Event registration is now open for the SAR Independence 250 national celebration in Philadelphia, America’s birthplace, from July 2-6, 2026. Come prepared to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime grand celebration for the SAR’s key signature 250th event, with many programs and activities planned over four days. Please read this entire blog post for all the event details.
Our motto for this celebration is “50 for the 250th” as we are aiming for every state society to be represented at this celebration. Imagine the public patriotic display of every state society’s flag carried high during each of the celebratory events. Make plans now to attend. You do not want to miss any of the events that are planned. Note that some programs and events have limited capacity, so register early to secure your spot.
Registration
You can access the event registration form at this link:
SAR Independence 250 Event Registration
If you have questions or need help in navigating the registration form, please contact Registration Chair Bill Baker @bbaker at wbaklava@aol.com.
Accommodations
Hotel reservations at the SAR group rate can be made at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. Note that all planned events are within one mile of the hotel.
Make your hotel reservations at the following link:
SAR Independence 250 Hotel Reservation
The hotel room block is 80% full, so make your hotel reservations soon. We have expanded the room block twice and the ability to add additional rooms at the current rate is limited. Note that another day has also been added to the block, so you can now book rooms for July 1-6 at the group rate.
Planned Festivities
The celebration kicks off on Thursday, July 2nd, with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at Independence Square, replete with a bell ringing and roll call of the Signers. This public event will be followed by a tour of the National Constitution Center and a new exhibit on America’s Founding: From the Declaration and American Revolution to the Constitution and Bill of Rights. We will cap the day’s activities off with a welcome reception at Victory Brewing Company, located at 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The SAR celebration kicks into high gear on Friday, July 3rd, with our participation in the official Salute to Independence Parade in the Historic District of the Old City. We are expecting a huge Color Guard presence at this event, visually representing the SAR and carrying all 50 state society flags. The Color Guard will be led by the President General and the official SAR float. The day’s activities will conclude at the SAR Independence 250 Gala Dinner, a special evening hosted by Ben Franklin himself.
On Saturday, July 4th, we will set up camp on the Independence Mall, where we will sponsor an SAR Showcase featuring events, exhibits and activities throughout the day. On the main stage, we will offer programs, interpreters and speakers, including an SAR 250 public commemoration and bench dedication. Under the big tent, we will promote SAR membership, our new Education Center and Museum and SAR programs for Youth, Public Service, Veterans and more. We will also offer a variety of interpretative and educational stations for youth, including Patriot chest presentations, enlistment of recruits to drill and muster with the Color Guard, and Signing the Declaration with a quill pen, among others. It will be a tremendous day and an opportunity to showcase what the SAR does best.
Finally, on Sunday, July 5th, we will hold a public Patriot grave marking ceremony for Five Signers of the Declaration of Independence including Benjamin Franklin at Christ Church. It will be a wonderful way to honor the contributions of these founders who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor in signing the Declaration of Independence. Following the ceremony, we will tour the Museum of the American Revolution with a guided tour of its new special exhibit entitled The Declaration’s Journey, which traces the story of the Declaration from our nation’s founding to today. We will conclude the day with our Farewell Dinner at Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen, just one block from the museum.
Giving
In addition to your attendance, there are also several ways to support and promote the SAR Independence 250 celebration. There are several unique merchandise items ranging from challenge coins to cockades, which are included in the registration form. These items will also be available on the Independence 250 website in the near future.
You can also become one of 56 DELEGATES to sponsor the SAR Independence 250 celebration. Donors of at least $250 are awarded a special commemorative SAR Independence 250 medal. Your name will be listed in all SAR Independence 250 event programs and you will have reserved seating at the SAR 250 Gala Dinner.
Contributions exceeding $250 will be recognized with a special campaign bar for your medal and with additional benefits at the levels indicated below:
· Medal with a DRAFTER campaign bar for a $500 donation includes prominent billing in all Independence 250 event programs, a memorable gift and select seating at the SAR 250 Gala Dinner.
· Medal with a SIGNER campaign bar for a $1,000 donation includes premium billing in all Independence 250 event programs, a distinctive gift and preferred seating at the SAR 250 Gala Dinner.
· Medal with a FOUNDER campaign bar for a $2,500 donation includes premier billing in all Independence 250 event programs, a unique Independence 250 commemorative gift and signature seating at the SAR 250 Gala Dinner.
If you are unable to attend the Independence 250 celebration, you can still receive the medal and listed benefits by donating at the following link:
All donors will be recognized at the SAR 250 Gala Dinner and in all SAR Independence 250 event programs. Your generous contribution will support all planned SAR Independence 250 programming including the showcase, sponsorships, commemorative benches, markers, exhibits, interpreters and speakers.
These four days will be a truly special and inspiring time for the SAR as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. I look forward to seeing you there!
Patriotically,
Jeff Thomas
Historian General
America 250 ChairSons of the American Revolution
