Gateway to History: GE Aerospace Donates $1 Million to the Trust for the National Mall for America’s 250th Anniversary

Have you heard the word “semiquincentennial” lately? If you are an American, get ready to hear it a lot more over the next year. It refers to the 250th anniversary the United States will celebrate in 2026.

In honor of this milestone, GE Aerospace is making a $1 million commitment to the Trust for the National Mall, which is hard at work making sure that “America’s front yard,” as the National Mall is known, is ready to shine, with millions of additional visitors expected to visit Washington, D.C., to celebrate. GE Aerospace’s support helps preserve the moments and ideals that define U.S. history, and later this year the Trust will launch a new digital learning platform to increase access to the National Mall so it may further inspire the future of American leadership. 

While nearly 50 million visitors are expected to tour the Mall next year, not everyone will be able to make the trip for this momentous occasion, which is why the digital learning platform, called the National Mall Gateway, is important — it brings the experience into would-be travelers’ and students’ homes and classrooms to make the Mall more accessible through virtual tours, interactive experiences, and learning resources. 

“Our history is entwined with America’s own, and we play an important role in keeping the United States at the forefront of manufacturing and innovation as we invest in our collective future,” says Larry Culp, chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace. “Our commitment will help increase access to the moments and ideals that define our country’s history, inspiring current and future generations.” 

GE Aerospace has been a leader in innovation, sharing key moments in American history and contributing to its bright future. From the Hush Hush Boys, who created America’s first jet engine, to the most produced turbojet in the world, world-record-breaking turbofan engines, and new Open Fan engine architectures that make you take a second look, GE Aerospace is part of the fabric of American technological progress. 

“The National Mall is where our nation’s history is remembered and its future is inspired,” says Catherine Townsend, president and CEO of the Trust for the National Mall. “Support from partners like GE Aerospace is critical to preserving this legacy and ensuring it remains a place of learning, reflection, and access for all.”

GE Aerospace’s support comes as the Trust, working with the National Park Service, plans to unveil new public programming that amplifies American history, civic ideals, and the evolution of industry. As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, GE Aerospace is honored to help the National Mall get ready to welcome the next generation of leaders, learners, and change makers.