A new exhibition at Penn’s Van Pelt Library reminds us that America’s 200th birthday in 1976 was not a time of complete unity, either.
As the 2026 news cycle churns, it’s sometimes hard to remember the United States is celebrating 250 years of unity. But a new exhibition at Penn’s Van Pelt Library reminds us that America’s 200th birthday in 1976 was not a time of complete unity, either. Celebrate or Demonstrate: Philadelphia and Bicentennial Discontent runs through May 15, 2026, at Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 1st floor, University of Pennsylvania, 3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.
Full article at Broad Street Review
Could the Wanamaker Building become a hub for Philly’s 250th anniversary events?
Broad Street Review, May 5, 2025
In 2026, Philadelphia starts a full year of events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. During the intensive planning, the organizers had no way of knowing a massive concert hall would suddenly become available next to City Hall in April 2025.
Full essay:
Walt Maguire, Broad Street Review, May 5, 2025
Walt Maguire 