America 250
Historic Yellow Springs played a quiet but critical role in the American Revolution as the home of Washington Hall, the Continental Army’s first and only purpose-built military hospital. During the winter of 1777–78, when disease was killing more soldiers than battle, General George Washington authorized the construction of the hospital here to save lives and strengthen the army’s chances for survival. Led by Drs. Samuel Kennedy and Bodo Otto, the hospital introduced forward-thinking practices like cleanliness, patient isolation, nutritious meals, and the use of medicinal herbs to help reduce deaths and lay early groundwork for modern American medical care. Today, the preserved stone foundation and historic landscape at Yellow Springs stand as a powerful reminder that the fight for independence depended not only on soldiers and strategy, but on innovation, compassion, and care behind the lines. Join us throughout 2026 and beyond as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the critical steps that followed to help America become what it is today.
Please Join Us For These Great America 250 Themed Events!
The Things They Left Behind
When Thursday, November 19th 7 pm Where The Washington @ HYS Free Admission Join historian Dr. Robert Kodosky for a presentation on his new book, The Things They Left Behind: An American Military History. Bringing…
Town Tours & Village Walks Lecture
31st Annual Town Tours & Village Walks- Lecture When Thursday, October 15th, 5:30 – 7 pm Where Historic Yellow Springs Free Admission Join historian Dr. Sara Ray for an engaging presentation exploring the evolution of…
A Mother for America
A Mother for America: How Betsy Ross Became the Most Famous Woman in American History with Professor Charles Hardy When September 17th, 2026 At 7:00 pm Where The Washington @ HYS 1701 Art School Road…
The Pennsylvania Soldiers’ Orphans School System
The Pennsylvania Soldiers’ orphans School System: A focus on the Soldiers’ Orphan School at Chester Springs with William Peck When September 13th, 2026 At 1:30 pm Where Chester Springs Studio 1668 Art School Road Chester…
Medicinal Botanicals: The Living Specimens
Making History Workshop Medicinal Botanicals: The Living Specimens with Margaret Saylor When August 29th, 2026from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Where Chester Springs Studio 1668 Art School RoadChester Springs, PA 19465 Tickets In the winter…
Town Tours & Village Walks
31st Annual Cancelled for 8/20 Town Tours & Village Walks- 13 Tours for 13 Colonies We are assessing the opportunity to reschedule. Please check back soon. When Cancelled Thursday, August 20, 5:30 – 7 pm…
Radical Compassion Closing
Radical Compassion: Art as Social Action Exhibition Closing Celebration Events When August 2nd, 10am–4pm Where Lincoln Galleries at Historic Yellow Springs, 1685 Art School Road, Chester Springs Tickets Free and Open to the Public Historic…
America 250: Clay, Compassion & Community Dinner
Dinner History Expereince America 250: Clay, Compassion & Community Dinner with White Dog Cafe Chester Springs When Tuesday, July 28 • 5 – 8 PM Where White Dog Cafe – Chester Springs181 Gordon Drive Exton,…
Making History: Colonial Market Baskets
Making History Workshop Making History: Colonial Market Baskets with Karen Whychock When June 20th, 2026from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Where Chester Springs Studio 1668 Art School RoadChester Springs, PA 19465 Tickets Baskets were essential…
Dare to Declare
Dare to Declare When June 7, 2026 | 3:00 – 6:00pm Where Historic Yellow Springs, East of 1685 Art School Road Cost Free and Open to the Public In honor of America’s 250th anniversary in…
Radical Compassion Opening Reception
Radical Compassion: Opening Recption When May 31 2026, Noon-4pm Where The Lincoln Building at Historic Yellow Springs 1685 Art School Road, Chester Springs, PA Tickets Free and Open to the Public Join us Sunday afternoon,…
Radical Compassion
Radical Compassion: Art as Social Action When May 25th – August 9th 2026 Where The Lincoln Building at Historic Yellow Springs Tickets Free and Open to the Public Key Exhibition Dates and Events May 25:…
Join us for these great events and many more as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of America
Dare to Declare
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s Jazz at the Springs celebration takes on added meaning with Dare to Declare!, a special reading and discussion of the Declaration of Independence thoughtfully woven into the afternoon’s programming. This moment of reflection invites audiences of all ages to engage with the words and ideas that shaped our nation, connecting past and present through shared civic experience.
Special thanks to sponsors and supporters who help make this event possible.
