The Centennial in 2003 was a time to celebrate America's best-kept secret, and all involved planned major national initiatives for the centennial anniversary. For the national celebration, some of the events included:

• a major exhibit at the Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC
• an exhibit at the National Zoo
• a major celebration at Pelican Island
• a special postage stamp in March 2003

Locally, Blackwater Refuge celebrated its 70th birthday and the Centennial during the refuge's annual Eagle Festival on March 15, 2003. Also, on March 15, volunteers, staff, and the public planted a time capsule on the refuge that will not be opened until March 2103. Among the items inside were the winning entries from the student essay and photography contests Blackwater held to commemorate the Centennial.