During the April COG Board of Directors meeting, officials from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia heard a comprehensive overview of planning and key events for the upcoming America250 celebrations, honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Lindsay Appiah, District of Columbia Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, began DC’s presentation by describing some major events and priorities, and how various agencies will coordinate. She mentioned that the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Park Police, National Guard, and DC Water, among other participating agencies, will all be coordinating on these events.
In May, upcoming DC events include the Rededicate 250 National Jubilee at the National Mall on May 17, the National Archives Celebration from June 4-6, as well as the Great American State Fair, to be held on the National Mall from June 25 through July 10. Additionally, this year’s 4th of July Celebration will be expanded in scope, and a few high-profile sporting events will be held in DC including MMA Freedom250 from June 11-15, and the America250 Grand Prix from August 22-23.
Michele Johnson, Director of the Maryland250 commission, noted that Maryland’s 250 celebrations will focus on three themes: History, Civics, and Service. Johnson highlighted some notable events in the state, including the Sail250 MD and Airshow in Baltimore from June 24-30, and a series of Minor League baseball games called MD250 Revolutionary Baseball.
Gretchen Bulova, Virginia delegate and member of the Virginia250 commission, noted the inclusive and diverse nature of the VA250 commission, including involvement with the Tribal Nations Leadership Council and the African American Advisory Council, among other partnerships. Some major initiatives include two mobile museums that are traveling to middle schools around Virginia, the VA250 Passport program, which offers rewards to those who complete the tasks of visiting historical sites highlighted in the VA250 passport. Like Maryland, Virginia will also host a Sail250 event, taking place from June 19-23.
Public safety remains a top priority for upcoming events across metropolitan Washington. COG Homeland Security and Public Safety Director Scott Boggs outlined ongoing preparations, emphasizing that area police chiefs, fire chiefs, and emergency managers coordinate closely through frequent briefings. To advance situational awareness, the region contracted with Axon Enterprise to deploy a new drone detection system integrated with the National Capital Region Coordination Center.
Expanding on these collaborative efforts, Lindsay Appiah highlighted proactive strategies to mitigate terrorism risks. Regional partners will rely on federal security designations, intelligence sharing, mutual aid agreements, and expanded medical operations to ensure safe and successful celebrations.
To learn more about upcoming events and schedules in each jurisdiction, visit the following resources:
DC250
MD250
VA250