Philadelphia Historic District Partners with 250th Committee for 52 Weeks of Firsts

Philadelphia Historic District Partners 250th Committee

52 Weeks of Firsts

January 3 - December 26, 2026

The 52 Weeks of Firsts is a citywide, yearlong celebration honoring Philadelphia's legacy of innovation produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee. Not only was Philadelphia the birthplace of the country, but it was also the backdrop for many other marvels—some will be surprises to even the biggest Philly fans. To honor these groundbreaking inventions and firsts, the Philadelphia Historic District is holding a year's worth of free events to celebrate the country's 250th birthday. The 52 Weeks of Firsts will take place every week of the 2026 semiquincentennial year across the City of Philadelphia in more than a dozen neighborhoods.

The 52 Weeks of Firsts is part of Philadelphia's yearlong commemoration of America's 250th anniversary in 2026. The celebration encompasses major sporting events alongside cultural exhibitions and community programs that honor Philadelphia's role as the birthplace of American democracy.

52 Weeks of Firsts

The 52 Weeks of Firsts will kick off during the First First Week, January 3-8, 2026, with the very First Saturday Firstival honoring America's first balloon flight. The First Balloon Flight Saturday Firstival will take place Saturday, January 3 at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia in the Historic District, near the site where the first balloon took flight. Here is the full list, with the schedule for the whole year.

First Balloon Flight in America: 1793

The Athenaeum, 219 S. 6th Street, January 3, 2026

Up, up, and away! Philadelphia was the launch site of America's very first hydrogen-filled balloon flight, lifting imaginations sky-high. The dream of flight took off from right here.

First Folk Parade: 1901

Mummers Museum, 1100 S. 2nd Street, January 10, 2026

Strut into history with the celebration of Philadelphia's first official folk parade or as we now know it, the Mummers Parade. Discover how a rowdy neighborhood tradition became the country's longest-running folk parade and why the New Year just isn't the same without sequins, satire, and saxophones.

First Volunteer Fire Company: 1736

Fireman's Hall Museum, 147 N. 2nd Street, January 17, 2026

Spark your curiosity about the birth of America's first volunteer fire company, founded by Benjamin Franklin. Step into the boots of early citizen-firefighters and see how Philly set the standard for public service.

First Professional Basketball League: 1898

Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad Street, January 24, 2026

Dribble, pass, and shoot into history! Philadelphia tipped off the very first professional basketball league, setting the stage for the sport we love today.

First Public Girl Scout Cookie Sale: 1933

PECO Building, 2301 Market Street, January 31, 2026

Thin Mints, Samoas, history! Philadelphia was the site of the very first public Girl Scout cookie sale featuring commercially baked cookies, launching a sweet tradition that still supports girls nationwide. Once again, Philly took the first bite.

First African Methodist Episcopal Congregation: 1794

Mother Bethel AME Church, 419 S. 6th Street, February 7, 2026

Stand on sacred ground where history was made. Founded by Richard Allen in 1794, Mother Bethel is the first autonomous, organized, and incorporated African American congregation in America, an enduring symbol of faith, resilience, and self-determination.

First Abolitionist Society in America: 1775

The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, February 14, 2026

Honor the fight for freedom and celebrate the first American abolitionist society, launched in Philadelphia in 1775. Discover how bold thinkers and brave activists laid the groundwork for a national movement to end slavery.

First Authentic Chinese Gate Built in America: 1984

Chinatown Friendship Gate, N. 10th Street, February 21, 2026

Step through the iconic archway that sparked a cultural renaissance. Built in 1984, Philadelphia's Friendship Gate was the first authentic Chinese gate in the U.S., a stunning symbol of international partnership and community pride.

First Public Protest Against Slavery in America: 1688

Historic Germantown Mennonite Meetinghouse, 6119 Germantown Ave., February 28, 2026

Long before the Civil War, Philadelphians took a stand. Commemorate the bold 1688 petition by Mennonites and German Quakers, the first recorded public protest against slavery in America, and reflect on a legacy of conscience and courage.

First Flower Show: 1829

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, March 7, 2026

Breathe in the blooms at the world's very first flower show, right here in Philadelphia! What began as a gathering of green thumbs blossomed into a global tradition of horticultural wow. Stop and smell the history!

