Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
250th Anniversary
signing of the Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
Upcoming
Events
Dare to Declare and Unveiling of the America250 Bell
April 30, 2026, 5:00 PM | West Chester’s Historic Courthouse
5:00 Help us read the Declaration of Independence aloud, as a group, on the Courthouse steps.
RSVP to paige@chescocf.org or just walk up & join in.
5:15 The Unveiling of the America250 PA Chester County Bells Across PA Bell, on the Courthouse steps
These events immediately precede the kickoff of Town Tours & Village Walks, which begin with an introductory overview at 5:30 pm in Courtroom #1.
Plus, the Lincoln Building is open to the public from 4:30 pm onward for tours and refreshments.
Museum Exhibition: Becoming America in West Chester
May 1, 2026-August 1, 2027 | Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology (Old Library), Atrium Gallery | Opening reception: Friday, May 1, 2026, 6:00 pm
Join us for the opening of the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology’s latest student-curated exhibition, Becoming America in West Chester—a highlight of WCU’s America 250 celebration. Housed inside a reconstruction of the historic Turk’s Head Tavern, the center of our town during Revolutionary times, this special exhibition tells the story of how West Chester became the vibrant borough we know today. With authentic artifacts spanning 5,000 years, we will learn about the Lenape people who were removed in 1733 through the Walking Purchase, the creation of the village around the Turk’s Head Tavern in 1769 along the road from Philadelphia to Lancaster, and its establishment into the Borough of West Chester in 1799—mirroring, in many ways, the development of modern America 250 years ago. The exhibition also showcases important moments in time from the 1800s to today. Period music and refreshments will be featured at the opening reception. For more information, contact museum@wcupa.edu.
Historic Walking Tour of Philadelphia
May 2, 2026, 10 AM -1 PM | 8th & Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA (WCU Philadelphia Campus)
Join WCU’s Philly campus community, family & friends for a historic walking tour of Philadelphia led by Dr. tonya thames-taylor, founding director of the WCU African American Studies program. Light fare at the Philly Campus will be provided after the tour.
FREE | WCU STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF ONLY
For more information and to register, contact Dionne Easton (deaston@wcupa.edu )