As we head into 2026, Historic Germantown is preparing for one of the most significant years in our nation’s history. With America’s Semiquincentennial on the horizon, our coalition of 20 historic sites, museums, and cultural institutions is launching an ambitious series of programs designed to honor our shared past while inviting residents and visitors to engage with Germantown in new and meaningful ways.

As executive director, my vision for 2026 is simple: to make Germantown’s layered history accessible, engaging, and alive for everyone. This milestone year is not just about commemoration; it’s about connection. And through a wide-ranging lineup of initiatives, we are working to ensure that Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary is felt in ways that inspire discovery, pride, and community.

At the heart of our programming is the launch of 26 Weeks of Walking Tours, a collaborative effort with our member site, the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, and community partners. From February to November, this series will guide visitors through some of Northwest Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks, illuminating the movements and moments that helped define America. These tours represent the best of what we do, bringing people directly to the places where history happened and inviting them to consider how those stories still echo today.

We are also expanding our focus on environmental beauty and outdoor engagement through our Green Space Programs, which highlight the neighborhood’s lush natural landscapes and historic gardens. Beginning in April, we will introduce Firefly Hours, offering extended evening access at rotating sites. Families can enjoy hands-on nature activities, garden tours, and quiet moments in some of the neighborhood’s most serene spaces.

Another returning favorite is our Stamp Rally, a free scavenger-hunt-style program. This year’s editions will spotlight Germantown’s remarkable tree canopy as well as the historic and contemporary figures who shaped, and continue to shape, our community. It’s an easy, family-friendly way to explore the neighborhood and discover both well-known and hidden stories.

From spring through fall, we will also feature a Season of Festivals, a series of free celebrations hosted by our consortium sites that showcase the diversity of Germantown’s cultural life. These festivals will highlight the rich traditions that make this neighborhood extraordinary. Our monthly Second Saturdays will also continue, offering free admission at participating sites so visitors can experience a variety of exhibits, talks, and historic homes in one day.

To make exploration even easier, we are reinstating our One Pass, which offers visitors a deeply discounted rate for guided tours across multiple sites. With this pass, guests can build their own itinerary and experience Germantown’s history, architecture, and green spaces at their own pace.

Each of our member institutions is also preparing special exhibitions, lectures, and programs specifically designed for the 250th anniversary. These offerings will invite the public to explore themes of freedom, justice, democracy, and community, values that have been debated and defended in Germantown for centuries.

As we approach this historic year, I invite all Philadelphians, and especially our neighbors in Northwest Philadelphia, to take part in what’s coming. There will be countless opportunities to connect with the stories that make Germantown such a vital part of America’s past and future.

In 2026, Germantown will not only remember history, but we will bring it to life. Anyone interested in participating in these initiatives can find more information on our website historicgermantownpa.org/2026-events-and-experiences/ or follow us on social media @historic_germantown for updates.