First Women's Medical College: 1850

Drexel University, 60 N. 36th Street, March 14, 2026

Paging pioneers! Celebrate the women who broke barriers (and a few norms) at the first degree-granting medical school for women. This is where women took medicine into their own hands.

First Match Folder: 1892

Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut Street, March 21, 2026

Small but mighty, the first paper match folder...the  precursor to the matchbook...was struck right here in Philadelphia. Explore how this fiery little invention lit the way for advertising, science, and everyday convenience.

First Medical School in America: 1765

Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., March 28, 2026

In 1765, Philadelphia became home to the nation's first medical school, setting the standard for training America's earliest physicians. More than 250 years later, the Perelman School of Medicine continues to blend innovation and tradition, shaping the future of healthcare.

First Stadium in America: 1895

Franklin Field, 235 S. 33rd Street, April 4, 2026

Cheer loud for history! Franklin Field was the nation's first stadium, home to roaring crowds, thrilling games, and unforgettable moments. Philly built the stage for American sports. April Firsts are sponsored by The Bellwether District.

First Circus Performance in America: 1793

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene Street, April 11, 2026

Step right up! The thrills, the acrobatics, the spectacle...America's first circus performance wowed crowds in Philly. Celebrate the art of awe at the place where center ring first stole the show. April Firsts are sponsored by The Bellwether District.

First Botanical Garden: 1728

Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., April 18, 2026

Rooted in curiosity, Bartram's Garden was America's very first botanical garden, a living laboratory where science bloomed and Philly's green thumb took root. Come wander where wild things first grew...and still do! April Firsts are sponsored by The Bellwether District.

First Postmaster: 1737

Franklin Court, 322 Market Street, April 25, 2026

Before there was email, there was Ben. Franklin became America's first postmaster, creating a system that did more than deliver mail, it brought people together. See how one man's mail shaped a new nation. April Firsts are sponsored by The Bellwether District.

First American-Made Piano and Sousaphone: 1775/1893

Ensemble Arts Philly, 300 S. Broad Street, May 2, 2026

From ivory keys to booming brass, Philadelphia hit all the right notes with the first American-made piano and sousaphone. Music history was composed right here in the city of harmony.

First Mother's Day: 1908

Historic St. George's Museum & Archives, 326 New Street, May 9, 2026

Give it up for Mom...Philly-style! The nation's very first public Mother's Day celebration took place right here at Wanamaker's Department Store, honoring the women who do it all. Bring the flowers, bring the love, bring the tissues.

First Hospital in America: 1751

Pennsylvania Hospital, 800 Spruce Street, May 16, 2026

Take a pulse on history... America's first hospital, founded by none other than Ben Franklin, set the gold standard for care and still stands today as a monument to healing and hope.

First World's Fair on American Soil: 1876

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, May 23, 2026

Philadelphia welcomed the world and showed off the future at the 1876 Centennial Exposition, the first World's Fair in the U.S. Relive the inventions, innovations, and international flair that made history.

First Steamboat for Passengers and Freight: 1787

Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., May 30, 2026

All aboard! The first American steamboat to carry both passengers and cargo set sail from Philadelphia, charting a new course for travel and trade. Smooth sailing, revolutionary style.

First American Flag: 1777

Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, June 6, 2026

Stars, stripes, and stitching history! Visit the birthplace of the first American flag and learn the story behind the bold woman who started it all...Betsy Ross. Red, white, and brave!

First U.S. Army:  1775

Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, June 13, 2026

Before there was even a country, there were heroes. Philly is where the U.S. Army was born, kicking off a legacy of service, courage, and dedication that still stands strong today.

First Annual Reminder Demonstration: 1965

Philly Pride Visitor Center, Lombard Street & S. 12th Street, June 20, 2026

Before Stonewall, there was Philly. In 1965, activists gathered at Independence Hall for the first "Annual Reminder," boldly demanding LGBTQ rights where America's freedoms were first declared. Celebrate the city that stood for liberty, for everyone.

