Danielle DiLeo Kim, Executive Director of Philadelphia 250, discussed our city’s plans for the nation’s Semiquincentennial  Celebration – 2026, our 250th birthday.  Designated the Premiere Official Host City, Philadelphia will see programs and events throughout the entire year.  She discussed the mission of Philadelphia 250, “By the People, For ALL People” and its four pillars:
Shared Prosperity, People’s Histories, Revolutionary Actions and the Pursuit of Happiness.   Her team is working with area institutions such as our museums, cultural centers and neighborhood groups to create awareness of our unique history and communities.  Adding to the excitement of 2026,  Philly will host both the FIFA World Cup games and the MLB All-Star Game, and special exhibits at many of the city’s museums like the Museum of the American Revolution, Please Touch Museum and more.   All are encouraged to adopt on of their pillars as a base for their 2026 programming, such as Fairmount Parks and the ‘pursuit of happiness.’  She noted that, unlike the Bicentennial, their plans include neighborhood events and festivities to foster their goals for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and to leave behind an economic improvement.    

She described two projects already underway, Dare to Declare, getting local residents to make a statement about their experiences beginning this fall,  and the Legacy Grants, awarding funds to area non-profits who will create lasting work toward strengthening Philadelphia neighborhoods and ultimately serve as the city’s legacy for the 250th.    Nominees include Why Not Prosper, Inc. helping formerly incarcerated women create change for themselves and other women, their families and the community, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia which wants to create a city bike hub and biking paths in green spaces in underinvested communities in North and Northeast Philadelphia, Ref Feather’s Legacy, looking to build the area’s first museum and center recognizing and promoting the culture of Native American/Indigenous people and 
the Philadelphia Music Alliance looking to create a ‘Heritage Trail’ to recognize Philadelphia’s great music history, The winners will be announced in December. 

The Semiquincentennial  Celebration will ‘start’ at Carpenter’s Hall in 2024 when they celebrate the cration of the Continental Congress, but Ms DiLeo-Kim offers way for us to get involved now, they are looking for volunteers to help us with research, events, staffing and more, and of course, donations! Donation levels start at $20.26 that help support our organization and mission. 

Learn more about their programs, events and how to be part of the planning at philadelphia250.us.