The Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board and Valley Forge National Historical Park are preparing for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, positioning Montgomery County at the center of the celebration.
Jake Markezin, Senior Vice President of Operations at the Tourism Board, reported strong momentum in the local hospitality industry. In 2025, tourism generated $2.5 billion and supported 40,000 jobs.
With major events ahead — including the NCAA men’s basketball regional finals, a PGA tournament, sixFIFA World Cup matches in Philadelphia, and the MLB All-Star Game — an additional $250 million in revenue is projected for 2026. Markezin noted that record crowds are already boosting visitation, with 40,000 fans attending a golf tournament at the Philadelphia Cricket Club this year and 200,000 expected at next year’s PGA event.
Rachel Riley, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, emphasized plans to celebrate Valley Forge National Historical Park’s 50th anniversary on Jul. 4, 2026. She also highlighted new initiatives, including multilingual signage at Philadelphia International Airport to welcome World Cup visitors and a redesigned tourism website to promote America 250 programming.
At Valley Forge Park, Supervisor Rose Ferrell announced a signature moment: the reading of the Declaration of Independence by the county’s three commissioners. Together, these events will not only commemorate the nation’s founding but also drive lasting economic growth. As Markezin observed, 2026 will set the stage for strong tourism years in 2027 and 2028.
Learn more about America 250 and its mission to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial.
Explore upcoming Montco and Valley Forge at VFTCB.
