America 250

Celebrate America 250 in Lancaster, PA

In 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence! Travel to Lancaster County, PA to experience America's rich history and heritage.

Since its founding in 1729, Lancaster has played an important role in American history in various ways, including serving as the nation's capital for one day when the Second Continental Congress met in Lancaster on September 27, 1777.

Lancaster County invites you to explore its role in the story of America at its many history and heritage experiences.

July 28, 2025

Lafayette Day

Head to Historic Rock Ford to welcome the Marquis de Lafayette with fanfare and celebration. Lafayette Day will recognize this famous friend of the American Revolution in commemorating the bicentennial of his farewell tour through Lancaster with various activities, including:

Live Music & Performances: Fife & Drum performances, Period dancing demonstrations, Children's Maypole dancing, Vignette performances on the piazza.
Historical Encounters: Re-enactors/encampment, Self-guided open house tours of the circa 1794 General Hand Mansion, Open hearth cooking demonstrations, Conestoga Wagon, Reproduction of the original “triumphal arch” from 1825.
Exhibits & Displays: 1825: Lafayette in Lancaster focus exhibit in the Snyder Gallery, French dining display, Local youth art show.
Activities & Experiences: Farm wagon tours, Garden talks, Children’s Activity Tent with crafts & games, Photo opportunities.
Food & Shopping: Food for sale and Sutlers.
Presentations: Guest speakers & authors.

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July 28, 2025

A Summer Evening with Lafayette

Delight in a free musical extravaganza & live performance at the Ware Center from 7-9pm depicting the life and legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette on the 200th anniversary of the farewell tour through Lancaster of this famous friend of the American Revolution.

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Late September 2025

Capital Day Celebration

Join LancasterHistory for festivities celebrating the day Lancaster served as the nation's capital - September 27, 1777. More details to come.

Historic Lancaster Walking Tour

Learn about the many fascinating aspects of our city’s past on the Historic Lancaster Walking Tour, which will be celebrating its own 50th anniversary in 2026, having been created to commemorate our nation’s bicentennial in 1976!

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History Road Trip

Philadelphia to Gettysburg

Get the perfect history adventure itinerary! Take a road trip from Philadelphia to Gettysburg and pick up bits of American history along the way.

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The Underground Rail Road in Lancaster County, PA

Lancaster County abolitionists and their “safe houses” played a key role in the heritage of the Underground Railroad.

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Lancaster, PA Civil War History

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Historic Places to Visit in Lancaster, PA

Step back in time as you take to the streets and backroads of Lancaster, PA. Our county is…

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Historic Restaurants in Lancaster, PA

Enjoy a taste of history at one of these long-standing and historic dining establishments.

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Historic Places to Stay in Lancaster, PA

Attention history buffs! It’s one thing to read about history but it’s a whole other experience to stay…

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Amish Experiences

The Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County are America's oldest Amish settlement, where tens of thousands still live a centuries-old "Plain" lifestyle. Experience their culture for yourself!

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Celebrate America 250 in Lancaster, PA

Lafayette Day

A Summer Evening with Lafayette

Capital Day Celebration

Historic Lancaster Walking Tour

Get more of Lancaster, PA