Credit: Submitted
There’s going to be “one hell of a party” in Pennsylvania in 2026, according to Gov. Tom Wolf.
At a ceremony in the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg last week, Wolf recognized the members of the America250PA commission, who will help the state mark America’s 250th birth.
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The anniversary is more formally known as a semiquincentennial.
While the sitting Democratic governor stated it was going to be “one hell of a party,” he also stated it would be in “an appropriate fashion.” Philadelphia will play a large role in the celebration.
The America250PA commission is made up of 20 private citizens, four legislators in a voting capacity, and 11 state officials in non-voting ex- officio roles. It includes former governors Tom Corbett, Tom Ridge, Ed Rendell, Dick Thornburgh, and Mark Schweiker.
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Locally, Northampton-based State Rep. Wendi Thomas is on the commission.
After swearing in the commission, Wolf thanked the members.
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“Our nation will be celebrating a milestone birthday in 2026: 250 years, and it was right here in Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall where our founders gathered on July 4, 1776 and voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence,” he said.
“With your help on July 4, 2026, we will return to Philadelphia to celebrate and honor the people who had the dream to envision a country by the people, for the people. This event will put Philadelphia on the national stage and has the potential to draw millions of visitors to Pennsylvania for the celebration.”
“I am looking forward to all the impactful things this commission plans to do to leave a legacy in the Commonwealth,” said Patrick Burns, the America250PA chairman. “This is not a partisan or political project. It’s an opportunity to commemorate our state’s contributions to this country, celebrate our diversity and elevate our talented and unique communities.”
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Pennsylvania is among the first states in the nation to begin planning for the 2026 celebration.
