Semiquincentennial kickoff celebrated in Lancaster

America celebrates the 250th anniversary of it’s independence this year, with Pennsylvania playing a starring role in the country’s history.

“It’s a once in a lifetime event,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. 

Coleman is traveling the state, engaging Pennsylvanians through kickoff events in each of the 67 counties over the next two weeks.

The tour stopped in Lancaster, Saturday afternoon. On the snowy steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown Lancaster, community leaders, residents, and members of America250PA gathered for a ceremony highlighting activities to mark the Semiquincentennial throughout the year.

Coleman said of Lancaster’s role in America’s history, “Lancaster has contributed so much to the American story. From the Conestoga Wagon to the Pennsylvania long rifle, Lancaster has made its mark with local craftmanship and innovation.”

Coleman has been leading the America250PA campaign since its inception in 2018. The kickoff ceremonies will highlight each county’s unique history, and contributions as part of the celebration.

“The goal is to educate, preserve, innovate and celebrate the commonwealth’s history,” said Coleman.

Staff handed out America250PA t-shirts, pins, pens, signs, and other memorabelia to those gathered on this wintry day on North Duke Street.

Lancaster County Commissioners Ray D’Agostino (R), Josh Parsons (R), and Alice Yoder (D) were on hand. Parsons is the county advisor for the campaign.

“Lancaster is one of America’s most storied places,” Parsons told the crowd. “We’re grateful for the enduring spirit of liberty…. There’s no more important state in the country than Pennsylvania. The nation started here.”

D’Agostino echoed his colleague’s enthusiasm. 

“We’re proud of our heritage and history,” he said.

Lancaster served as the nation’s capital for a day on Spetember 27, 1777 when the Continental Congress fled Philadelphia.

Lancaster’s celebration will include events at Rock Ford, the home of Edward Hand who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution and at James Buchanan’s home, Wheatland.

America250PA will partner with counties to host concerts throughout the year. Bells across PA is a project consisting of replica Liberty Bells being displayed across the commonwealth.

Another statewide event takes place in May with the Memorial Flag Initative. America250 staff will work with state agencies to place American flags on veterans’ gravesites.

Scholarships totalling $250,000 will be awarded to select Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to attend an acccredited Pennsylvania college or university next year. 

“The goal is to engage as many Pennsylvanians as possible,” Coleman said. 

While the 4th of July celebration in Philadelphia is shaping up to be the grandest party, Lancaster will show its patriotism with concerts and fireworks on the Fourth.

Events marking the nation’s 250th birthday in Pennsylvania will take place all year and, as organizers say, “Everyone’s invited.”

Barbara Barr is a former reporter for WGAL in Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna Valley where she led political coverage that earned a Walter Cronkite Award.