First Paper Maker in America: 1690

Rittenhouse Town, 6034 Wissahickon Avenue, June 27, 2026

Long before Wi-Fi and word processors, there was paper and it all started at Rittenhouse Town. Discover the handmade beginnings of America's paper trail and the mill that made it happen.

First Bank of the United States: 1791

First Bank of the United States, 120 S. 3rd Street, July 4, 2026

America's first big investment! Founded by Alexander Hamilton (yes, that Hamilton), the First Bank built the financial foundation of the nation, and it all started right here in Philadelphia. July Firsts are sponsored by Fulton Bank.

First Organized Baseball Team: 1831

Location TBD, July 11, 2026

Before the Phils, there were the Olympics! The Olympic Ball Club of Philadelphia was the nation's very first organized baseball team, planting the roots of America's favorite pastime right here in the city. Batter up for some serious sports history. July Firsts are sponsored by Fulton Bank.

First Ice Cream Soda: October 1874

Franklin Fountain, 116 Market Street, July 18, 2026

What do you get when you mix ice cream and fizzy soda? A delicious Philadelphia invention! Cool off and sip back in time with the first-ever ice cream soda, sweet, creamy, and bubbly fun. July Firsts are sponsored by Fulton Bank.

First Art School and Museum in America: 1805

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad Street, July 25, 2026

Brush up on history where American artists first found their muse. PAFA, the nation's first art school, launched a creative revolution, one masterpiece at a time. July Firsts are sponsored by Fulton Bank.

First Scientific Society of Natural History: 1812

Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, August 1, 2026

Dinosaurs, dioramas, discoveries! The Academy of Natural Sciences became America's first scientific society devoted to natural history. Curiosity and collections that still spark wonder.

First Zoo in America: 1874

Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, August 8, 2026

Lions and tigers and history, oh my! The Philadelphia Zoo opened its gates as America's very first, combining animal wonder with conservation. Wild from the very beginning. 

First U.S. Mint: 1793

Location TBD, Philadelphia, August 15, 2026

Where did American money first make cents? Right here in Philadelphia. Celebrate the launch of the first U.S. Mint and the shiny beginning of coin-making in the new nation.

First Selfie: 1839

Love Park, JFK Plaza, 1501 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, August 22, 2026

Say cheese, Philly! Long before camera phones and filters, local innovator Robert Cornelius snapped the world's very first selfie right here in 1839, with a homemade camera in his own backyard, no less. One bold pose and a flash of genius changed photography forever.

First Slinky: 1945

Philadelphia Art Museum, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, August 29, 2026

It walked from Philadelphia right into America's heart! Celebrate the wobbly, wonderful debut of the Slinky, born in a local shipyard and still bouncing strong. It's more than a toy, it's a cultural icon.

First Signing of the Constitution: 1787

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, September 5, 2026

We the People...signed here first. The U.S. Constitution was inked in Philadelphia, setting the course for democracy. Step inside history where every signature still speaks volumes. September Firsts are sponsored by Firstrust Bank.

First Continental Congress: 1774

Carpenters' Hall, 320 Chestnut Street, September 12, 2026

Before there was a nation, there was a meeting. The First Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia to hammer out unity and independence, setting the stage for the next Congress, where that very famous declaration was signed. Big ideas, bold voices: it all started here. September Firsts are sponsored by Firstrust Bank.

First Naming of the United States: 1776

Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, September 19, 2026

What's in a name? Everything. At Independence Hall, "The United States of America" was spoken into being, giving a brand-new nation its identity. We still say it proudly, but Philadelphia said it first. September Firsts are sponsored by Firstrust Bank.

First Ronald McDonald House: 1974

Ronald McDonald House, 3925 Chestnut Street, September 26, 2026

A first that warms the heart. The very first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia, giving families care, comfort, and community while their children heal. Home, hope, and history under one roof. September Firsts are sponsored by Firstrust Bank.

First Penitentiary in America: 1829

Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, October 3, 2026

With soaring stone walls and a radical design, Eastern State Penitentiary created the philosophy of America's first true penitentiary. Walk the halls where history was locked along with the human stories of early prison systems.

First Peoples

Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, October 10, 2026

Honor the nation's first inhabitants and celebrate the vibrant cultures and enduring traditions of Indigenous communities rooted in Philadelphia. Discover the Penn Museum's new Native North America Gallery, shaped in collaboration with Indigenous curators.

