Celebrate 250 Years.
Pennsylvania: Where America Began—and Continues to Rise
In 2026, our nation turns 250. And no state stands closer to the heart of that story than Pennsylvania.
Sponsors
PA History
The Birthplace of American Democracy
Before there was a United States, there was a gathering in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania served as the meeting ground for the Continental Congress, where bold ideas became a new nation. Within these walls, the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Constitution was debated, and the framework for American democracy was forged.
THE KEYSTONE STATE
Just as the critical "keystone" supports an arch by keeping all the stones secure, Pennsylvania was viewed as essential for maintaining unity among the early Union, especially in 1776. Strategically situated, it served as the tangible link between the New England and Southern colonies and held significant political importance as the venue for both the First and Second Continental Congresses, as well as the signing of The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
POPULATION SNAPSHOT
1776: Estimated at 275,000 to 434,373
As of Today: Over 13.1 million
- In 1776, Pennsylvania was the third-largest colony by population.
- Philadelphia was the nation's most populous city
- About 90% of Pennsylvanians lived in rural areas
BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Pennsylvania, and more specifically Philadelphia, is regarded as the cradle of American Democracy. Independence Hall, located in Philadelphia, is the historic venue where the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the U.S. Constitution (1787) were created, discussed, and signed. Officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, it stands as a testament to this pivotal legacy.
EARLY ADOPTER
In 1776, Pennsylvania was a key player in the American Revolution, serving as a pioneering example of democratic governance and independence. It played a crucial role in drafting key documents for the new nation and embodied the ideals of liberty that inspired other colonies. Philadelphia became a vibrant center of revolutionary activity, drawing leaders and thinkers aiming to reshape the relationship between the government and the governed.
STATE Symbols
Pennsylvania's official state symbols call to mind the beauty of the natural environment and the native species that would have been present from it's earliest founding.
- State Flower: Mountain Laurel
- State Bird: Ruffed Grouse
- State Animal: White-tailed Deer
The Rise of Pennsylvania
As the 2nd state to join the Union, Pennsylvania was the stage where independence was debated, declared, and defended. From the halls of Philadelphia where the Continental Congress met and the Declaration of Independence was signed, to the fields of Gettysburg that shaped the nation’s future, Pennsylvania has never stood on the sidelines of history.
Today, that same spirit lives on across the Commonwealth—from the innovation hubs of Pittsburgh, to the historic streets of Philadelphia, to the capital in Harrisburg, and the communities in between.
Join us as we celebrate
250 years of American resilience, ingenuity, and progress—through the lens of the state that helped define it.
ABOUT PA
Upcoming Activities & events
March 1 – September 7
My America: An Illustrated Experience
The Heinz History Center has partnered with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators for a show featuring 63 original works by 35 illustrators. The exhibit uses the power of illustration to reflect on the ideals associated with the American Revolution.
June 12, June 14
Lincoln Portrait
To capture the spirit of the United States, Aaron Copland used Abraham Lincoln's words in Lincoln Portrait. Narrated by F. Murray Abraham, whose voice enhances this powerful piece, Copland's work leads a concert featuring American composers Bernstein, Joan Tower, and John Adams, alongside excerpts from Walt Whitman's reflections as a Civil War hospital volunteer.
June 13
TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures
This one day event at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts explores the democratic future we want to create, while giving a nod to the past.
June 28
Ross Township Independence Day Celebration
Ross Township, PA, will host its 2026 Independence Day Parade and Community Day events:
The Parade starts at 3PM on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Community Day starts after the parade and Fireworks are from after dark until 10:00 PM at Ross Community Center, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive.
July 3
Battle of Gettysburg 163rd Anniversary Battle Reenactment
Join 1,000 reenactors and tens of thousands of spectators for the opportunity to engage with Living Historians demonstrating various ways that life was during the Civil War years.
July 4
Fourth at the Fort
The annual flag raising at the Fort Pitt Blockhouse in celebration of our nation’s independence.
September 11
25th annual September 11 observance - flight 93
A ceremony to honor the 40 passengers and crew. The day includes the reading of names, a wreath-laying, and speaker remarks.
September 19
Living history cast iron cooking
Celebrate Pennsylvania’s 250th birthday as you walk back in time to observe, and possibly sample, historical cast iron cooking from our nation’s past. This is a one time only new park event that you will NOT want to miss!
September 27
33rd annual MCCONNELLS MILL HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Celebrate the historic time period of 1852-1928, when the gristmill harnessed the power of the Slippery Rock Creek to grind wheat for bread. Tour the mill, visit a Civil War encampment, participate in art and craft demonstrations, and enjoy live music at McConnells Mill State Park!
Celebrate 250 Years.
Celebrate Pennsylvania. Celebrate America.
Join us throughout 2026 as we honor the milestones, the makers, and the moments that define both our nation and the state that helped create it. -Sponsors- help us continue to share the inspiring messages of this moment in our national history and promote on-air programming, in-person events, and more. Contact us today to learn more about sharing in the celebration and connecting to the history of our country and the great state of Pennsylvania.
Because to celebrate America’s 250th… is to celebrate Pennsylvania.
