America turns 250 this year! Across Delmarva and South Jersey, there are lots of ways to celebrate.

DELAWARE - The First State!

On July 4th, 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of independence. Delaware 250 is the organization set forth to help plan the statewide celebrations. This milestone anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on Delaware’s unique story and its contributions over the course of the Nation’s history.

This story begins millennia before 1776 and continues to the present day. Over a long history—from the earliest inhabitants of the land, through the development of the Atlantic colonies, to the Declaration of Independence, over the course of the American Revolution and to the ratification of the Constitution of the United States—the peoples of the land now called Delaware helped shape a country that has continued for two and a half centuries. Although this anniversary is rooted in early American military history, this moment in time allows us to reflect upon and celebrate the plurality of histories within both the Nation and State.

Delaware 250
https://delaware250.org

• 
  TELL US how The Bridge impacted your life!

• 
  SHARE The Bridge with family and friends!

• 
  GIVE financially to support The Bridge for future generations!

MARYLAND - America’s history through the eyes & experiences of Marylanders.

In anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary, we’re opening the pages of some of our most iconic accomplishments, from the oyster farms of the Chesapeake Bay to the mountain peaks out west. Beyond the legends we all know well, we’ll explore stories of everyday Marylanders who served our country and helped democracy prosper through civic engagement. We’re honored to commemorate our deep and meaningful contribution to America’s past, present, and future by retracing Maryland’s illustrious history.

Maryland 250 Commission
https://mdtwofifty.maryland.gov

• 
  Colonial Worship on Eastern Shore Maryland

  It is fascinating to explore how colonial settlers across the Eastern Shore of Maryland practiced their faith.

• 
  Third Haven Meeting House in Talbot County, Maryland

  Third Haven Meeting House in Easton, Maryland, has peaceably worshipped at the same meeting place since 1681. Considered the oldest documented building in the state of Maryland and the oldest known frame church still in use in the United States...

• 
  John Dickinson Plantation

  There's no better time to discover The John Dickinson plantation near Dover, Delaware.

• 
  Trinity Episcopal "Old Swedes" Church in Swedesboro, New Jersey

  Trinity Episcopal Old Swedes Church is the only parish in New Jersey that has been in active service for over 300 years. It’s also the third-oldest Swedish Church in the United States...

• 
  Building America: Sandcasting

  Discuss the tools and techniques associated with sandcasting and conduct demonstrations to show how gears for a mill were made.

• 
  British & Hessian Retreat Fun Run

  Back by ridiculous demand! Moorestown250 presents: The 2026 British & Hessian Retreat Fun Run, a signature event for the nation’s 250th Anniversary!

• 
  African Landing Day

  Commemoration events will be held to honor the first Africans brought here in 1619 and to highlight their legacy of culture, identity, resistance, and triumph.

VIRGINIA - America. Made in Virginia.

From Washington and Jefferson to Powhatan, James Armistead Lafayette and Gowan Pamphlet, there is simply no America without Virginia.

Celebrate America's 250th year in Virginia—your way with celebrations, education, and community, rooted in Virginia’s revolutionary spirit.

Virginia 250
https://www.va250.org

• 
  TELL US how The Bridge impacted your life!

• 
  SHARE The Bridge with family and friends!

• 
  GIVE financially to support The Bridge for future generations!

NEW JERSEY - explore the history of the American Revolution in New Jersey

RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey.

RevolutionNJ advances the role that history plays in public discourse, community engagement, education, tourism, and scholarship in New Jersey. Through a series of initiatives that explore the history of the American Revolution, its context, and its legacy, RevolutionNJ galvanizes diverse audiences statewide into embracing the enduring value and relevance of history.

New Jersey 250
https://www.revnj.org

• 
  Corbit-Sharp House

  The beautiful colonial home is a glimpse into life during the colonial years leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

• 
  Old Christ Church in Laurel, Delaware

  Old Christ Church has existed in two different countries and three different states while remaining in the exact same spot where it was built between 1770 and 1772...

• 
  Third Haven Meeting House in Talbot County, Maryland

  Third Haven Meeting House in Easton, Maryland, has peaceably worshipped at the same meeting place since 1681. Considered the oldest documented building in the state of Maryland and the oldest known frame church still in use in the United States...

• 
  Valentine Hollingsworth

  Valentine Hollingsworth is best known for his association with the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as Quakers. His Christian faith influenced many aspects of his life.

• 
  Caroline Summerfest

  37th annual end-of-summer celebration unfolds on the streets of Downtown Denton! Caroline Summerfest is a free, family entertainment festival.

• 
  VA250 Mobile Museum Experience Visiting Ker Place

  The VA250 Mobile Museum Experience will be visiting Ker Place to inspire us as we ready for Virginia’s 250th celebration in 2026.

• 
  Eastville Heritage Festival

  Walk the same grounds where colonial history started in the United States! Sign the historic visitor book in the 1731 Old Courthouse where the Declaration of Independence was read on August 13, 1776.