As Alabama ramps up efforts to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Baldwin County is positioning itself to take part in several statewide initiatives led by the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission.

The commission, known as A250AL, is working to involve at least one community in every county through programs designed to promote civic engagement, local history and patriotism ahead of the 2026 milestone, a news release said.

In Baldwin County, three municipalities — Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Foley — have already been designated as official America 250 Alabama Semiquincentennial Cities as of April 1. The designation recognizes a commitment to hosting events, building partnerships and encouraging a deeper understanding of the nation’s founding principles at the local level.

Each participating city will receive an official America 250 Alabama flag to display, while organizing programming tied to the anniversary. State officials say the initial list of 50 designated communities is only the beginning, with more cities encouraged to join.

Countywide, Baldwin is also seeking to participate in the commission’s Liberty Tree Initiative, which aims to plant historically significant trees in communities across Alabama. The county applied for the program before Feb. 10.

If approved, Baldwin County would receive a 6- to 8-foot Princeton Elm along with a bronze plaque, creating a living tribute to the nation’s founding. The Liberty Tree dates back to the American Revolution, when colonists gathered beneath a Boston elm to protest British rule. Today, the trees are intended to symbolize unity, freedom and civic responsibility.

So far, 40 of Alabama’s 67 counties have been approved to receive trees, with initial distributions taking place during Arbor Week at the American Village and additional deliveries scheduled through April. Counties are responsible for selecting planting locations and maintaining the trees long term.

Local governments and organizations in Baldwin County may also benefit from grant funding tied to the semiquincentennial effort. The America 250 Alabama Grant Program will distribute up to $725,000 statewide, including up to 250 grants of $2,500 for municipalities and counties and up to 100 grants of $1,000 for nonprofit groups that regularly present programming related to the American Revolution and the nation’s founding era.

Applications for funding must be submitted by April 30 through the commission’s online portal at www.america250al.org.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, these initiatives reflect Alabama’s deep commitment to honoring our shared history while inspiring active citizenship for generations to come. Through the dedication of our communities, from the first designated Semiquincentennial Cities to the planting of Liberty Trees across the state and funding for our community grants, we are not only commemorating our nation’s founding, but also strengthening the civic spirit that will carry us into the future,” Natalie Steed, executive officer of the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission, said in the release.