Ringing in 250 – Stories from the Susquehanna

June 1, 2026 to July 1, 2026

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Overview

Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) is inviting youth and families to take part in Ringing in 250: Stories from the Susquehanna, a hands-on art program celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

As part of the nationwide America 250 and Pennsylvania 250 commemorations, this interactive initiative encourages participants to reflect on how everyday experiences, traditions, and places in York and Lancaster counties connect to the larger American story.

Through art, participants will help tell a shared story of identity, history, and community. Bells have long been used to bring people together and mark important historical moments.

In this program, participants will decorate wooden bell cutouts to represent meaningful people, places, or traditions from their own lives. Each bell will be accompanied by a short artist statement, allowing participants to share the story behind their design. Community members can stop by the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center or the Zimmerman Center for Heritage during regular business hours to create their bells. Finished bells will be displayed at Columbia Crossing throughout the summer, forming a growing, community-created exhibit. SNHA will also bring the project on the road to festivals, school programs, and outreach events across the region.

SNHA aims to collect at least 250 bells by the end of the year, with the goal of helping participants make meaningful connections between local stories and broader national history. This free, drop-in activity is open to all ages and requires no prior art experience.

For more information, visit email programs@susqnha.org or stop by Columbia Crossing to see the growing display.

Contact

1706 Long Level Road Wrightsville, PA 17368

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