The D&L Blog

Easton, PA— May 28, 2026 — Lehigh Valley 250 today announced $1 million in state support
to advance a broad regional commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the
United States.

This investment was directed to the region from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office with
bipartisan, bicameral support and will help support exhibitions, performances, educational
programming, public events, and tourism promotion across the Lehigh Valley as communities
prepare to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026.

Lehigh Valley 250 is a regional initiative bringing together arts, cultural, educational, and
historical partners to tell the stories of this region’s role in the founding of the nation and to
create meaningful opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in this historic milestone.
The collaboration is led by four leading institutions in the region: Delaware and Lehigh National
Heritage Corridor, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, Lafayette College, and Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society.

“This investment helps ensure that the Lehigh Valley will play a visible, meaningful, and
inspiring role in America’s 250th anniversary,” said Megan van Ravenswaay, Executive Director
of the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society. “It allows our region to
celebrate its history, lift up untold stories, and create experiences that bring people together
across communities.”

The investment comes from a bipartisan effort from both Democrats and Republicans in the
State Senate and the House of Representatives. Funding will support planning, coordination,
promotion, and programming throughout the region, including original exhibitions, public
celebrations, educational initiatives, performances, and collaborative community events. It will
also strengthen regional marketing efforts designed to attract visitors and showcase the Lehigh
Valley’s unique place in the American story.

“Lehigh Valley 250 is about partnership,” Tony Pierucci, says Executive Director of the
Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. “This funding strengthens our ability to work across institutions, municipalities, and neighborhoods to create a commemoration that is
inclusive, engaging, and deeply rooted in place.”

Lehigh Valley 250 began in 2019 to prepare for the semiquinncentennial and have been guided
by four key priorities: uncovering and sharing untold local stories, engaging diverse
communities in reflection, building lasting partnerships, and expanding cultural tourism.

The initiative will feature programming that connects Revolutionary history, industrial
innovation, civic identity, and the stories of the diverse communities that have shaped the
Lehigh Valley across generations. In addition, a microgrant program has been opened to help
support regional events with 2026 programs. Additional information about the grant program
can be found here: Lehigh Valley 250 Project Funding Requests

“As we approach 2026, this work is about more than looking back,” said Jessica Edris, Project
Coordinator for Lehigh Valley 250. “It is also about inviting people to reflect on who we are
today and how we want to tell our shared story moving forward.”

The full press event can be viewed in full here: lehighvalley250.org/current-news

Lehigh Valley 250 will continue to share updates, events, and partnership opportunities in the
months ahead. For more information, visit lehighvalley250.org

About Lehigh Valley 250

Lehigh Valley 250 is a regional initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding
of the United States through exhibitions, performances, educational programming, and public
events. Through collaboration across the arts, culture, education, and history sectors, Lehigh
Valley 250 seeks to uncover untold stories, engage diverse communities, strengthen
partnerships, and expand cultural tourism across the region.

Media Contact
Jessica Edris
Project Administrator
Lehigh Valley 250
610-217-2125
jessica@lehighvalley250.org