Governor Tate Reeves Launches Mississippi's America250 Commission

JACKSON, MS - Governor Tate Reeves On July 3, 2025 announced the launch of Mississippi’s America250 Commission (A250 MS) alongside America250 Mississippi Co-Chair First Lady Elee Reeves, Co-Chair Lynn Hosemann, Visit Mississippi Executive Director Rochelle Hicks, and America250 Mississippi Commission Development Director Nancy Carpenter. The Commission is also co-chaired by Jolynn White.

“On March 28, 2023, I was proud to sign Senate Bill 2139, establishing America250 Mississippi,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “America’s journey has been marked by innovation, resilience and a steadfast commitment to freedom. I look forward to seeing how America250 Mississippi celebrates our state’s role in America’s exceptional story.”

“I take pride in knowing Mississippi’s patriotism for the United States will shine during these commemorative events and programs,” said First Lady and A250 MS Co-Chair Elee Reeves. “This coming year is going to be a truly inspiring celebration of America’s founding!”

“The national America250 Commission has presented many incredible opportunities to Mississippians,” said A250 MS Co-Chair Lynn Hosemann. “I am excited to see all the unique ways in which my fellow Mississippians and their communities will take part in this grand celebratory year, further instilling a sense of wonder and pride for what it means to be an American.”

“I am proud to see the American story told through the eyes of Mississippians as we prepare to celebrate this milestone in our nation’s history,” said A250 Co-Chair Jolynn White. “I know our communities will find creative ways to display their great pride and patriotism in what it means to be both a Mississippian and American.”

Leadership of the America250 Mississippi Commission (A250 MS) also announced several grant programs and public initiatives, inviting Mississippians to engage in the ongoing commemoration and celebration of the 250th anniversary of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Among the various state offices participating in A250 MS initiatives and grant programs are Visit Mississippi, the Mississippi Arts Commission, and the Mississippi Humanities Council. These offices will run statewide grant programs to support local America250 celebrations and commemorations.

Additionally, the Two Mississippi Museums will launch a new exhibit called Mississippi Made, highlighting the state’s creative talent, fortitude and ingenuity that has helped shape the fabric of America.

The Journal of Mississippi History, published by the Mississippi Historical Society, recently issued a call for submissions for a special edition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, providing a unique opportunity to explore Mississippi’s rich history within the broader context of American history.

The A250 MS Commission invites Mississippi communities and vendors to submit information about their ongoing and planned commemorative and patriotic events celebrating America’s independence at the A250 MS website events page.

America250 Mississippi:
America250 Mississippi is the state’s commission charged with collaborating and coordinating partnerships for the historic semiquincentennial commemoration of the United States. Funding for commemorative programming and grants is made possible in part by the Mississippi Legislature and by A250 MS local public and private partnerships.

For more information on A250 MS grant opportunities, programs, and initiatives, please visit https://america250.ms.

America250:
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.

For more information on America250 grant opportunities and initiatives, please visit https://america250.org/americas-250th.

Video of today’s press conference can be found on Governor Reeves’ Facebook page.