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Check out CC250 in County Lines Magazine

News clip: 250 is Coming – Click here to read more in the Daily Local, April 24, 2024

250 IS COMING – JOIN US TO MAKE HISTORY

(WEST CHESTER, PA – April 22, 2024): With the nation’s 250th anniversary fast approaching, it’s time for Chester County organizations, neighborhoods, and individuals to get ready.

CC250 will host a community planning summit on Friday, June 7 at Thornbury Farm in West Chester from 8:30 – 12:30. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local legislators and discuss how their organizations and groups can present interactive, inclusive, compelling experiences to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, throughout 2026.

The morning commences with an overview of Chester County’s Heritage Themes related to CC250; and elected officials exchanging views on the importance of citizen engagement in safeguarding independence and freedom -- in our nation’s past, present, and future.

Attendees will be urged to share best practices and generate ideas regarding how their own organizations’ programs and events can help people commemorate and celebrate the 250th. The aims are to help people encounter the many ways in which Chester County participated in and influenced our nation’s founding; as well as elevate everyone’s understanding of our continuing journey to build a more perfect union. CC250 is a crowdsourced year-long commemoration and celebration by and for We the People.

At the conclusion of the Summit, all are welcome to tour Thornbury Farm, to discover the site’s historic involvement in the Battle of Brandywine at our nation’s founding; and unfinished business with the Underground Railroad.

“The CC250 Summit at Thornbury Farm will connect people who care about heritage, patriotism, civic engagement, liberty and justice for all,” enthuses Michelle Kichline Esq., CC250 Chair. “Working together, we can maximize this unique opportunity to commemorate historic achievements, renew our commitment to democratic ideas, and inspire the American spirit.”

All are invited to attend. To register for this FREE event, contact CC250 at 610.696.8211, email cc250@chescocf.org or click here.

Why Is 2026 So Important?

Click here to download the transcript

Check out CC250 in County Lines Magazine

America250PA Chester County Commission Holds First Meeting

6/9/22

The America250PA Chester County Commission made its intentions clear in its inaugural meeting on Thursday night, June 2 — that 2026 would mark more than a celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It will also commemorate the historic advances Chester County and America have made from 1776 until now.

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, herself a history enthusiast, is leading the County's efforts. She told members that their charge is to not only look back, but also to look forward, touching on what has been with a focus on what unites us for our future. "We're trying to show that history can be something as recent as 10 years ago, something that impacted the county in a significant way. We hope to help people understand and get excited about the initiatives we will be planning," Kichline said. "A lot of people were not able to celebrate 1776. The Constitution still included slavery. Non-property owners couldn't vote. Women couldn't vote. We want to celebrate the expansion of the nation's initial founding ideals over time as well as other elements of Chester County's history such as our industrial growth, our agricultural heritage, and immigration." Read More