On July 4, 2026, communities across the United States will commemorate and celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Special events, activities, and celebrations will be held locally and nationally. For the latest news and information on special events in Johnstown & Cambria County, visit this webpage and check back regularly! For more information about America250PA in Cambria County, contact Nicole at nicolew@visitjohnstownpa.com
America250PA Initiatives
“Liberty Tree Project”
During the American Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty would convene under the nation’s original Liberty Tree in Boston. The Tree became a symbol of hope and American freedom. Although the British destroyed Boston’s Liberty Tree, patriots from the 13 colonies began to grow and designate new Liberty Trees. The last known original Liberty Tree was located on the campus of Saint John’s University in Maryland until it was destroyed by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Seeds from this original tree have been gathered and will be planted across the Commonwealth.
The Cambria County Liberty Tree was planted at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens, a location with great historical significance, as several Revolutionary War veterans are interred there.
The Pennsylvania Freemasons have partnered with America250PA to sponsor planting Liberty Trees in all sixty-seven Pennsylvania counties. The tree that will be planted at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens is a descendant of the last remaining Liberty Tree that stood in Annapolis, Maryland.
Nicki Waligora, Cambria County’s appointed representative to the America250PA Advisory Committee, said, “America250PA requested that all Liberty Trees be planted on land significant to the Revolutionary War. Because there are veterans of the Revolutionary War buried at Sandyvale, the location met the criteria for the tree planting. Sandyvale will be the perfect location for Cambria County’s Liberty Tree,” she added.
Liberty Tree Planting Ceremony
Photos provided by Bryan Smith
“America250PA Road to 2026”
America250PA is urging Pennsylvanians to walk, run, bike, or wheel their way to July 4, 2026. Participants can race at their own pace and submit their times to track their progress. The Road to 2026 is a 4-part cumulative challenge broken down into 250-mile or 2,500-mile increments per challenge to reach the following milestones:
- 1st milestone – 250-mile walk, run or wheel / 2,500-mile bike
- 2nd milestone – 500-mile walk, run or wheel / 5,000-mile bike
- 3rd milestone – 750-mile walk, run or wheel / 7,500-mile bike
- 4th milestone – 1,000-mile walk, run or wheel / 10,000-mile bike
Those who sign-up, track their progress and meet the milestones will receive a commemorative 2026 medal and will be eligible for additional prizes.
Ready to register? Go to: runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittston/America250PA
Need some inspiration? Start your race in Cambria County! Go to: visitjohnstownpa.com/play/outdoor-adventures
Information for School Districts
We encourage the participation of all Cambria County school districts in America250PA. Officials resolutions for school districts can be found at: https://www.america250pa.org/Official_Partners
Keystone Classroom Initiative: https://www.america250pa.org/PPE:_Keystone_Classroom
Young Heroes Outreach Program: https://www.america250pa.org/PPE:_YHOP