Pennsylvania is proud to play a leading role in America’s 250th anniversary, and we invite you to join the celebration right here in the Susquehanna River Valley. As we count down to 2026, communities across the Commonwealth are coming together to honor our nation’s history, celebrate our shared values and inspire future generations.
From special events and exhibits to family-friendly activities and community gatherings, America250PA offers something for everyone. It’s more than a celebration. It’s a chance to reflect on our past, embrace our present and imagine the future we will create together.
Join us as we mark this historic milestone and showcase the people, places and stories that make Pennsylvania, and America, so special.
What is America250PA?
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present and future.
America250PA is bringing Pennsylvanians together to honor our past, celebrate our present, and inspire the future. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we’re highlighting Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in shaping America and the people who continue to define it today. Through programs that engage all 67 counties, we aim to connect communities with their history, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire the next generation of leaders. By recognizing the struggles and triumphs that shaped our Commonwealth, we’re ensuring that Pennsylvania’s story continues to be written—by all of us, for all of us.
While Northumberland County covers a lot of ground today, several hundred years ago it was so expansive that six counties were formed out of it, according to Northumberland County Historical Society’s Librarian John Lindermuth.
Dotted with scenic farmscapes and historic downtowns, Union County was established in March 1813 from a portion of Northumberland County. The name “Union” was intentional – it was a clear nod to the federal Union of the United States.
