HSP 2025: A Year of Exhibits, Education, and Impact

As we close out 2025, we reflect on a year of powerful programs and exhibits that honored the beginnings of America’s 250th birthday and the intertwined stories of liberty, abolition, and service. From groundbreaking exhibits to inspiring student achievements, here’s what made this year unforgettable. 

Commemorating 250 Years of Freedom’s Fight 

On April 14, 1775—just days before the first shots of the American Revolution—a group of Philadelphians gathered to help Dinah Nevil, an enslaved Afro-Indigenous woman seeking freedom. From the nation’s birth, the fight for independence and the struggle against slavery have been inseparable. 

HSP has preserved the records of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society (PAS) since the 1930s, and in 2025 we marked its 250th anniversary with two major exhibits: 

• Free, As One: Black Worldmaking in the Pennsylvania Abolition Society 

  Co-curated with 1838 Black Metropolis, this exhibit explored how enslaved and free Black communities used strategy, communication, and resilience to claim liberty. 

  

  Michiko Quinones of 1838 Black Metropolis leads a gallery discussion of Free, As One.

• Voices of the Community: Local Black Preservation 

  Developed with public historians Shamele Jordon and Faye Anderson, this exhibit highlighted how African American communities in Philadelphia and Lawnside, NJ have preserved their heritage for over two centuries. The local chapters of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) also provided key partnership support.

  

  Message in our Music was the theme of one of the cases in Voices of the Community.

Visitors praised these exhibits for their depth and accessibility: 

“The combination of documents and photos! It is beautifully presented and provided a space for people to understand more of the history that lives right in our backyard.” — exhibit attendee 

These exhibits were accompanied by signature speakers, gallery talks, teacher workshops, and a public history teach-in. 

👉 Check out our PAS250 page for a full list of programs.

🎥 Watch highlights and talks with Nell Irvin Painter and Dyana Williams: PAS250 Playlist 

One attendee summed up the spirit of these programs perfectly: 

“HSP is family. I’m always in awe and extremely thankful to be invited!” — program attendee of Dyana Williams' talk

Empowering Students Through History 

HSP continued to lead National History Day Philadelphia, an award-winning program that fosters critical thinking and civic engagement. This year: 

• 57 Philadelphia students advanced to state competition at the University of Scranton. 

• 14 students competed nationally at the University of Maryland. 

Award-winning students met Rear Admiral Kenneth Blackmon, USN after presenting their project at the Homecoming 250 exhibit opening in October.

Two middle school students earned a national award! Alex J. and Connor M. (St. Mary Interparochial School) won the Captain Ken Coskey Naval History Award for their project “Letters of Marque and Reprisal: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Forging of a New Nation.” 

Honoring 250 Years of Naval Service 

Philadelphia is the birthplace of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and HSP joined Homecoming 250 to celebrate their 250th anniversaries. Our exhibit: 

• To Provide a Naval Armament: U.S. Navy and Marine Corps History, 1775–1958 traced the evolution of America’s sea services through letters, journals, and account books of sailors, surgeons, and shipyard workers. 

The Philadelphia-wide celebration featured ship parades, ceremonies, and veteran gatherings. HSP offered a signature lecture with author Tim McGrath. 

🎥 Watch the lecture and exhibit press coverage: Homecoming 250 Playlist 

Looking Ahead to 2026 

Our anniversary celebration has just begun! Join us in 2026 for exhibits and programs that explore how Americans have asserted the ideals of the Declaration of Independence over 250 years. 

📅 Kickoff Event: Changing Faces of Independence: Pennsylvania in the 1800s 

Opening Reception – January 22 

Learn more and register for in-person or Zoom programs: hsp.org/usa250 

Thank You for Being Part of This Journey 

Your support makes these programs possible. Sign up for our newsletter to hear the latest. Here’s to another year of learning, reflection, and celebration!