Philly 250 activities continue through the year
By Jay Nachman
Philadelphia’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence is underway. Events to honor the Semiquincentennial, known locally as “Philly 250,” will continue through the end of 2026. Read on to learn about just some of the activities taking place this year.
52 Weeks of Firsts
This yearlong citywide series of free public events highlights groundbreaking ideas, inventions and milestones that began in Philadelphia. Some “firsts” are well known, while others may surprise even lifelong Philadelphians. Info: 1-800-537-7676 | www.VisitPhilly.com/52-weeks-of-firsts.
250 neighborhood events
“The Free Library’s participation in Philly 250 brings this historic milestone into communities across the city,” said Kelly Richards, president and director of the Free Library of Philadelphia.
“Across our neighborhood libraries, we’re hosting free events where people of all ages can connect with Philadelphia’s history, engage with one another, and ref lect on what freedom and community mean today.”
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s 54 library branches will host 250 events celebrating Philly 250. Info: 1-833-TALK-FLP (8255357) | www.FreeLibrary.org/250.
Walking tour of history
Philadelphia’s Historic District offers “The Path to Democracy,” which connects 19 inspiration points in the historic district and beyond. These points share the stories, people and ideals related to the birth and expression of democracy in the United States. This self-guided tour highlights some of Philadelphia’s famous historic landmarks, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It also includes little-known examples of how everyday citizens, like Betsy Ross and Samuel and Elizabeth Powel, found their voice and passion in their democratic actions.
The tour begins at the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774: Carpenters’ Hall of Philadelphia at 320 Chestnut St. Info: www.VisitPhilly.com/pathto-democracy.
Accessible history
The City of Philadelphia is making efforts to ensure Philly 250 events are accessible to all residents and visitors.
“As the birthplace of modern democracy, Philadelphia has a unique responsibility and opportunity during the nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “Visit Philadelphia is working to amplify the full range of celebrations and events taking place this summer, as we want visitors and residents from all walks of life to be able to share in this experience and feel included in this historic moment. Getting the word out on offerings that are affordable and accessible for everyone is an essential part of how our city welcomes the world.”
Here are just a few historic attractions in Philadelphia that are accessible. A full list of Semiquincentennial activities can be found at www.Visitphilly.com/2026-philadelphia.
The American Philosophical Society (APS), also in the city’s historic district at 104 S. 5th St., presents the free exhibition, “These Truths: The Declarations of Independence.” It explores how Americans used and reproduced the document during its first 50 years. Exhibition highlights include a first printing of Thomas Paine’s famous pamphlet “Common Sense,” the chair Thomas Jefferson sat in while writing the Declaration of Independence, John Binns’ 1819 printing of the declaration, and William James Stone’s 1823 printing of the declaration.
The exhibit is open through Jan. 3, 2027. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. The museum has an elevator and wheelchair lift for those with mobility needs. Info: 215-440-3440 |
www.amphilsoc.org/visit-museum.
Admission is free to the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East, the core exhibition and “Only in America” gallery. Admission ($18 for seniors) is required only to enter the new exhibition, “The First Salute.” It tells the tale of America’s f ight for freedom, where Jewish faith, courage and persecution collided on the high seas to change the course of history.
The museum has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible. Standard wheelchairs are available for use onsite on a limited basis at the Admissions Desk. Info: 215-923-3811 | www.TheWeitzman.org.
Historic Germantown 2026 celebrations include historic walking tours with a look into the history of some of the most iconic sites across Germantown. Walks include “Northern Migration – African Americans 1940-1970s” and “Souvenir of Germantown,” presented by the Black Writers Museum and Historic Germantown.
The majority of walking tours, which continue through November, are free. Donations are encouraged. Visitors are encouraged to contact Historic Germantown to see which tours are most accessible for older people and those with mobility issues. Info: 215844-1683 | www.HistoricGermantownPA.org/2026-tours.
Getting around
One of the most convenient and inexpensive ways to see some of the city’s top attractions is aboard the colorful Philadelphia PHLASH. Rides on the easily identifiable purple buses are just $2 for a single ride or $5 for an all-day pass. SEPTA Key holders, older adults and children under 4 ride for free.
The PHLASH service follows a loop from Penn’s Landing to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with over a dozen other visitor friendly stops along the route. The PHLASH runs seasonally. Daily service is available April through September. Weekend service runs through December. All buses are wheelchair accessible. Info: 1-800-537-7676 | www.RidePhillyPhlash.com.
Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.
