We’ve partnered with America250PA as they make their way through all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. They’re spreading the word about the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and Pennsylvania’s unique role as the birthplace of democracy in America. Stay tuned right here for news and updates from the America250PA team.
Every County, Every Community: America250PA’s County Kick-Off Tour
Just last week, America250PA completed a thirteen-day Semiquincentennial County Kick-off tour across Pennsylvania to begin the celebrations of our nation’s 250th anniversary.
The tour ran from January 16 through January 29, with Executive Director Cassandra Coleman traveling to 52 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Due to severe weather, 15 visits were postponed and are currently being rescheduled for the coming weeks.
Kicking Off America’s Semiquincentennial Celebration
Each stop on the tour brought together local officials, community partners, educators, and residents to celebrate the people, places, and stories that define their communities. The kick-off events highlighted America250PA’s statewide mission and signature initiatives while reinforcing a guiding principle of the Semiquincentennial: every county, every community, and every Pennsylvanian has a place in this once-in-a-generation anniversary.
The Luzerne County Kick-off event was held on January 18 at the Luzerne County Courthouse, bringing together community leaders, partners, and residents to launch the county’s participation in the Semiquincentennial.
Sponsored by Visit Luzerne County and Vesuvio’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, the event featured remarks from America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman, who shared the Commission’s mission, highlighted key programming planned for this once-in-a-generation celebration, and underscored the important role Luzerne County continues to play in shaping Pennsylvania’s story.
Exploring Luzerne County’s Role in Shaping Pennsylvania
Coleman was joined by Jimmy Sabatino, Chair of the Luzerne County Council; Congressman Rob Bresnahan; Representative Eddie Day Pashinski; and Luzerne County America250PA Advisor David Pedri. Each offered reflections on the significance of the 250th anniversary and the opportunities ahead to engage residents, celebrate local history, and build pride across the county.
In her remarks, Coleman spoke about the idea that every county in Pennsylvania has helped shape the Commonwealth’s shared story—and that Luzerne County is no exception.
“Every single county in our Commonwealth has helped shape our shared story,” said Coleman, a Luzerne County native. “Our home is no different.”
She highlighted how the county’s history reflects a powerful blend of natural resources, innovation, and cultural preservation that has influenced both Pennsylvania and the nation. The discovery and practical use of anthracite coal, demonstrated by Judge Jesse Fell in 1808, fueled homes, iron production, and industry, positioning the Wyoming Valley as a key player in Pennsylvania’s energy and manufacturing growth.
Coleman also pointed to Luzerne County’s role in 20th-century innovation, noting that the Wilkes-Barre area served as the launch site for HBO, helping pioneer modern premium cable television and placing the region at the forefront of national media innovation. She further emphasized the county’s long-standing commitment to preserving its past, including the work of the Luzerne County Historical Society—founded in 1858—which continues to preserve and share the stories of Indigenous peoples, miners, immigrants, and community leaders.
That story continues today through America250PA’s work in Luzerne County
Coleman teased an America250PA Concert Series event on June 20th at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre—and hinted that a big performer reveal is on the way.
The kick-off program also cataloged some of the groundwork laid ahead of 2026, including two Keystone Classroom Initiative visits at Wyoming Area Primary Center and Dr. David W. Kistler Elementary School, the planting of a Liberty Tree at the Wyoming Monument, and three Bells Across PA installations at The Wright Center for Community Health, Visit Luzerne County, and the YMCA Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood. The program also spotlighted an upcoming Lecture250 program in partnership with WVIA focused on Luzerne County’s industrial innovation. In addition, Coleman highlighted a 2025 Pennsylvania Day of Service project that helped stock the pantry at CEO’s Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank with 5,600 pounds of nonperishable food and provided 440 senior food boxes for local residents in need.
Expressing pride in what has already been accomplished and excitement for what lies ahead, Coleman emphasized that this work continues to belong to all of us. The Semiquincentennial places the Commonwealth on a national stage, and what the country sees will be shaped by how we collaborate, how we engage our communities, and how we show up for one another.
If we work together, Pennsylvania will do what it has always done: lead the nation and carry its legacy forward with creativity and purpose.
