As Pennsylvania and the nation prepare for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, America250PA (A250PA) continues to launch creative programs and provide support to communities across the Commonwealth. Here in Bucks County, we’re proud to share several exciting updates:
Bucks250PA Awarded Spring Semiquin Grant
This summer, Bucks250PA was awarded a $5,000 Semiquincentennial Grant from America250PA in support of our upcoming Bucks250 Revolutionary War Trail. This project will help residents and visitors explore the people, places, and pivotal events that shaped our nation, right here in Bucks County.
Our project was selected from more than 440 applications requesting over $6 million in funding statewide. The competitive award is a testament to the importance of Bucks County’s Revolutionary heritage and the work our community is doing to share that story as we approach 2026. A formal award photo with America250PA leadership will take place in October.
Bells Across PA
America250PA is commemorating the 250th anniversary with Bells Across PA, a public art initiative inviting Pennsylvania artists of all backgrounds, from acclaimed professionals to emerging creatives, to design and transform fiberglass bell sculptures. Each bell will be sponsored by local businesses or individuals and displayed in communities across the state, with the goal of placing at least one bell in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
In Bucks County, two design submissions have already been put forward for consideration. Once completed, these colorful and imaginative bells will stand as vibrant symbols of unity, creativity, and shared history. As other counties have shown, placing bells everywhere from DelGrosso’s Amusement Park to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, this initiative is both a statewide celebration and a local opportunity for residents to take pride in Pennsylvania’s legacy during this historic anniversary.
Lecture250 Series
New this fall, America250PA has announced the Lecture250 Series, which will fund ten $15,000 awards for organizations across Pennsylvania to present free, public lectures and discussions on topics tied to our Commonwealth’s history. From the writing of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution to Pennsylvania’s agriculture, music, industry, migration, and Indigenous history, these events will highlight the many ways our state helped shape America.
Applications are open now through October 17, 2025, with final awards to be announced on December 1, 2025. For more information, please contact Christian@America250PA.org.
Semiquin Scholarship Program
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, America250PA has launched the Semiquin Scholarship Program, awarding $250,000 in scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. Twenty-five $10,000 scholarships will go to Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to attend accredited colleges or universities in the state. Applications are open now through January 31, 2026, with awardees to be honored at a special luncheon in Harrisburg next spring.
Thanks to partnerships with many of Pennsylvania’s leading institutions, including Penn State, Temple, Bucknell, Pitt, and West Chester, matching funds will further expand these opportunities. By investing in students, this program celebrates our nation’s past while building its future.
Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenge 2025
Colleges and universities across Pennsylvania are invited to participate in the 2025 Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenge (DEIC), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Department of Education. Since 2019, more than 330 students from 40+ institutions have taken part in this challenge, and this year promises to be the biggest yet.
Key Dates:
- Sept 16 – Oct 3: Campus Rounds & Submissions
- Oct 17: Round 2 Presentation Deadline
- Oct 22: Round 2 Judging
- Oct 27: Finalists Announced
- Nov 12: Finals in Harrisburg
As Bucks County joins communities across the Commonwealth in preparing for America’s 250th, these programs are building momentum toward an EPIC year of history, innovation, and celebration in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make history, together.