As the nation prepares to commemorate America's 250th, this exhibit will look back on the bicentennial, sharing perspectives from the groups who raised their voices in protest and critiqued a wholly celebratory approach to American history.
As the nation enters a year of events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of independence in 2026, many in Philadelphia remember the elaborate festivities which took place in the city in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial. While the story of the 1976 Philadelphia bicentennial celebrations is well-known, the variety of movements and people who chose to raise their voices in protest instead of celebrating the occasion is much less present in the public consciousness.
Drawing on recently gathered collections at the Penn Libraries, this exhibit will showcase materials from the wide variety of groups who took the occasion of a national anniversary to question the celebration and make strident critiques of a wholly celebratory approach to American history and the mythos of the founding fathers. The exhibit includes posters, buttons, pamphlets, photographs, and other ephemeral materials — many of them produced by people of color, student organizations, and grassroots groups. Taken together they present a striking counter-narrative to the official Philadelphia 1976 celebrations as well as a visually arresting display of 1970s protest culture.
On view February 9 - May 15, 2026. This exhibition is free and open to the public. The display is located next to the Circulation desk on the first floor of Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center (view floor plan).
Penn faculty, staff, and students must swipe their PennCard for access. Visitors from outside the Penn community must present a current, valid government or school-issued photo ID that contains an expiration date. Find more information to plan your visit.
The University of Pennsylvania, located in the heart of the city, was at the center of the dramatic events of 1776 and the Revolution that followed. 250 years later, partners across the university are exploring how history can help us better understand the present and create a sustainable and inclusive future.
Featured image: “Demonstrate! Philly July 1-4” [poster], Chicago: Revolutionary Student Brigade, 1976; Bicentennial Activism collection