First U.S. Navy & Marine Corps: 1775

Arch Street Meeting House, 320 Arch Street, October 17, 2026

Anchors aweigh! Philly gave birth to the Navy and Marine Corps, launching fearless sailors and marines into a tradition of service and adventure that sails on to this day.

First Public Showing of a Motion Picture: 1870

Philadelphia Film Society, 1412 Chestnut Street, October 24, 2026

Lights, camera, Philadelphia! The flicker of the very first public motion picture lit up a local screen, launching the magic of movies. Grab the popcorn, the show started here.

First Modern Detective Story Written: 1841

Edgar Allan Poe House, 532 N. 7th Street, October 31, 2026

It was a dark and stormy night...and another Philadelphia first. Edgar Allan Poe penned the world's first modern detective story here, giving birth to mystery, suspense, and serious shivers. Case closed.

First Thanksgiving Day Parade: 1920

Benjamin Franklin Parkway, November 7, 2026

Marching bands, giant balloons, and holiday cheer...Philadelphia started it all with the nation's very first Thanksgiving Day Parade. A tradition so big, it could only begin here.

First University in America: 1740

University of Pennsylvania, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce Street, November 14, 2026

Higher learning, Philly style. Penn claimed the title of the nation's first university. With innovation baked into its DNA, Penn launched generations of leaders. Knowledge has a home, and it's right here!

First Children's Hospital in America: 1855 

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Main Building, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, November 21, 2026

Philadelphia made history in 1855 by opening the nation's first hospital devoted exclusively to children. For more than 170 years, CHOP has combined groundbreaking research with heartfelt care both within and outside its walls, a tradition of healing that continues to inspire today.

First Pencil with Attached Eraser: 1858

National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut Street, November 28, 2026

Mistakes were made...and fixed! Celebrate the bright idea that stuck, a pencil with its own built-in eraser, invented right here in Philly. It's the write stuff. 

First Weather Bureau: 1870

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street, December 5, 2026

Philly was first at forecasting the future. The very first U.S. Weather Bureau office opened in Philadelphia in 1870 as part of the Signal Service, laying the foundation for modern meteorology. December Firsts are sponsored by Fulton Bank. 

First Electronic Computer: 1945

University of Pennsylvania, 3451 Walnut Street, December 12, 2026

Before smartphones, before laptops, there was ENIAC. Born at Penn, the world's first programmable, electronic computer crunched numbers and changed everything. From circuits to cyberspace, it all began in Philly. December Firsts are sponsored by Fulton Bank. 

First Public Lending Library in America: 1731

Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust Street, December 19, 2026

Check it out...no, really! Founded by Ben Franklin, the Library Company became America's first public lending library, putting books in hands and ideas in motion. Not surprisingly, Philadelphia wrote the first chapter. December Firsts are sponsored by Fulton Bank.

Philly Food Firsts: First Cheesesteak 1930s/Water Ice 1932/Bubble Gum 1928

Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch Street, December 26, 2026

Philly has an appetite for history! From the very first cheesesteak to the first water ice and bubble gum, the city served up iconic tastes that still satisfy today. Delicious history, Philadelphia-style. December Firsts are sponsored by Fulton Bank.

Weekly Celebrations - Saturday Firstivals

The 52 Weeks of Firsts shines a light on different Philly-born Firsts each week through a series of free public events called Saturday Firstivals, held every Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm from January 3 to December 26. Each Firstival will feature a brief opening ceremony, a Once Upon A Nation storyteller sharing the true tale of that week's First, family activities, giveaways, music and entertainment, selfie stations, and the spotlighting of a #1 sculpture representing that milestone. Each of the stories are created by Once Upon A Nation historical experts. The story will be recorded by an actor and be available online activated after the Firstival via QR code embedded on each #1 Sculpture or via the website. All the free Saturday Firstivals will take place throughout 2026 at the locations—or in neighborhoods representing the locations—where these significant Firsts occurred.

