Louisiana's Legacy Echoes in America's Birthday
AMERICA: 250 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Learn More About Louisiana America 250 Commissioners
America 250 is the official U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 1776. Its mission is to inspire every American to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and build a more just and inclusive future for generations to come. Through national partnerships, public programs, and community stories, America 250 aims to create the largest and most inclusive commemoration in our country’s history.
The Louisiana America 250 Commission is dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation by highlighting Louisiana’s significant contributions.
Mike Bayham is a native of Chalmette and graduate of Holy Cross High School and would later earn his Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana State University.
Mr. Godwin serves as Secretary of the Louisiana America 250 Commission and brings extensive experience in heritage leadership.
Currently serving as the Director of the Louisiana State Museum system, Mrs. Mackie’s 20-year career in the museum industry started with her work on the development team at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
COL Crean (USA, Ret.) has served since 2017 as the Vice President of Education and Access at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, where he is responsible for the Museum’s content departments.
Ms. Broussard is the Assistant Secretary of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, overseeing the Louisiana divisions of Archaeology, Historic Preservation, and Art
Bobbi Foster serves as Louisiana State Society Daughters of the American Revolution America 250! State Chair and National Vice Chair for the President General’s Project Committee, NSDAR. She leads statewide preservation and education initiatives tied to the Semiquincentennial, coordinating chapters across Louisiana to implement impactful public programs.
Mr. Folse has dedicated more than four decades to serving children, educators, and families across Louisiana. He currently serves at the Louisiana Department of Education, where he joined in 2020 as the state’s first Assistant Superintendent of School System Relations, establishing a unit focused on strong partnerships and clear communication with public school systems statewide.
Dr. Sinella Aghasi is a dynamic leader in nonprofit strategy and philanthropy who specializes in strengthening arts and education institutions.
Dr. Eid is a distinguished scholar and cultural heritage expert who serves as Professor and Director of the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program at Southern University at New Orleans.
Sharon has served the tourism industry for 30 years. She is a researcher, grant writer and develops tourism product, as well as marketing initiatives.
Now in her third term as BESE District 3 representative, Sandy has served as President (2020-2021) and Secretary-Treasurer (2022).
Mr. Madina leads The Madina Group, a multi-disciplinary lobbying and project management firm serving clients with interests throughout the United States for more than 20 years.
Samuel C. Hyde, Jr. Ph.D. is Leon Ford Endowed Chair, Professor of History and Director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University.
