Three PA governors encourage Erie to celebrate history as nation's 250th birthday nears

Three former Pennsylvania governors were in Erie on Thursday to boost a statewide initiative to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, and to stress why Pennsylvania’s role in that history is one worth celebrating.

Addressing more than 200 guests at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle State Park, governors Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker and Tom Corbett spoke of civic pride, history and education, and how those were the cornerstones of the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, also known as America250PA.

The initiative, which was established by the state legislature and Gov. Tom Wolf in 2018, seeks to engage citizens across the state in commemorative programs and projects leading up to, during and even after 2026, the nation’s 250th birthday.

A primary goal is to highlight the contributions of Pennsylvanians.

“You can’t celebrate America without celebrating Pennsylvania,” Ridge said.

Ridge, who, along with each of his successors, up to and including Gov. Josh Shapiro, are honorary co-chairs of America250PA, said Pennsylvania’s history has played an integral role in the formation of the country.

That includes the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia to the Battle of Gettysburg to local cities and towns shaping the Industrial Revolution, he said.

“If you understand the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its history, you understand American history,” Ridge said. "You can’t think about our growth as a country and the enhancement of freedoms in this country without thinking or talking about Pennsylvania."

Corbett and Schweiker similarly praised the initiative for its focus on history and for educating young people on Pennsylvania’s national impact.

Schweiker highlighted how Erie’s former General Electric plant had built turrets for World War II bomber planes and how Erie constructed the Erie Extension Canal in the late 1800s.

“Can you imagine trying to tell the story about how we helped a country grow, especially places west of here, and not to mention the Erie Extension Canal?” he asked the crowd. "You can travel from New Orleans by water to Erie, and back down, because of the hard-working folks who decided the extension of that canal was necessary."

America250PA aims to reach all 67 counties

Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250PA, said the initiative aims to get these stories told from communities across the state, and to attract as many visitors as possible.

She said the initiative so far has 63 of the 67 counties as partners; more than 280 local municipal partners; and 120 nonprofit affiliates representing 31 counties as official partners.

She said the initiative already has more than a dozen ongoing programs and projects.

These include the Keystone Classroom Initiative, a storytelling and visitation program for kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms, children's hospitals and youth camps, according to America250PA. In this program, America250PA, along with a historical reenactor, storyteller, local celebrity or mascot will help children learn about Pennsylvania history.

Another program is called Bells Across PA, in which selected local artists will adorn and transform fiberglass bells, a tribute to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. The program aims to have one bell displayed in each county.

A full list of projects and programs can be viewed at america250pa.org.

“A successful 2026 for me is looking back and making sure that every Pennsylvanian felt that they could be part of this commemoration and these celebrations,” Coleman said. “We don’t want anyone left behind.”

Coleman said Thursday’s event was one of five “launch events” that have taken place across different regions of the state, with Erie's event representing northwest Pennsylvania.

She said she hoped the event would raise close to $15,000 toward the initiative.

Getting involved

Coleman said she was "thrilled" by the turnout at Thursday's event, and the bipartisan show of support from elected officials.

“Tonight is a prime example of elected officials coming together, not talking about policy, not talking anything controversial, but being Pennsylvanians first," she said.

Erie attorney Tim Wachter, who is a member of the America250PA's state commission, added that American250PA is a nonpartisan organization that's "here to celebrate the good of today and the good of the future."

"I want people to look back and say ‘Dang, that was fun, and we have a renewed sense of what it means to be an American and what it means to be a Pennsylvanian,'" he said of 2026.

Ridge, in his closing remarks, urged Pennsylvanians to take pride in their state and added, 'You are all deputized to be educators over the next 2½ years, because when you talk about American history, you can’t possible ignore Pennsylvania history."

For more information on America250PA, visit america250pa.org. A new America250PA podcast can be found on the site and other podcast platforms.

Former Ohio Gov. Nancy Hollister attended Thursday's event. Other dignitaries included state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins, Lee James and Bob Merski; State Treasurer Stacey Garrity; state Auditor General Timothy DeFoor; Meadville Mayor Jaime Kinder; Erie City Council President Chuck Nelson; Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel and Venango County Commissioner Chip Abramovic. An America250 Ohio delegation also attended.

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A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Former Gov. Ridge encourages Erie to celebrate nation's 250th birthday