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A screenshot from the FamilySearch America250 web page launched for the national celebration to help show that every family has contributed to the American story.© 2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.FamilySearch International announced today its collaboration with America250, the official celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with the release of a new web page and an invitation to “discover your family’s place in American history.”
FamilySearch America250 is a new web page launched for the national celebration to help show that every family has contributed to the American story. It includes links and invitations to explore the FamilySearch Family Tree, record a story, nominate an American Hero, get help at a FamilySearch center, and find answers to frequently asked questions.
“America’s story is built one family at a time, said Steve Rockwood, FamilySearch International CEO. “As we commemorate 250 years, we invite everyone to add what they know — names, memories and photos — to help preserve the diverse experiences that shaped our communities and our nation. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard in America’s story.”
Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. Its theme for America’s 250th anniversary — “Together, We Build America’s Story” — encourages people everywhere to discover their ancestors and add personal and family stories to the FamilySearch Family Tree.
These efforts will help ensure that family memories, local histories and ancestor stories contribute to the broad, diverse fabric of America’s national story.
In addition, throughout 2026, select FamilySearch centers and affiliate libraries across the United States will offer America250‑themed experiences, including:
- Assisted discovery of ancestors who lived through significant historical eras of American history
- Access to free genealogical records (immigration, military, census, local histories)
- Activities for youth groups, schools and community organizations
- Hands‑on help adding family stories, photos and memories to the FamilySearch Family Tree
- Free personalized guidance from trained volunteers
More information is available at FamilySearch America250.
What Is the America250 Campaign?
America 250 is the national, nonpartisan initiative charged by Congress to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
America250’s mission is to celebrate unity, heritage and progress by inviting individuals, families and communities across the nation to remember, discover and add their own stories to expand America’s collective narrative and connect us all. Learn more at www.America250.org.
America250 emphasizes that “the American story is woven from the unique and varied narratives of our people,” highlighting the importance of both well‑known and unsung contributions to the nation’s development.
Rosie Rios, chair for the America250 initiative, said, “When we know our story, we know America’s story — because it’s the people who came before us who built our country, and then we continue to build it.”
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Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks with the Honorable Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Thursday, November 13, 2025.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.What the Church Is Doing
The Church is collaborating on America250 initiatives focused on service, family history and music.
“As we mark this historic milestone, we hope to foster a spirit of unity, peacemaking and goodwill,” said Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in November 2025. “The anniversary is an opportunity for all to come together, serve together, and express gratitude for the freedoms that have allowed all faiths — including ours — to flourish.”