National Pennsylvania Day
July 20
About National Pennsylvania Day
National Pennsylvania Day takes place on Monday, 20 July 2026, honouring the second state to join the Union and one of the most historically significant places in the United States. Part of the National Day Calendar series that celebrates each US state in turn, the day invites Pennsylvanians and admirers of the Keystone State to reflect on its founding, its landmarks, and its enduring role in the American story.
The Story Behind National Pennsylvania Day
Pennsylvania’s history reaches back to 1681, when King Charles II of England granted a vast tract of land to William Penn to settle a debt of around £16,000 owed to Penn’s late father, Admiral Sir William Penn. The younger Penn, a member of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, envisioned the colony as a refuge where people of all faiths could worship freely. He named it Pennsylvania, meaning “Penn’s Woods”, in honour of his father. Penn landed in North America in October 1682 and founded Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love”, that same year.
Penn’s “Frame of Government” set out remarkably progressive principles for its time: freedom of religion, fair trials, elected representatives, and a separation of powers. These ideas drew Quakers, Huguenots, Mennonites, Amish, Lutherans, and many others fleeing persecution in Europe. Within four years the colony was home to more than eight thousand settlers of varied religions and backgrounds, making it one of the most diverse and tolerant societies in the colonial world. Many historians regard Penn’s democratic framework as an early inspiration for the United States Constitution.
A little over a century later, Pennsylvania stood at the centre of the American Revolution. Both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the United States Constitution in 1787 were debated and signed in Philadelphia, which served as the temporary capital of the new nation through much of the 1790s. On 12 December 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the Constitution and join the Union. Its central position among the original thirteen colonies, both geographically and politically, earned it the nickname the Keystone State.
National Pennsylvania Day itself is a more recent creation. The National Day Calendar began recognising the individual states in 2017, sequencing them in the order they entered the Union and beginning the run shortly after Independence Day on 4 July. As the second state, Pennsylvania was assigned 20 July. The date does not mark the anniversary of statehood but rather offers a fixed annual moment to celebrate the state’s heritage and contributions.
When and Where is National Pennsylvania Day Celebrated?
National Pennsylvania Day falls on 20 July every year. In 2026 that date lands on a Monday. While the observance is centred on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, its sister cities, expatriate communities, and history enthusiasts across the United States and beyond also join in. Schools, museums, historical societies, and local businesses often use the day to highlight the state’s landmarks and traditions.
Traditions and Customs
Because National Pennsylvania Day is a celebration of place rather than a formal holiday, its customs revolve around the state’s most beloved features:
- Visiting historic landmarks – Many people mark the day at Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, or the Gettysburg National Military Park, where the pivotal 1863 Civil War battle was fought.
- Enjoying the Philly cheesesteak – The thinly sliced beef and melted cheese sandwich was invented in Philadelphia by hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri in the 1930s and remains a point of regional pride.
- Indulging in Hershey chocolate – The town of Hershey, built by Milton Hershey around his chocolate factory, is home to Hersheypark and a global chocolate legacy.
- Exploring the outdoors – From the Delaware Water Gap to the Pocono Mountains, residents celebrate by enjoying the state’s many parks and trails.
- Sharing state pride online – Social media fills with Keystone State imagery, from Pittsburgh’s bridges to the rolling farmland of Lancaster County.
Ways to Celebrate National Pennsylvania Day
There are countless ways to take part, whether you live in the state or simply admire its history:
- Tour Independence National Historical Park – Walk through the rooms where the Declaration and Constitution were signed and see the Liberty Bell up close.
- Cook a regional dish – Make a cheesesteak, a soft pretzel, or a scrapple breakfast to taste Pennsylvania’s culinary heritage at home.
- Learn about William Penn – Read about the Quaker founder whose ideals of tolerance shaped both the colony and the nation.
- Visit a museum – The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh’s many institutions tell the wider story of the Commonwealth.
- Support a local business – Buy from a Pennsylvania farm stand, brewery, or maker to celebrate the state’s economy.
- Plan a road trip – Chart a route through Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Hershey, and Pittsburgh to experience the state’s variety.
Facts and Figures
- Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the US Constitution, on 12 December 1787.
- The Liberty Bell was originally cast in 1752 and cracked not long after arriving in Philadelphia.
- Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States for much of the 1790s.
- The Battle of Gettysburg was fought over three days in July 1863 and is often regarded as a turning point in the American Civil War.
- Pennsylvania is officially a Commonwealth, one of only four US states to carry that designation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Pennsylvania Day?
National Pennsylvania Day is an annual observance celebrating the heritage, landmarks, and history of Pennsylvania, the second state to join the Union. It is part of the National Day Calendar series honouring each US state in turn.
When is National Pennsylvania Day in 2026?
National Pennsylvania Day is on Monday, 20 July 2026. The date is fixed and falls on 20 July every year.
Why is Pennsylvania called the Keystone State?
The nickname reflects Pennsylvania’s central position among the original thirteen colonies, both geographically and politically, much like the keystone that holds an arch together. The state played a decisive role in the founding of the nation.
Spread the Word
Share National Pennsylvania Day with your community using #NationalPennsylvaniaDay and #NationalPennsylvaniaDay2026. Whether you mark the occasion with a cheesesteak, a visit to a historic site, or a simple nod to the Keystone State’s legacy, every bit of awareness helps keep this heritage alive. If you enjoy celebrating the individual US states, you might also like National New Jersey Day, which honours Pennsylvania’s neighbour later in the same month.
Related Awareness Days
- National New Jersey Day – Celebrates the third state to join the Union, marked on 27 July as part of the same state series.
- Helen Keller Day – Honours the American author and activist, another figure central to United States history and civic life.
- Patriot Day in the USA – A solemn national day of remembrance that, like Pennsylvania Day, reflects on the country’s shared story.
Links
- Visit the National Day Calendar page for National Pennsylvania Day
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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