Philadelphia has spent the first half of the year celebrating America’s 250th in a way only the birthplace of the nation can, drawing international attention for its hosting of the World Cup, MLB All-Star Game and semiquincentennial celebrations.
But the festivities are far from over.
As the leaves turn and the year draws to a close, Philadelphia and the surrounding region have even more milestone moments ahead.
Here is a roundup of events keeping America’s 250th celebration going throughout fall and winter.
The Museum of the American Revolution's exhibit, The Declaration’s Journey, marks the nation’s 250th anniversary by examining the Declaration of Independence's history and global influence from 1776 to today.
Featuring rare documents, works of art and artifacts from around the world, the exhibition explores how the Declaration's ideas have shaped independence movements in more than 100 nations and influenced political thought far beyond the United States.
101 S. 3rd Street, amrevmuseum.org
Philadelphia’s yearlong 52 Weeks of Firsts continues, spotlighting groundbreaking ideas, inventions and milestones that began here in the City of Brotherly Love.
Every Saturday now through December, a free Firstival celebrates a different Philadelphia “first” with a Once Upon A Nation storyteller, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, giveaways and a #1 sculpture created by a local artist.
Various locations, visitphilly.com
The First Salute, on display at The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, explores the November 1776 cannon salute from the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius that became the first international recognition of the United States.
The exhibition, which remains open through April 2027, examines the role of religious liberty, Jewish merchants and St. Eustatius in the American Revolution through historic objects, including a rare 1761 Hanukkah lamp, an antique cannon and a model of the Andrew Doria.
101 S. Independence Mall East, theweitzman.org
Eastern State Penitentiary continues its yearlong 'A Time for Liberty: Our Shared History, Our Shared Future' series with programs exploring the evolving meanings of liberty and justice in America.
Upcoming highlights include Democracy For All Week: Freedom of Expression, taking place Sept. 17 to 21; and Past, Present, Possible: Place-Based Art and Eastern State, slated for Sept. 23.
2027 Fairmount Avenue, easternstate.org
'These Truths: The Declarations of Independence' explores how Americans used, reproduced and reinterpreted the Declaration during the first 50 years of its history, as it evolved from a public announcement to a political tool and national symbol.
On display through Jan. 3, 2027 at the American Philosophical Society Museum, highlights include a first printing of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, the chair Thomas Jefferson sat in while writing the Declaration and historic 19th-century printings of the document.
104 S. 5th Street, amphilsoc.org
Marking its 125th anniversary, this six-week art exhibition will be showcased at the Historic Strawberry Mansion and features 12 Philadelphia artists whose works reflect the city’s diverse cultures and communities.
It opens to the public Sept. 19 and runs Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with works by artists Pedro Ospina, Ron Rumford, Sherry Shine and many more. An opening event and art sale takes place Sept. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m.
2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, historicstrawberrymansion.org
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show celebrates its 50th anniversary with 195 artists from across the United States, showcasing work in 13 craft and design categories.
America 250 connections can also be found throughout the show, including Ryan Jones’ George Washington Commander Pen, handcrafted from oak harvested from a tree planted by George Washington at Mount Vernon, and work by Roberto Lugo and Jody Graff, who are featured in 'Radical Americana,' a Philadelphia-wide series exploring the city’s legacy of art, craft and civic engagement.
The show is the longest-running craft show of its kind in the country and takes place Nov. 6 to 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
12th and Arch streets, pmacraftshow.org
MORE: Philadelphia at 250: A Center City walk through history