#1 Sculptures with Mural Arts Philadelphia

Beginning in January, distinctive #1 sculptures will be scattered throughout over a dozen neighborhoods of Philadelphia. These #1 sculptures will be painted by Mural Arts Philadelphia, the renowned local public art institution. Each sculpture will be designed and hand-created by one of 25 local artists from the Greater Philadelphia region and themed to the First. These sculptures will serve as landmarks, selfie spots, and starting points for ongoing weekly photo quests and be placed in the locations where the Firstivals will take place each week. A map with all the locations, available starting January 3, can be found via QR code on the sculptures or on 52firstsphilly.com. Below is an alphabetical list of artists with the #1 sculpture they are creating. For artist bios and artist statements, visit the website, 52firstsphilly.com.

52 Weeks of Firsts Photo Quest

The 52 Weeks of Firsts Photo Quest presents different challenges each week and submissions are invited via Instagram using #52FirstsPhilly, with winners chosen randomly and announced each Saturday and then featured on Instagram @52firstsphilly.

Podcast

The companion 52 Weeks of Firsts Podcast will debut in early 2026, featuring conversations with historians, artists, and storytellers who are reimagining how we experience Philadelphia's history.

Legacy Projects for 52 Weeks of Firsts

Two legacy projects are being created to capture memories from 52 Weeks of Firsts for future generations.

Commemorative Plantings

Each Firstival will also feature a ceremonial presentation for each partner organization to be honored with a designated tree to be planted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society during one of two plantings in April and October.

52 Weeks of Firsts Time Capsule

All 52 partners will be invited to contribute an item to the 52 Weeks of Firsts Time Capsule that will be completed at the end of the year.

What Is a Philadelphia First?

The definition of "first" from Merriam Webster: "preceding all others in time, order, or importance." A Philadelphia First is the first existence of something that happened in Philadelphia. This doesn't necessarily mean the oldest that still exists, if it wasn't the first of its kind. The Firsts focus on happenings, institutions, and creations, and not individuals.

How To Learn More

Follow along with the Philadelphia Historic District Partners on Instagram at @52firstsphilly. This Instagram profile will be the place to get up-to-date schedule information and highlights of each of the Firsts all year long. Visit Philadelphia has created a one-stop shop for the full calendar and description of all of the events. Find all the information at 52firstsphilly.com.

52 Weeks of Firsts is made possible with funding from 2026 Funder Collaborative, City of Philadelphia, and William Penn Foundation. Corporate Support for 52 Weeks is provided by PCOM, The Bellwether District, Firstrust Bank, and Fulton Bank. For more information about all things Philadelphia 2026 in this historic milestone year, visit philly2026.com.

About the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee

The 52 Weeks of Firsts is created by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee, a partnership of 23 museums and cultural institutions.

Philadelphia Historic District Partners:

●        African American Museum in Philadelphia

●        American Philosophical Society

●        Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust

●        Athenaeum of Philadelphia

●        Betsy Ross House

●        Carpenters' Hall

●        Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

●        Elfreth's Alley

●        Franklin Square

●        Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

●        Historical Society of Pennsylvania

●        Historic St. George's United Methodist Church

●        Independence National Historical Park

●        Independence National Historical Trust

●        Independence Seaport Museum

●        Independence Visitor Center

●        Mother Bethel AME

●        Museum of the American Revolution

●        National Liberty Museum

●        National Constitution Center

●        Old City District

●        Science History Institute

●        Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Led by Vince Stango, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Constitution Center and Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee is a group made up of a variety of cultural and historical sites throughout America's most historic square mile. The 250th Committee aims to create a unique and memorable experience for visitors to Philadelphia's Historic District in 2026, driving engagement with partner organizations through a well-defined, interconnected experience. The Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee strives to create a legacy of improvements, enhancements, and increased accessibility of the city's astounding array of existing cultural assets and historical treasures by developing sustainable activations to extend to 2026 and beyond. The Committee created the Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration taking place on July 2, 2026, and are producing the 52 Weeks of Firsts celebration every week of 2026. For more information about the Red, White, & Blue To-Do, visit phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa. For more information about 52 Weeks of Firsts, visit 52firstsphilly.com or follow along on Instagram at @52firstsphilly.

Photography by Jason Miczek. Courtesy of The Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee.