250 Community Day: We the People

Join us for the 250 Community Day: We the People, a vibrant celebration of independence and creativity at the Palmer, inspired by the special exhibition, Dreaming American Futures: Invitational 250. Open to all ages, this festive event highlights the works of Penn State students, staff, faculty, alumni, and local artists. The day kicks off at 11 a.m. with a guided plant walk at the Arboretum, led by Rebecca Horwitt, exploring plants that played significant roles in the American Revolution. From noon to 4 p.m., enjoy complimentary ice cream from the Penn State Berkey Creamery, hot dogs from Brown Dog Catering, and cookies from the Penn State Bakery.

At 1 p.m., immerse yourself in public readings of historic declarations, including the Declaration of Independence, featuring community voices like Mayor Ezra Nanes and activist Charles Dumas, with ASL interpretation available. The evening concludes at 6 p.m. with a unique community reading and dialogue with artists from the exhibition, touching on themes of change and the pursuit of a more perfect union, led by experts like Jeremy David Engels. Engage in art activities such as button-making, savor light refreshments, and connect with others while envisioning shared futures. Free parking is available all day. Drop in for an hour or stay for the entire celebration!