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
PA earned its nickname for its central role in holding together the original 13 colonies politically, economically, and geographically!
POPULATION SNAPSHOT
PA earned its nickname for its central role in holding together the original 13 colonies politically, economically, and geographically!
BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
PA earned its nickname for its central role in holding together the original 13 colonies politically, economically, and geographically!
EARLY ADOPTER
PA earned its nickname for its central role in holding together the original 13 colonies politically, economically, and geographically!
STATE FLOWER
PA earned its nickname for its central role in holding together the original 13 colonies politically, economically, and geographically!
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.
April 17 – 19
Lake Erie Wine Country’s Salute to America’s 250th Birthday
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.
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
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.