Several children and adults stand in pairs on a grassy field, tossing white objects—possibly eggs—to each other. The participants are surrounded by trees and dressed in red, white, and blue clothing for an Independence Day celebration.

Independence Day Celebration

Event Information

Date & Time
Saturday, Jul. 4, 2026
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village 401 Meadowcroft Road
Avella PA, 15312
Ticketing Included with admission
Categories

Join Meadowcroft for an Independence Day celebration!

Step into the past and celebrate the roots of American history with a day full of festive fun at Meadowcroft’s 18th-century frontier trading post and 19th-century rural village. Enjoy hands-on historical demonstrations, try traditional games, and discover how early Americans lived, worked, and celebrated.

Don’t forget to explore the Meadowcroft Rockshelter, North America’s oldest known site of human habitation, for a truly one-of-a-kind journey through the ages!

This program is part of the History Center’s year-long commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in partnership with America250PA.

America250PA was established by the Pennsylvania state legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.

Heinz History Center programs commemorating America’s 250th anniversary are supported by Nimick Forbesway Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Visit PA, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).

Admission

Access to the Independence Day Celebration at Meadowcroft is included with regular admission. Purchasing tickets in advance is encouraged, but tickets will also be sold at the admissions desk in the Barensfeld Center depending on availability.