Source: AARP Bulletin

CELEBRATING AMERICA AT 250: Join the patriotic festivities this year in key historic cities.

Happy semiquincentennial!

This year, the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. While the event name doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as the bicentennial, fondly remembered from 50 years ago, we can expect a similar amount of fanfare, especially around July 4.

Such tributes allow Americans “to breathe in and reflect on 250 years, the sacrifices our founders made to bring about the experiment of the republic and our work that continues to preserve it,” says Chris O’Brien, president of Sail4th 250, the organization planning some events in New York and New Jersey. 

To help with your patriotic travel planning, here’s what you can expect in some historic American cities. Details were still being worked out in many cases, so be sure to check the event websites for updated information.

PHILADELPHIA

The Wawa Welcome America Festival, from Juneteenth (June 19) through July 4, includes free events: fireworks displays, a parade representing all states and territories, block parties and a performance by the Philly Pops on July 3 near Independence Hall, the site of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. For updates, go to july4thphilly.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Beginning in late spring and running through much of the year, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will present “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness,” an exhibit featuring 250 objects that embody the ideals in the Declaration of Independence. They include the portable desk used by Thomas Jefferson to draft the document and the gunboat Philadelphia, the only surviving American ship from the Revolutionary War. Go to americanhistory.si.edu for more info.

The week of July 4, the National Archives will host a multi-day, family-friendly event, culminating in a finale on Independence Day. The event will include live music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence and an opportunity to view the original document. Visit archives.gov for more info.

After that, head to the National Mall for the three-hour Independence Day parade, featuring floats and marching units representing all 50 states and a salute to the U.S. military.

On the evening of July 4, “A Capitol Fourth,” the annual concert and fireworks show, will be staged on the National Mall.

“July 4 is always big in D.C.,” says Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “No place tells America’s story as vividly.” For updated information, go to
dc250.us/dc250/events/celebrations.

BOSTON

The signature event of the city’s 250th celebrations will be the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, featuring music and pyrotechnics, on the Charles River Esplanade the night of July 4. For more info, visit bso.org/boston-pops-fireworks-spectacular.

Meanwhile, Boston Harborfest will offer free concerts at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park on July 2 and 3. For updated info, visit bostonharborfest.com.

NEW YORK

On the morning of July 4, some 30 tall ships from around the world, led by the U.S. Coast Guard barque Eagle, will participate in a Parade of Sail from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge. Also, starting at 1 p.m. July 3, a parade of 30 other tall ships will sail down the East River. Go to sail4th.org for more info.

Jane L. Levere has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post and other outlets.