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.
America250PA, in Partnership with the Pennsylvania Freemasons, Presents The Liberty Tree Project
Ahead of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence in 2026, America250PA is partnering with organizations and individuals across the Commonwealth to make 2026 E.P.I.C, as they Educate, Preserve, Innovate and Celebrate Pennsylvania’s past, present and future. In the spirit of American liberty, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will be sponsoring the planting of a Liberty Tree in each of the 67 counties across the Commonwealth.
During the American Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty would often gather under the original Liberty Trees. In 1775, the British destroyed a symbolic Liberty Tree in Boston, though it did not stop revolutionaries throughout the 13 colonies from using these trees as meeting places. One Liberty Tree, which stood on the campus of St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, survived until 1999, before it was badly damaged by Hurricane Floyd. Thanks to local landscaper Mark Mehnert, this historical Liberty Tree, a Tulip Poplar, was rescued and propagated.
In 2021, America250PA and the Pennsylvania Freemasons planted the first propagated Liberty Tree in Pennypacker Mills Park in Montgomery County.
“America250PA is truly a historic Commission that provides the Commonwealth a platform to showcase our Pennsylvania pride on the national stage,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “We are most appreciative of the partnership with the Pennsylvania Freemasons. Without their support, this project would not be possible. Our goal is to highlight 250 years of contributions of Pennsylvanians to our nation. Planting certified Liberty Trees and watching them grow over the next 250 years, just as our Commonwealth and nation did over the last 250 years, is something we are excited to be part of and leave here as a legacy of this Commission for future generations.”
The Liberty Tree plantings are now resuming on October 1, 2023, in Fayette and Westmoreland Counties. The Wyoming Monument in Luzerne County will soon have a Liberty Tree on October 21, 2023.
To learn more about America250PA and the Liberty Tree Project, visit www.America250PA.org
