Celebrating America 250!
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the founding document of the United States of America which declared that the 13 colonies would break free from British rule. As we approach this historic milestone, each of us have the opportunity to reflect on the United States’s past and honor the contributions of those who helped build our country into the nation it is today.
For years, America250 PA has been planning, developing, and coordinating the commemoration of America’s 250th birthday right here in Pennsylvania. After all, our Commonwealth was integral to the American Revolution and the formation of the United States as we know it. In celebration of America and Pennsylvania’s integral role in our history, programs, projects, and special events will occur all throughout the year across the state! For information on celebrations happening near you, visit America250 PA’s website.
Start here, America Did!
Pennsylvania State Senate Honors America 250 with Ceremonial Gathering in Philadelphia
Let’s celebrate the Keystone State’s contributions to America 250 – It all started in Philadelphia!
PHILADELPHIA – May 5, 2026 − With the U.S. Semiquincentennial less than two months away, the Pennsylvania State Senate held a ceremonial gathering honoring America’s 250th birthday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward presided over the meeting, which included senators representing all corners of the commonwealth and students from across the state as part of a partnership with America250PA. Patrick Burns, chair of America250PA, outlined the statewide activities planned to take place leading up to and during the semiquincentennial, and the U.S. Army Field Band Chamber Ensemble performed during the ceremony.
The U.S. declared its independence in Philadelphia in 1776 and to this day the Keystone State continues to play a major role in the growth and evolution of our nation. The ceremonial gathering of the Pennsylvania State Senate is a historical tradition. Today marks the fourth meeting in the last 100 years that has taken place outside of the State Capitol in Harrisburg. The previous three meetings were also held in Philadelphia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence in 1926 and the 200th anniversary of the Declaration’s signing in 1976. The Pennsylvania State Senate held a similar gathering in September 1987 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
Build Your Badge
In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, and there’s no better place to mark this once-in-a-lifetime moment than Philadelphia — the city where it all started.
Visit Philly created a customizable visual signature to mark this occasion as a city and region ready to welcome the world.
Join us in celebrating the country’s big year (and Philly’s biggest year yet) by creating a custom badge showing what Philadelphia 2026 looks like to you.
PA Provincial Conference 250th Anniversary
