The Citizen Recommends: Countdown to the 250th

Lauren McCutcheon

12 months ago

A small and diverse group of people stands together talking at the Countdown to the 250th, courtesy of Philadelphia250.

Another December, another year closer to Philadelphia’s yearlong celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary in 2026. On December 6, Philadelphia250 — which is the official name of the commemoration of the semiquincentennial (a spelling bee word if there ever were one) — will hold it second annual “Countdown to the 250th” at World Cafe Live.

Last year’s Countdown, says PHL250 President and CEO Danielle DiLeo Kim, “focused on our legacy projects and the legacy community of partners that are working on capital projects, social impact projects and civic impact projects.” Those projects were three:

1. Cities of Inclusion, an effort to increase accessibility citywide for people with disabilities.
2. An immigrant-led storytelling and cultural preservation program from the community around the South Ninth Street Market, by Philadelphia artist Michelle Angela Ortiz.
3. Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse’s “Revolutionary Action Figures,” an initiative to teach children about local Black leaders and everyday heroes.

Now, if you’re wondering: When is this gonna get to the World Cup? Or All-Star baseball? Wrestlemania, for god sake? Those types of marquee events are certainly part of the big year, and they’ll surely bring on a spike in visitation. But, like other such one-hit-wonders, their effect will surely be less than lasting in a let’s-make-big-good-changes-to-our-city way.

So, Philadelphia250’s main priority is psyching up the city, its institutions and non-touristy neighborhoods — “beyond the traditional historic boundaries,” says DiLeo Kim — to build “people-powered programs,” with benefits well into 2027. As such, the second Countdown to 2026 will feature:

1. Oyewumi Oyeniyi, Philadelphia’s Youth Poet Laureate, reading an original work about the meaning of the 250th.
2. Legendary radio host and music historian Dyana Williams, to master-of-ceremonies live performances by and of the No Name Pops, Gamble, Huff, & Bell, Clef Club of Jazz and Musicolab.
3. Philadelphia Ballet, celebrating their own 60th anniversary.

As for the end game, says DiLeo Kim, “We want the global recognition of Philadelphia as a destination at the top, and from a Philadelphia resident perspective, I would love to see a really increased, renewed sense of civic pride.”

Wednesday, December 6, from 6 to 9pm, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street. Tickets from $75.