52 Weeks of Firsts Kicks Off America’s Semiquincentennial in Philly
Philly is about to make history again—52 times over. As the nation gears up for its 250th birthday in 2026, the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee has announced an ambitious, city-wide celebration called 52 Weeks of Firsts, a yearlong series of free public events honoring the city’s unmatched legacy of innovation, activism, and invention.
Running from January 3 through December 26, 2026, the 52 Weeks of Firsts commemorates a different “Philadelphia first” every week across more than a dozen neighborhoods. From the first hot air balloon flight in America to the first ice cream soda, and from Mother Bethel AME Church to Edgar Allan Poe’s detective story, this initiative elevates both well-known and hidden historical gems that put Philly on the map.
Amy Needle, President & CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. and Co-Chair of the 250th Committee, puts it best: “Philadelphia has always been a city of firsts—from the founding of our nation to innovations that shaped everyday life. 52 Weeks of Firsts brings these innovations to life in a fun and engaging way.”
The effort is about history and community. As Vince Stango of the National Constitution Center, also Co-Chair of the Committee, explains, “This yearlong celebration not only highlights the city’s remarkable past, but strengthens cultural partnerships and creates lasting connections.”
52 Weeks of Firsts Takes Over the City with Art, Storytelling, and Saturday “Firstivals”
52 Weeks of Firsts will feature larger-than-life #1 sculptures designed by 25 local artists and painted by Mural Arts Philadelphia. These public artworks will be placed throughout the city, turning Philly into a living museum and selfie backdrop. Each sculpture represents a unique “first,” acting as landmarks for weekly celebrations, photo contests, and cultural exploration.
The signature Saturday events—fittingly called Saturday Firstivals—will be held from 11 am to 1 pm each week, beginning January 3, 2026. These pop-up celebrations include live music, historical storytelling by Once Upon A Nation, interactive family activities, giveaways, and performances. The story behind each week’s “first” will be accessible through QR codes on the sculptures, connecting physical experiences with digital learning.
The first of these Firstivals kicks off with a tribute to America’s first hot air balloon flight at the Athenaeum in the Historic District. Other highlights include the first Mummers Parade, the first African Methodist Episcopal congregation, the first professional basketball league, the first medical school for women, the first flower show, and more than 40 other history-making milestones.
Each month will also include a “First Things First” press conference that brings together media, partners, and performers to spotlight that month’s scheduled celebrations.
52 Weeks of Firsts Honors the Past While Building a Legacy for the Future
With support from institutions like the National Constitution Center, Museum of the American Revolution, Penn Museum, Mother Bethel AME, and Franklin Institute—as well as sponsors like Fulton Bank, The Bellwether District, PCOM, and Firstrust—the 52 Weeks of Firsts is one of the most robust and inclusive citywide cultural initiatives in recent memory.
Designed to honor, educate, and entertain, this sweeping celebration will deepen public understanding of Philadelphia’s critical role in shaping the United States. More importantly, it invites residents and visitors alike to engage with that history in neighborhoods across the city—from Old City to Germantown, Rittenhouse to Chinatown, offering a once-in-a-generation chance to rediscover your hometown through stories that matter.
Images: Jason Miczek
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