The city of Annapolis is seeking volunteers to serve on a planning commission for programs and events for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

The ad hoc commission, dubbed the “Annapolis U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission,” or “Annapolis 250,” will begin planning for the celebration on July 4, 2026.

Established through resolution R-49-23 in September, the commission will consist of between nine and 15 representatives from local organizations, including two resident members to be nominated by Mayor Gavin Buckley and confirmed by the Annapolis City Council.

Among the groups that will be represented on the commission are: The mayor’s office, Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Historic Annapolis Foundation, Banneker-Douglass Museum, Anne Arundel County, Maryland State Senate, Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission, Four Rivers Heritage Area, Annapolis business community, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Maryland Hall and National Park Service.

Annapolis, which dates to nearly 150 years before the founding of the country, will be a “significant center for celebrations” of the 250th anniversary, the resolution states. “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.”

Commission members will not receive compensation. They are expected to meet quarterly through 2026 and submit a quarterly report to the mayor and City Council on its activities to ensure transparency and accountability, according to the resolution.

The resolution lays out four duties for commission members: develop a plan for the commemoration that aligns with the city’s “historical significance and cultural heritage”; identify and secure funding for the celebration through grants, sponsorships and donations; coordinate with state and local agencies to ensure the celebration runs smoothly; and submit a final report to the City Council three months after the final event.

Applications to serve can be filled out online at annapolis.gov/DocumentCenter/View/28640/Application-to-Serve-on-the-USA-250-Commission-PDF.

A commission planning a statewide celebration of the anniversary was established earlier this year through an executive order signed by Gov. Wes Moore.

The state commission is chaired by former Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening and Judge Catherine Curran O’Malley. More information about the state celebration can be found at MDTwoFifty .Maryland.gov.