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.

A view of the preserved Lincoln building on the grounds of the historic village from the revolutionary war period herb garden

Town Tours & Village Walks Lecture

Oct 15 / 5:30–7pm

31st Annual Town Tours & Village Walks- Lecture When Thursday, October 15th, 5:30 – 7 pm Where Historic Yellow Springs Tickets Free Admission Join us as we learn about herbal medicine during the Revolutionary War…

Medicinal Botanicals: The Living Specimens

Medicinal Botanicals: The Living Specimens

Aug 29 / 10am–4pm

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…

A volunteer presents information for a group of community members in front of the preserved building in the village on the national register of historic places

Town Tours & Village Walks

Aug 20 / 5:30–7pm

31st Annual Town Tours & Village Walks- 13 Tours for 13 Colonies When Thursday, August 20, 5:30 – 7 pm Where Historic Yellow Springs Tickets Free Admission Did you know that vaccinations were given to…

America 250: Clay, Compassion & Community Dinner

America 250: Clay, Compassion & Community Dinner

Jul 28 / 5–8pm

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: Colonial Market Baskets

Jun 20 / 10am–4pm

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

Jun 7 / 3–6pm

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 Reception

May 31 / 12–4pm

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

May 25–Aug 9 / 10am–4pm

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 with Presenting Support from Presented at Historic…

A small pen and ink drawing of the Revolutionary War Hospital at Yellow Springs

Sketch the Ruins at Yellow Springs

May 16 / 10am–4pm

Making History Workshop Sketch the Ruins at Yellow Springs with Zoungy Kligge When June 20th, 2026from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Where Chester Springs Studio 1668 Art School RoadChester Springs, PA 19465 Tickets Begin indoors…

Planting Seeds of Revolution

Planting Seeds of Revolution

May 10–Oct 11 / 10am–4pm

History Exhibition Planting Seeds of Revolution When May 10th- October 11th, Monday- Thursday 10am-4pm Where Brick Room Welcome Center inside the Washington Building, 1701 Art School Rd, Chester Springs, PA 19425 Tickets Free and Open…

Mural 250

Mural 250

May 10 / 10am–2pm

Mural 250 at Art Around the Village When May 10, 2026 | 10:00am – 2:00pm Where Historic Yellow Springs’ Chester Springs Studio 1668 Art School Rd Cost Free and Open to the Public In honor…

Making History: Medicinal Botanicals

Making History: Medicinal Botanicals

Feb 21 / 10am–3pm

Making History Workshop Medicinal Botanicals: Drawing from History with Margaret Saylor When Feb 21st, 2026from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Where Chester Springs Studio 1668 Art School RoadChester Springs, PA 19465 Tickets Celebrate Historic Yellow…

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.