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.
pennsylvania
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.
Sponsors
The Rise of Pennsylvania
As the 2nd state to join the Union, Pennsylvania was the stage where independence was debated, declared, and defended. At Independence Hall in Philadelphia where the Continental Congress met and the Declaration of Independence was signed, to the fields of Gettysburg that shaped the nation’s future, to the Steel Mills in Pittsburgh that built a nation, 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.
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
EVENTS
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.
