‘Pennsylvania 250’: state launches year-long celebration of its role in the nation’s founding

State officials on Friday announced the launch of “Pennsylvania 250: The Keystone of American History,” a year-long initiative showcasing the role of the commonwealth in the founding of the nation.

The Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission said the state will commemorate the anniversary with exhibitions and public progams at its museums and historic sites.

“With Pennsylvania 250, we are inviting people to rediscover where the American experiment began—and how Pennsylvanians helped shape it at every turning point,” said Andrea Lowry, executive director of the PHMC. “The Keystone State is not just a nickname; it reflects our foundational role in the nation’s history. This programming highlights rare objects, pivotal moments, and diverse voices that together tell a fuller story of America.”

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America’s 250th birthday at The State Museum of Pa.

The newly opened flagship exhibition at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg features 140 artifacts from three centuries of Pennsylvania and American history, including a rare 1st Continental Regiment Flag from the American Revolution, commemorative art — highlighted by Charles Weisgerber’s monumental 1893 painting, Birth of Our Nation’s Flag — that looks at how early Americans expressed national identity and artifacts from the Centennial and Bicentennial celebrations.

Another exhibit, Illuminating Independence, feaures 35 original hand-illuminated copies of the Declaration of Independence, made by Sherman Notestine of Harrisburg in the 1920s.

Both exhibitions run through August 2, 2026.

State historic sites also will feature anniversary-themed exhibits and events including:

• Old Economy Village (Ambridge) will explore craftsmanship as a civic tradition, culminating in a Civil War weekend on May 2, 2026.
• Erie Maritime Museum will mark the return of the U.S. Brig Niagara on July 2, 2026, with a July 4th celebration and focus on Pennsylvania’s role in the War of 1812.
• Pennsbury Manor (Morrisville) will host a “First Ladies of Pennsylvania” luncheon in fall 2026, examining the evolution of that role from Hannah Penn, wife of founder William Penn, to Lori Shapiro, the current first lady.

More information on “Pennsylvania 250″ will be available at the PHMC’s website.