America250PA Launches Statewide Celebration Tour in Pennsylvania

A series of celebratory events kicked off in Southwestern Pennsylvania on Saturday, marking the beginning of the America250PA tour to commemorate the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial. State and local leaders gathered at the Greene County Courthouse in Waynesburg to highlight how Pennsylvanians will engage with their local history as part of the broader festivities.

This event, part of a statewide initiative, represents the 35th stop on a journey to visit each county in Pennsylvania before a grand finale in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026. According to Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250PA, the aim is to ensure that every county’s contributions to the state’s narrative are recognized. Coleman has spent the last five years preparing for these celebrations, emphasizing the importance of local stories and events, such as Waynesburg’s traditional Rain Day.

“That’s what we want to do as a statewide commission—really tap into the local stories, the unique, the diverse stories, and highlight those for the nation and the world when they descend here in 2026,” Coleman stated.

The tour encountered some setbacks due to inclement weather. Safety concerns related to an impending winter storm led to the cancellation of a ceremony in Washington County, originally planned for the same day. Following the Greene County event, America250PA also announced that its Sunday ceremonies would be canceled. Coleman mentioned that she would coordinate with Washington County to reschedule the event.

Last year, America250PA initiated another county-specific project, unveiling replicas of the Liberty Bell painted by local artists, each depicting the unique history of their respective counties. Greene County is already planning its own Independence Day celebrations in conjunction with America250PA, with events scheduled in Waynesburg and Carmichaels. Additionally, Greene County Board Chairman Jared Edgreen confirmed that the county will host an America250PA event at this year’s Greene County Fair.

Greene County, established in 1796 after being separated from Washington County, is named for Nathanael Greene, a prominent general in the Revolutionary War. Edgreen highlighted the county’s significant traits, noting its status as the fourth-largest natural gas producer in Pennsylvania, along with its strong educational resources and agricultural fairs.

“We do have a rich history here, and it’s a good thing to celebrate this and remind ourselves of where we came from,” Edgreen affirmed. “We’re not called the Keystone State for nothing. We were a pivotal part of founding this nation, and it’s something to be proud of.”

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity reflected on her research into Greene County, drawing parallels to her home in Bradford County. Both regions share a strong agricultural heritage—cows for Bradford, sheep for Greene—and have significantly contributed to America’s natural resource production, from coal to the natural gas extracted from the Marcellus Shale.

“Everywhere I go, I see hard-working families looking for opportunities for the next generation, just like those that came to Penn’s Woods centuries before us,” Garrity noted. She emphasized unity despite diverse backgrounds and political perspectives, stating, “America is our home, Pennsylvania is our home, and nothing will ever come between us coming together to celebrate the freedoms that we are so blessed to enjoy.”

In addition to the county events, America250PA is launching a series of statewide initiatives, including $250,000 in scholarships for Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to attend in-state colleges or universities for the 2026-27 academic year. Interested students can apply online until March 15, 2024. The organization will also host regional concerts and a lecture series focused on the influential people, events, and ideals that have shaped Pennsylvania and the United States.

“This is all part of a shared effort, one that reaches into every county and every community,” Coleman explained. “No matter where you live in Pennsylvania, there is a place for you in this milestone: to learn, to serve, to reflect, but most importantly, to celebrate together.”