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The Cumberland County Visitors Bureau is hosting three days of America250PA celebrations throughout Cumberland County. Many of the events are happening in Downtown Carlisle and all are FREE to attend.

The county’s contributions to the American Revolution weren’t driven by a single major event. But its position as a vital frontier stronghold, combined with a strong industrial infrastructure and a population deeply dedicated to the cause of freedom, made Cumberland County essential to the heart of the nation’s founding.

Tuesday, January 27

At the Old Courthouse, on the corner of Hanover & High Street in Downtown Carlisle, a historical marker notes that the County was formed on January 27, 1750.  What better way to mark the beginning of America250PA’s celebration than on the 276th anniversary of the county’s founding? Spend the day in Downtown Carlisle, established as the county seat in 1751, and voted #4 in USA Today’s 10 Best Historic Small Towns. Today, the town is noted for its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, diverse restaurants and welcoming storefronts.

Signature Event @ 7 pm: Free Concert from the Carlisle Town Band & Lecture at the Carlisle Theatre

Head to the Carlisle Theatre for a 30-minute concert of patriotic music by the Carlisle Town Band, followed by a presentation by Dr. Kate LeMay about the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center, focusing on their two most recent exhibits: This We'll Defend: Celebrating 250 Years of Army History and From Powder to Purpose: Carlisle Barracks from Revolution to Today.

Kate C. Lemay is the Director of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center. As the Army War College's public center for research, USAHEC includes archives, a library, and a museum dedicated to the soldier experience in the U.S. Army. Dr. Lemay is a Fulbright Scholar, a Presidential Counselor to the National WWII Museum, and an Advisor to the National Women’s Suffrage Monument Association. Prior to joining the Army War College, Dr. Lemay served as a historian and curator at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.

Dr. Lemay has held the positions of assistant professor of art history at Auburn University Montgomery and visiting assistant professor of the history of modern and contemporary art at Brigham Young University. She earned a dual PhD in American art history and American studies from Indiana University (Bloomington), where she completed an MA in art history. She holds a BA in French and art history from Syracuse University, from which she graduated with the Award of Excellence in French, magna cum laude, and Phi Beta Kappa.

This event is free. No registration is required. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Other Highlighted Activities:

Cumberland County Historical Society (21 N. Pitt Street): The award-winning museum features 16 galleries that tell the stories of local history spanning 250 years. Noteworthy are the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, folk art, and decorative arts galleries. Open 10 am to 4 pm.

Carlisle History Walk: Explore Carlisle's rich heritage with our Historic Wayside Markers! These informative displays guide you through the town's history, showcasing key events, notable figures, and important landmarks. Each marker offers a glimpse into the past, inviting you to connect with the stories that shaped our community. SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE MOBILE PASSPORT HERE!

Old Public Graveyard (S. Bedford & E. South Streets): One of the seven original public graveyards in colonial Pennsylvania, this site is the burial place of Mary Hays McCauly, also known as Molly Pitcher, as well as several Revolutionary War leaders.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of 18th-Century PA Architecture: Step back in time and explore the charming streets of Carlisle, where centuries-old buildings whisper stories of patriotism, resilience, and everyday life. From stately stone houses to Revolutionary War-era taverns, these landmarks aren't just architectural gems—they're tangible connections to a rich and riveting past. The tour includes sidewalk views only. The buildings are not open to the public.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR TOUR!

Visit the Cumberland County Liberty Bell at Veterans Memorial Courtyard on the Square: Located in Veterans Memorial Courtyard, beside the Old Cumberland County Courthouse in Carlisle (Hanover & High Streets), Cumberland County's America250PA commemorative bell is part of the statewide Bells Across PA initiative celebrating the nation's Semiquincentennial. Created by Cumberland County artist Phil George, the bell's design reflects the region’s deep roots in American history, strong agricultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. Students in the Engineering Technology – Levels 3 and 4 class at the Carlisle Center for Careers and Technology built the structure's base, contributing skilled craftsmanship to the installation.     

Thursday, January 29

Signature Event, 1-3 pm: Rally-style Gathering with America250PA at the Old Courthouse on the Square in Downtown Carlisle 

Join us at the Old Courthouse for the official kick-off celebration with America250PA, featuring a presentation from the Washingtonburg Chapter Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, opening remarks from American250PA, speeches by local dignitaries, and more.

Stop by the Old Courthouse in Carlisle beginning at 1 pm, check out the Cumberland County Liberty Bell in the courtyard, enjoy complimentary appetizers and snacks, and then head upstairs to the courtroom for the ceremony, beginning at 1:30 pm. 

This information was taken from VisitCumberlandValley.com. 

Find a complete list of events happening January 27th – 29th  throughout Cumberland County HERE.