Events Added As Potter County Prepares For ‘America250’
More activities have fallen into place as Potter County gears up for an extended “America250” celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Two local organizations – the Potter County Historical Society (PCHS) and the Allegewi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution – are spearheading the county’s activities. Many partners have already come aboard. Commissioner Paul Heimel is serving as the county’s liaison with the America250PA organization in Harrisburg.
DAR members began by placing displays in the PCHS Museum and the Eliot Ness Museum. In May, they will place wreaths at the sites of the 11 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Potter County. Wreaths will remain in place through July 2026. DAR members are also holding two special events to which the public is invited. On July 3, 2025, they will hold a memorial service at the Lymansville Cemetery in honor of the Revolutionary War soldiers. DAR activities will culminate with a rededication of the David Zeisberger monument at the courthouse square July 3, 2026. Among other activities that are in the works:
Bells Across Pennsylvania: America250PA is accepting design submissions from artists for the ‘Bells Across Pennsylvania’ art series. Fiberglass bells will be transformed by local artists and sponsored by businesses or individuals. Goal is to place at least one bell in each county. Each commissioned bell will receive one honorarium regardless of group size. PCHS and the Potter County Creative Council (PC3) are coordinating local participation.
Liberty Tree: During the Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty often convened under the nation’s original Liberty Tree in Boston, to discuss their opposition to British rule in the colonies. This historic tree became a beacon of hope to colonists and a symbol of American freedom. Seeds from a scion of an original Liberty Tree have been grown into seedlings and are being planted across the Commonwealth. Goal is to have a certified Liberty Tree planted in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. PCHS, local Freemasons and the Pa. Bureau of Forestry are working on a plan to have a tree planted and commemorated at Denton Hill State Park.
Young Heroes Outreach Program: Developed to help students in grades 4-8 to learn and practice the civic leadership and skills that will help them develop into responsible, ethical citizens. This program is free-of-charge to schools. Participating teachers will receive support of an expert educator from the National Liberty Museum. School superintendents from across Potter County will be engaged with the local coordinators this summer to develop plans for the 2025-26 school year. PCHS will provide localized guides for each school. Pennsylvania Lumber Museum staff will also be engaged.
‘Pa. Proud’ Servicemember Spotlight: America250PA encourages nominations for its #PAProud Servicemember Spotlight Series to bring attention to their efforts and thank them for their service. Potter County America250 volunteers are working on localized “spotlights” to memorialize selected Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans.
Keystone Classroom Initiative: KCI is a storytelling and visitation program for grades K-4, children’s hospitals, and youth camps. Along with a historical re-enactor, storyteller, local celebrity, or mascot, America250PA will pay visits to educate children about our shared Pennsylvania story and share materials. School superintendents from across Potter County will engage with the local coordinators this summer to develop plans for the 2025-26 school year
Road to Pennsylvania – 2026: America250PA is promoting walking, running, biking or wheeling through races, organized walks/hikes or other events. In partnership with the DCNR and county partners, America250PA will also highlight and encourage visitation to state parks, county parks and local historic points of interests. PCHS is identifying trails with historical significance, with plans to engage scholastic cross-country teams, hiking clubs, running clubs and other potential partners.
America250 Apron Contest: Potter County Fair Board is holding a patriotic apron contest in conjunction with the 2025 fair. Cash prizes will be award to top entries. More information is available from Judi Turton at 814-848-7204.