Mayor Parker proposes $40 million in initial funding for Philly’s 250th anniversary
The initial city funding would address the most urgent costs of Philly’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America. Some councilmembers feel it doesn’t go far enough. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker presented City Council on Thursday with an initial $40 million funding proposal to help pay for Philadelphia’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America […]
Gov. Josh Shapiro proposes nearly $65 million for state Semiquincentennial celebrations
Shapiro advocated for millions for next year’s major tourism events including the nation’s 250th birthday, FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All-Star Game, and early rounds of NCAA’s March Madness. Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed nearly $65 million in funding Tuesday toward Pennsylvania’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America in 2026, also known as the […]
The Museum of the American Revolution will display Thomas Jefferson’s chair and Martin Luther King’s prison bench
The exhibit, starting later this year, represents the first time the two iconic objects have been displayed side-by-side. When envisioning its major exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the Museum of the American Revolution sought out objects that represent the document’s enduring power, complexity, and unfilled promise. Two of […]
What will Philly look like in 250 years? Help describe the city’s future
With residents from across the city, we’re crafting a semiquincentennial vision statement to take us to 2276 and beyond. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States — a movement that was created, debated and consecrated in Philadelphia — let’s look ahead another quarter millennium. What will Philadelphia […]
Philly’s new Independence holiday gets to the heart of America
A founding father thought July 2 should be celebrated with “Pomp and Parade.” Philly decided to finally heed his call. Philadelphia celebrated a new holiday called Red, White, & Blue To-Do on Tuesday, exactly 248 years after one of the country’s founding fathers predicted it. Further proof to never give up on your American dream, […]
Philly will host TED Talks with national speakers ahead of 250th anniversary celebration in 2026
Programming starts this summer to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and leads up to 2026. TED, the nonprofit known for its inspirational talks, is coming to Philadelphia with a series of programs to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, city and state officials announced Tuesday […]
Move over, July 4: Philly’s planning a new celebration on the real independence day
A brand-new family-oriented patriotic celebration with a parade, free concerts, restaurant deals and extended museum hours is coming to Old City this year — just a couple days before Philly’s traditional Independence Day festivities. The neighborhood’s cultural and tourist organizations have banded together to create what they’re calling the inaugural Red, White & Blue To-Do […]
A Children’s World Fair may be the next big thing coming to Philadelphia
A really big year for Philadelphia may get even bigger if three of the city’s most-loved institutions have their way. The Please Touch Museum, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts have partnered to explore the possibility of a Children’s World Fair in 2026. Not only is that the year of […]
Historic District museums and businesses launch new summer event ahead of 2026
Historic Philadelphia and museums and businesses throughout Old City will debut a new event this summer that aims to highlight Philadelphia’s vital role in the nation’s history ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Red, White & Blue To-Do’s inaugural event will take place on July 2 at locations throughout the Historic District, which runs […]
Philadelphia cultural institutions plan Children’s World Fair for 2026
A trio of tourist attractions in Philadelphia’s Centennial District are proposing the creation of a Children’s World Fair in 2026, which would be the latest major event on the city’s calendar for America’s 250th birthday. The Please Touch Museum, the Philadelphia Zoo and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts have partnered on the proposal, […]