In 2026, America celebrates the semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and a leading player in the American Revolution, Pennsylvania will be in the spotlight this year with events and initiatives across the state.
America250PA, the official state entity for the 250th celebration, is making sure all 67 counties in Pennsylvania are a part of this historic milestone. One of their programs is Bells Across PA, which places fiberglass replicas of the Liberty Bell in each county. Every bell is designed by a local artist. Robert Heinrich Jr. painted Sullivan County’s bell, which is displayed at the Eagles Mere Inn. Titled “We the People,” the bell depicts the Constitution and an American flag, along with local scenes like the Loyalsock Canyon Vista. Wyoming County’s bell, titled “Community United Through Strength,” is located at the Wyoming County Healthcare Center in Tunkhannock. It was designed by Allison LaRussa, featuring local landmarks like the Nicholson Bridge, the Dietrich Theater, and more.
Larger bronze bells have also been placed at historically significant locations. The nearest one is at The Dennis Farm in Kingsley. The farm was originally purchased and settled by the Perkins family, free African Americans who settled in the area after the American Revolution. The farm is still owned by their descendants today, and several Revolutionary War veterans are laid to rest at the property’s cemetery.
America250PA has also introduced a Liberty Tree program in partnership with the Pennsylvania Freemasons. The program will plant a certified liberty tree in each county. Sullivan County’s tree is located in Laporte Park across from the courthouse, while Wyoming County’s tree is planted at Lazybrook Park in Tunkhannock.
Local communities, museums, and historical societies look forward to hosting 250th events throughout the year. A few examples include:
- An America250PA Mobile Unit will visit fairs and festivals throughout the state leading up to July 4. The unit includes interactive exhibits, educational displays, and a storytelling booth.
- The Eagles Mere Museum will host several transportation-themed programs from April through October.
- French Azilum Historic Site is holding a Revolutionary War Weekend and 250th Anniversary Celebration on August 21-23, 2026. Visitors can watch battle reenactments and explore the soldiers’ encampments.
- The Tunkhannock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will present “July 4, 1776 – Breaking News: Independence Is Declared!” at the Dietrich Theater on June 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. In this program, we will be introduced to the wives of the 24th Connecticut Militia Regiment of the Wyoming Valley and discover how they first heard the news of independence. A DAR America 250 exhibit will also be on display at the theater from June 1 through July 31, 2026.
- The Wyalusing Valley Museum has announced a “Stars and Stripes” theme for the annual Patchwork in the Pews Quilt Show on April 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Wyalusing United Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. On June 14 at 2:00 p.m., they will also show video footage from the 1976 Wyalusing bicentennial celebration.
- The Wyoming County Courthouse will observe Patriots Day with a ceremony on April 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
Join us in the Endless Mountains as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead for the future. Our online calendar is continually updated with additional 250th events.
The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau is a proud nonprofit affiliate of America250PA.