HARRISBURG, PA — America250PA, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), has debuted a striking Capitol installation celebrating the Commonwealth’s integral role in the nation’s history. The display, a 12×20-foot illuminated piece designed by Philadelphia illustrator Molly Egan, is located in the East Wing of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. It visually encapsulates Pennsylvania’s rich historical contributions, diverse culture, and enduring influence on modern America.
The unveiling is part of the broader effort led by America250PA to commemorate the Semiquincentennial, the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding in 2026. Through initiatives like the Capitol display, the organization aims to spotlight Pennsylvania’s pivotal place in America’s story while fostering unity and pride across communities.
“This installation is a reminder that Pennsylvania’s story isn’t just the story of one city or one region—it’s a Commonwealth. We are a Commonwealth,” emphasized America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman during the event. “That means every bridge, every bell, and every battlefield represented here can—and should—be a source of pride. No matter if you live along the shores of Lake Erie, in the Blossom Belt of Adams County, or near the rushing falls of Ricketts Glen, this history is yours.”
The installation serves as both a visual tribute and an educational resource for Capitol visitors, showcasing iconic imagery such as historical symbols, significant landmarks, and cultural themes that define Pennsylvania’s national and global impact.
Several prominent state leaders, including Former Governor Mark Schweiker, PA DCED Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan, PA Auditor General Tim DeFoor, PA State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Senator Greg Rothman, and Representatives Jared Solomon and Valerie Gaydos, delivered remarks during the unveiling ceremony. Each reflected on Pennsylvania’s foundational role in the creation and evolution of the United States.
Former Governor Schweiker highlighted the emotional and historical resonance of the symbols depicted in the installation. “The symbols in this installation are emotional hand-me-downs that belong to every Pennsylvanian,” he said. “The legacy of 1776 isn’t something we inherit passively. It’s a choice we make—to embrace the feeling of freedom, unity, and democracy every single day.”
Schweiker also underscored Pennsylvania’s critical role in the American Revolution as the birthplace of the nation’s founding principles. “From Washington’s Crossing to the drafting of our founding documents, this is where the rise of the United States of America began. We are home to the longest-running democracy in the world, and as we look ahead to 2026, we must recommit to ensuring that America remains a place of inclusion, opportunity, and freedom for all.”
The Capitol installation, with its vivid storytelling and artistic elegance, is expected to attract visitors and serve as a focal point for Semiquincentennial celebrations. It symbolizes Pennsylvania’s foundational contributions to American democracy and underscores the Commonwealth’s enduring significance in the nation’s past, present, and future.
As 2026 approaches, initiatives like America250PA’s Capitol display remind Pennsylvanians and all Americans of the importance of not only celebrating the nation’s founding but also recommitting to the shared values that continue to define and shape the United States.
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