At the April 9, 2026 meeting of the PSPA at the Union League in Philadelphia, the program took some time to 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.  Presenters spoke to the context of the times when the new Republic and PSPA were formed.

• Lynne Farrington, Director of Programs/Senior Curator, Kislak Center for Special Collections, University of Pennsylvania Library;
• Tom Stokes, Archivist, Carpenters’ Hall; and
• Mike McGrath, Chair, History and Library Committee, PSPA

Special guest (just in from a long cattle drive from Lancaster) Isaac Landis (you can call him “Ike”) visited with attendees and reminded them about the PSPA Philadelphia 250 Poster Project which was on display in the meeting room.

Patricia Gillett, Director of Community Programs and Engagement, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation/ Philadelphia250 shared “What’s Happening This Year with Philadelphia 250”, an overview of events in the region.