As we all know, the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed in Philadelphia in 1776. In 2026, we commemorate the 250th anniversary of that famous moment in U.S. history. The mission of America 250 Philadelphia is to “ignite the passions of the people of Philadelphia with the revolutionary spirit of the Declaration of Independence, and to create a commemoration that is truly by the people, and for all people” (https://www.philadelphia250.us).
This program reviews the nexus between early Republic times and the founding of PSPA with presentations on the Hessian fly infestation; the Conestoga Wagon, Market Street Bridge and the Philadelphia-Lancaster Turnpike; and PSPA members who signed the Declaration of Independence. Lynne Farrington, Director of Programs/Senior Curator, Kislak Center for Special Collections, University of Pennsylvania Library; Tom Stokes, Archivist, Carpenters’ Hall; and Mike McGrath, PSPA will speak to the context of the times when the new Republic was formed.
All of the elements of the PSPA Philadelphia 250 Poster Series will be displayed and used as a part of an interactive exercise as part of the program.
We’ll also be inviting FFA and MANNRS officers from several of the Philadelphia high schools to join us for a review of their program year.
Location
The Union League of Philadelphia
140 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19102
Logistics
- Thursday, April 9, 2026 with meet and greet at 11:30 am.; luncheon at noon; and program at 1:00 pm.
- Registration fee is $35 and pre-registration is required. Vegetarian meals are available if scheduled at registration. Register by contacting pspaonline@gmail.com with the name(s) of the people attending, their affiliations, and emails.
- Make check out to Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture and mail to PSPA Treasurer, 140 Waypoint Dr., Lancaster, PA 17603.
- Click here and follow the link to purchase your ticket for luncheon meetings with PayPal or Credit Card.
- Dress Code at Union League is Business Casual – collared shirts, long pants (not jeans) for men; for women, long pants (not jeans), skirts, business casual tops, and dresses.
- Registration ends at noon on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Contact Scott Sheely at pspaonline@gmail.com with any questions.