INDEPENDENCE 2026

Liberty Bell-Inde Hall_NPS

What is INDEPENDENCE 2026?

The INDEPENDENCE 2026 campaign is an initiative that invites everyone to express their love for Independence National Historical Park, the very birthplace of America! As we approach the remarkable 250th Anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy. 

  

The National Park Service is dedicated to ensuring the park is ready to welcome millions of visitors, but they need your help! The INDEPENDENCE 2026 campaign will provide essential funding to enhance the visitor experience and support important projects identified by park leadership.    

  

We’re excited to showcase projects focused on Parks and Open Green Spaces, Preservation and Education, and enhancing Safety and Security at the national park. Together, we can preserve and enhance this cherished piece of our history for generations to come. Let’s make this celebration unforgettable! 

How to Support the INDEPENDENCE 2026 Campaign

 

The INDEPENDENCE 2026 campaign consists of several projects identified by park leadership, ranging from new equipment for our Law Enforcement Rangers to educational programming to beautifying green spaces, and more. Below is the current list of projects, which will be updated as funds are raised. Please check back often!

 

You can support Independence National Historical Park by making a generous donation to the campaign. Click on the donate button to make an electronic donation via credit card or ACH, or you can also send a check to:

Independence Historical Trust

Attn: Independence 2026 campaign

143 S. 3rd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(Please make checks payable to Independence Historical Trust)

 

Your generosity will illuminate Independence National Historical Park as the center of the 250th Anniversary celebration. For questions about the campaign or the projects listed below, please email Development@inht.org.

INDEPENDENCE 2026 Projects

VIPRoom

Superintendent’s Reception Room at Independence Square

Status: Needs Support
Join Or Die

Join or Die Sculpture on Independence Mall

Status: Needs Support
Assemblyroom

Legacies of the American Revolution, a 21st Century Speaker Series

Status: Needs Support
Washington Square

Washington Square Ongoing Horticulture Needs

Status: Needs Support
Inde2026campaign_images Copy

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches at Independence for 2026

Status: Needs Support
Interpretive Programming

2026 Programming

Status: Needs Support
Blinds

Blinds for Independence Hall

Status: Needs Support
Lawenforcement

UTV for Law Enforcement

Status: Funded
K9

Secondary K9 Dog for Law Enforcement

Status: Funded
LBC_solar_2

Photovoltaic Array at the Liberty Bell Center

Status: Funded
BenjaminRushGarden

Benjamin Rush Garden Signage Project

Status: In Progress
BenjaminRushGarden

Horticulture support at the Benjamin Rush Garden and planting of 18 trees in the park by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Status: In Progress
Inde2026campaign_images Copy

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches at Independence for 2025

Status: Completed
CongressHall_chairs

Congress Hall Chair Restoration

Status: Completed
IndeHall_ramp

ADA Accessible Ramp for Independence Square

Status: Completed

Thank you to all the donors who have supported the INDEPENDENCE 2026 campaign, especially

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Tourism

The Philadelphia Funders Collaborative for the Semiquintcentennial

Subaru of America and the National Park Foundation

Other Ways to Support

Along with giving a donation, you can support Independence National Historical Park in 2026 in a multitude of ways. You can…

Volunteer Icon

Volunteer

 

You can volunteer with the Independence Historical Trust!  Our volunteers support special events in the park, provide educational tours, and support the beautification of the national park. Click Here to sign up to be a volunteer.

advocate

Advocate

 

Speak to your Representatives about your love for Independence National Historical Park! Your voice can help remind them why this park is special and why it is essential to ensure that it has the resources needed to welcome millions of visitors.

Love

Show Your Love

 

Show your love for our National Parks and the wonderful park staff who help protect and preserve our nation’s cultural and historical treasures. You can leave a comment on our online form. Click Here.

You can also send a letter, card, or postcard to park staff at the National Parks of Philadelphia.  Send your message to:

Independence Historical Trust

143 S. 3rd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106