that will activate diverse voices in the state’s past and present, and elevate those that will carry us into the future, including:
Nevada Story Collective: Online and in-person story-gathering events to showcase and keep Nevada’s rich stories. This storytelling event series will gather personal stories from Nevadans across the state on topics like American and Nevadan identity and life in Nevada.
Nevada Voices Exchange Speakers Bureau: A roster of speakers, storytellers, and educators will be available to engage with schools, businesses, and communities across the state. The Speakers Bureau will focus on themes of history, art, culture, and the future of Nevada.
Silver State Changemakers: In partnership with Nevada's Department of Education, this program will identify specific funding needs in our schools that will make a difference in student engagement and success, and will operate in perpetuity beyond 2026.
Nevada Gives Volunteer Projects: The campaign will support 36 volunteer projects - one for each state in the Union at the time of our statehood - ranging from clean-ups to art installations. Each project aims to engage surrounding communities, promote civic engagement, and foster a sense of unity among Nevadans.
Community Calendar: There will be an online community calendar to help promote all the events happening throughout the state.
The America250 Nevada Planning and Advising Committee is composed of a blend of individuals from state agencies and nonprofit entities, including the Nevada Division of Museums and History, the Nevada Arts Council, the Nevada Indian Commission, Nevada Humanities, the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, Nevada Volunteers, Nevada State Library, Archives & Public Records, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Education and the Secretary of State.
“America250 Nevada encourages every Nevadan to remember our past, celebrate our achievements, and dedicate ourselves to a promising future. We have much work to accomplish, and I am asking you to join us,” said Governor Lombardo. “I see this occasion as an opportunity to celebrate the things that unite us as a country. Through Nevada’s culture and history, we can build a community together. It is The Nevada Way.”
For more information on America250 Nevada, visit www.America250NV.org. For more information on America250, visit www.america250.org.
For media inquiries, contact Rachel Gattuso, APR at (775) 336-9453 or rachel@gattusocoalition.com.
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About America250 Nevada:
America250 Nevada is the state of Nevada’s official effort aligning with the America250 initiative to commemorate the nation’s 250th Anniversary in 2026. America250 Nevada will work to celebrate the anniversary of the nation’s founding by recognizing the diverse contributions of Nevadans while promoting civic education and engagement. To learn more, visit www.america250nv.org.
About America250:
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. To learn more, visit www.america250.org.
