Honoring Pennsylvania’s Role in America’s First 250 Years
On July 4, 2026, the United States marked 250 years since the Declaration of Independence set forth the principles that helped define a new nation.
Pennsylvania stands at the center of that story.
In Philadelphia, the ideas of liberty, equality, self-government, and religious freedom were debated and written into history. At Valley Forge, perseverance and sacrifice helped strengthen the Continental Army during the American Revolution. At Gettysburg, the nation confronted the meaning of union and liberty in one of the defining moments of the Civil War. Across generations, Pennsylvania communities, workers, educators, entrepreneurs, service members, faith leaders, and civic institutions have continued to shape the American story.
America 250 is an opportunity to remember where our nation began, reflect on the work of self-government, and look ahead to the responsibilities we share in building the country’s future.
Pennsylvanians Who Shaped America
America’s history is not only written in documents and monuments. It is also told through the lives of people whose courage, creativity, service, and leadership helped shape the nation. As part of America’s 250th anniversary, Senator McCormick is sharing a video series highlighting Pennsylvanians — past and present, well-known and lesser-known — whose stories contributed to Pennsylvania’s history and the birth and growth of the United States.
Each installment will spotlight a Pennsylvanian whose life reminds us what America has been, what it has overcome, and what it can become.
New episodes are released regularly on Senator McCormick’s official YouTube channel.
Watch the series below and discover the Pennsylvanians who made America's first 250 years possible.
Keystone Legends: "Jumping Jim" Gavin
Your Voice. Your Story. America's Next 250 Years.
The McCormick Senate Office Essay Contest for Pennsylvania High School Students
To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Senator McCormick’s office is inviting Pennsylvania high school students to participate in an America 250 Essay Contest.
The contest is designed to encourage civic engagement, historical reflection, and student voice. Students are invited to reflect on Pennsylvania’s role in the American story, the people who helped shape our nation, and the challenges the next generation must meet to make America stronger at 300.
A downloadable one-page classroom flyer about the essay contest, with prompts, deadline, and submission instructions.
Essay Prompts
Students may choose one of the following prompts:
Prompt 1: Tell us about a Pennsylvanian whose story every American should know.
Prompt 2: What challenge must your generation solve to make America stronger at 300?
Submission Details
| Detail | Info |
| Who Can Enter | All Pennsylvania high school students |
| Essay Length | 600–800 words |
| Deadline | July 4, 2026 |
| How to Submit | Email your essay to pa250@mccormick.senate.gov |
| Subject Line | Include your name, grade, high school, and city |
What Winners Receive
Every submission will be reviewed by the McCormick Senate Office. The strongest essays will be entered into the Congressional Record — a permanent part of our nation’s legislative history. Winning authors will also have the opportunity to sit down with Senator McCormick.
MAJOR EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
Salute to America: The Nation’s 250th Birthday Fireworks Celebration | July 4, 2026
Fourth of July Celebration at the National Mall | July 4, 2026
Flags Across America Culminating Event | July 4, 2026
Great American State Fair | June 25 – July 11, 2026
Large-scale showcase featuring all 50 states and U.S. territories through food, music, art, agriculture, carnival attractions, and cultural exhibits celebrating American unity and heritage.
SMITHSONIAN AMERICA 250 EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMS
National Museum of American History
In Pursuit of Life , Liberty & Happiness — Open Now
The Gunboat Philadelphia Preservation Project — Open Now
Beyond the Exhibition: 250 Years of Messaging — July 23
National Museum of Natural History
Bronze Bison — Open Now
Bison: Standing Strong — Open Now
National Portrait Gallery
American Winners: Athletes and Entertainers Who Shaped the Nation — Open Now
The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees — Opens June 2
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
Featured Exhibitions
The Declaration’s Promise — Opens July 3
The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution — Open Now Through July 4
Alive in Many Hands: 50 Years of the American Folklife Center — Opens September 18
Featured Programs
Family Day: Independence Day — July 4
America’s Field Trip — July 4
National Book Festival — August 22
U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra Concert — October 2
HISTORIC SITES & SPECIAL EXHIBITS
Mount Vernon
George Washington’s estate will host Revolutionary War reenactments, workshops, and commemorative programming throughout the anniversary year.
National Archives Museum – “The American Story” Exhibit
Features historic artifacts including William Stone’s 1823 Declaration of Independence, George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, and presidential memorabilia.
United States Botanic Garden – “America’s State Flowers” | April 10 – October 12, 2026
Exhibit showcasing all 50 state flowers alongside artistic and cultural installations.
Lincoln Memorial Undercroft | Opening July 2026
New immersive museum beneath the Lincoln Memorial exploring the memorial’s history and role in the Civil Rights Movement.
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