America’s 250th Birthday Celebrations in the Northeast

Commemorate America’s 250th birthday in the Northeast with the Museum of the American Revolution’s key exhibits, “Banners of Liberty” and “The Declaration’s Journey,” and other historical events

As America reaches its 250th birthday in 2026, the entire nation will be a vibrant stage for historical reflection and celebration. From museums to cultural venues, the Northeast region plans to celebrate this major birthday with a range of engaging exhibits, fun field trips and enjoyable events.

America 250 Historical Exhibits in the Northeast

Many festivities will take place throughout the Northeast for America 250 celebrations, including American Revolution history events, live demonstrations and reenactments of history-changing events. Travel to iconic locations like Philadelphia, Boston and Trenton for first-hand opportunities to experience the biggest birthday celebration in our nation’s history, quite literally.

Museum of the American Revolution

In Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution is hosting various educational exhibits to portray the nation’s history and engage students, families and history enthusiasts. This museum offers school groups an immersive learning opportunity to explore the inspiring story of our nation’s founding through both in-person and distance learning activities.

Nina Giacobbe, Manager of Group and Travel Trade Sales at the museum, says, “Students will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse people and complex events that sparked the ongoing American experiment.”

What will students learn?

Through immersive exhibits, middle and high school students will learn about the early stages of colonists’ life and rebellion and get first-hand accounts from enslaved and free people of color to colonists and loyalists. Witness life-like Oneida Indian Nation figures weighing their options about siding with the Continental Army.

Upcoming Educational Exhibits at the Museum

BANNERS OF LIBERTY: AN EXHIBITION OF ORIGINAL REVOLUTIONARY WAR FLAGS

April 19–August 10, 2025 (Self-Guided Experience Included with Admission)

America’s 250th birthday celebrations wouldn’t be complete without honoring the crucial flags that flew during her birth. For America’s Revolutionary generation, the flags flying over their regiments and ships were perhaps the first visual expressions of liberty and independence they saw. Fewer than 30 flags from the Revolutionary War are known to survive—see many of them gathered together for the first time in over two centuries!

In this exhibit, visitors will learn about the beginning of the Revolutionary War and the creation of the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps. It will be displayed in the first-floor Patriots Gallery of the Museum, featuring many unique and essential Revolutionary War flags.

The Banners of Liberty special exhibit webpage shares important context on the significance of viewing these flags:

• “Armies and navies in the 1700s employed artistically embellished flags to identify their armed forces on land and sea, to aid in maneuvers, and to instill “esprit de corps” within military units. Flag makers, including Philadelphia’s Rebecca Flower Young and Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross, employed colors and designs to represent national identity and political ideals.
• For America’s Revolutionary generation, the flags that flew over their regiments and ships were perhaps the first visual expressions of liberty and independence that they saw.
• Of the hundreds of flags made and carried in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), only about 30 are known to survive. Working with institutional and private lenders, the Museum will assemble and display more than a dozen original flags that were carried by Continental Army and American militia units in military campaigns stretching from northern New England to South Carolina.”

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore tangible artifacts of United States history while commemorating all that has occurred in the past 250 years.

THE DECLARATION’S JOURNEY

October 18, 2025–January 3, 2027 (Self-Guided Experience Included with Admission)

How did a document created out of a colonial rebellion on the margins of the British empire become one of the most renowned statements of political rights in world history? Explore the Declaration’s journey and its diverse meanings, adaptations and interpretations in the U.S. and abroad. Discover the disappointments and contradictions, as well as the inspiration, hope and sense of purpose that the words of the Declaration have instilled in Americans and people around the world. In-museum tours, virtual programs and teacher resource guides will be available to enhance your experience with this exhibit.

This major special exhibition will follow the global impact of the Declaration of Independence since its creation. According to the exhibit’s website, “The Declaration’s Journey will showcase how, with more than 200 nations having integrated its ideals into their own independence movements, the American Declaration of Independence has become one of the most influential political documents in modern history.”

This exhibit will feature a broad range of public programming, online educational resources available to classes around the world and a PBS-affiliated production. The Museum is focused on sharing the significance of a revolutionary past and uplifting the voices of many people who have not been heard throughout history.

“Through this special exhibit, digital initiatives, and educational programs, we aim to facilitate widespread conversation about the meaning of the American Declaration of Independence and its ongoing legacy,” says the Museum’s website.

For more field trip ideas and opportunities, keep reading from our 2025 Northeast Field Trip Guide.

Additional American Revolution History Events in the Northeast Celebrating America 250

The U.S. will commemorate America 250 with plenty of historical exhibits in the Northeast, including American Revolution history events in Boston and reenactments in New Jersey.

Boston, Massachusetts

The National Park Service is hosting various American Revolution anniversary events, including preserving and restoring the Bunker Hill monument in Boston, Massachusetts, which marks the site of the nation’s first battle. Visit the Bunker Hill 250 website for event details.

Central New Jersey

Additionally, New Jersey has announced plans for America’s 250th birthday celebrations through reenactor events, ceremonies, educational programs, and $25 million to restore Revolutionary War sites in the state. Prepare for the anniversary by planning trips to one of the ten restoration sites, including Washington Crossing State Park in Hopewell Township and The Old Barracks in Trenton.

Celebrating Virtually

If you can’t make it to the Northeast, there are a variety of online resources to share with classrooms, families and people looking to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. For example, America250.org is a platform that works with a Congressionally created program to design a significant and inclusive anniversary observance.

Take a look at their nationwide student contest: “America’s Field Trip,” where students can submit artwork and writing for a chance to win a behind-the-scenes experience at an iconic American cultural site.

Prepare for the Commemoration!

When planning to partake in America’s 250th birthday celebrations, explore the Northeast for authentic history exhibits, cultural artifacts and engaging activities for visitors of all ages. With the Museum of the American Revolution’s exciting upcoming exhibitions, “Banners of Liberty” and “The Declaration’s Journey,” your group will surely learn more about the foundation of the United States and how its origins still impact the world today. Visit the Northeast to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday in the origin of where the historical events took place.

By Elise Mackanych – Contributing Writer