Reflecting on Craft, Consistency, and a Shared Milestone
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the shared future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
Established by Congress in 2016, America250™ is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The multi-year effort, continuing through July 4, 2026, intentionally brings together participants from across the country and across perspectives. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, along with former First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, serve as Honorary National Co-Chairs, with support from a bipartisan Congressional Caucus.
At its core, the initiative invites broad, inclusive participation and encourages thoughtful, nonpartisan reflection and celebration.
At Musgrave Pencil Company, we’re proud to participate in this moment as a licensed partner of America250™. As the country prepares to mark 250 years of history, we’re grateful to stand alongside an initiative that honors the people, craftsmanship, and everyday work that help shape our shared story.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Perspective
For more than 110 years, Musgrave has played a small but proud role in America’s creative and industrial heritage—supporting makers, students, and professionals across generations with a simple, well-made tool.
Since 1916, we’ve carried out our work through changing times and circumstances. Our role has remained consistent: to show up every day and craft a useful tool for anyone doing the thinking, writing, learning, or building that moves our communities forward.
As an American manufacturer and family-owned company in Tennessee, this century-long history matters deeply to us. Our partnership with America250™ reflects a shared commitment to the traditions of quality, ingenuity, and perseverance that continue to define American craftsmanship.
Pencils are used in classrooms, on jobsites, in studios, and at kitchen tables. They support learning, problem-solving, creativity, and honest work—activities that bring people together across backgrounds and perspectives.
We see this anniversary as a civic moment: a time to reflect thoughtfully on where we’ve been and consider how we want to show up for one another going forward.
"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." - President John F. Kennedy, Inaugural address on January 20, 1961
A Thoughtful Approach to a Historic Moment
Our participation in America250™ reflects values that have guided Musgrave for generations. We believe in longevity, perspective, and the importance of creating tools that serve people in their everyday work and learning.
We approach this milestone with care. We’ve been serving every kind of community for more than a century. And through honest work and a trusted tool, we always aim to leave things better than we found them. Our focus remains simple: We’re here to craft quality pencils and contribute to a tradition of American manufacturing.
Looking Ahead
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we’re honored to celebrate this historic moment—and to continue doing what we’ve always done: crafting quality pencils, made in the USA, for the thinkers and creators who help move our nation forward.