It comes in many names — Semiquincentennial, Sestercentennial, Quarter Millennial, the Big Two- Five-Oh—but they all refer to the same thing: 250 years since that historic Fourth of July moment in 1776, exactly two-and-a-half centuries since America’s birth, when the Founding Fathers declared independence right in the heart of Philadelphia. In 1776, newly minted Americans threw a giant party to commemorate the day. Fireworks, bonfires, lights, decorations, music and joyful gatherings filled the streets of Philadelphia. “American Independence was celebrated here with a festivity and ceremony becoming the occasion,” recalled Founding Father John Adams. And now 250 momentous years later, from sea to shining sea, Americans from the tip of Florida to the Alaskan archipelago will be gearing up to celebrate this milestone birthday. But as many already know, there’s no better place to celebrate America than in its birthplace: Philadelphia. Here are just a few of the things Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has planned to make this a special celebration. Bells Across PA: The designs will be informed by community stakeholders and will reflect each neighborhood’s unique identity, while also celebrating and commemorating the semiquincentennial. Once completed, the bells will be displayed along commercial corridors and public parks creating a treasure. Both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps are honoring the same milestone in Philadelphia, the city where both services were born. The Navy’s anniversary took place October 9-16, 2025, followed by the Marine Corps on November 10, 2025.
What could be better than an exhibition of America’s favorite pastime. The 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and All-Star Week will be played in Philadelphia, mid-July 2026. As part of the Fifa World Cup 2026, Philly will host 6 matches between Jun 14-July 2, 2026. This is the largest sporting event in the World. In 2017, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) announced a grant of $380,000 to the city of Philadelphia to plant 76 semiquincentennial commemorative trees at Independence National Historical Park. The actual planting of the trees has been happening over the course of the past several years, leading up to the semiquincentennial. to issue commemorative coins and postage stamps, and commission appropriately named naval vessels. The legislation specifically directs the organization of events “in locations of historical significance to the United States” going on to list Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Charleston, South Carolina, as “leading cities.” The United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 directs the United States Government The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 allows the United States Mint to redesign any coins in 2026. It calls for a series of five designs for the quarter, including one depicting women’s contribution to independence. Plans for the casting of a new public bell are being coordinated by the National Bell Festival. The bell will honor 250 years of women’s contributions to the American story and will lead nationwide ringing tributes during the celebrations.
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COAST TO COAST DIRECTORY 2026
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