Generously sponsored by and in partnership with the Pennsylvania Freemasons, America250PA’s Liberty Tree Project includes a certified Liberty Tree planted in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties beginning in the Fall of 2021, through 2026.

During the American Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty often convened under the nation’s original Liberty Tree in Boston, to discuss their opposition to British rule in the colonies. This historic tree became a beacon of hope to colonists and a symbol of American freedom.

In an attempt to stymie these colonists, the British destroyed Boston’s Liberty Tree.

Suddenly, patriots throughout the 13 colonies began to designate new Liberty Trees. The last known original Liberty Tree sat on the campus of Saint John’s University in Maryland, until it was destroyed by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Today, seeds from a scion of the original tree are being collected, grown into seedlings and planted across the Commonwealth.

PHOTOS PROVIDED The Liberty Tree is pictured in the same location as the Tiadaghton Elm.

Cassandra Coleman, America250PA’s executive director, stated they are working on the EPIC Calendar of events for 2026. She extended her thanks to the Pennsylvania Freemasons Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

In addition, Coleman stated that she is appreciative of the support of Governor Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Legislature and all 67 Counties.

“Today, we are standing on the site established for the Tiadaghton Elm. This is the place of Clinton County’s Liberty Tree,” Commissioner Jeff Snyder explained on Saturday. “This is where, reportedly, on July 4, 1776, the Fair Play Men declared independence from England.”

Snyder read a portion of Thomas Paine’s 1775 poem that was published in the Pennsylvania Gazette, celebrating the first Liberty Tree’s importance to all Americans:

“Unmindful of names or distinctions they came,

PHOTO PROVIDED Representatives of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania are pictured during the tree planting ceremony.

For freemen like brothers agree,

With one spirit endued, they one friendship pursued,

And their temple was Liberty Tree”

“Mr. Paine’s words offer us a great sentiment for today’s Liberty Tree dedication and one we should emulate,” stated Snyder. “Let’s focus on that one spirit and one friendship. And let this Liberty Tree symbolize our one vision of continued growth and strength of our great country.”

Snyder thanked the Pennsylvania Freemasons and America250PA for this inspirational and exciting opportunity.

“2026 is just around the corner and we encourage everyone to join us as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” he said.

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the 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. America250PA’s website is https://www.america250pa.org/HOME

America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from all 67 counties, bring the Commonwealth’s history into the conversation so Pennsylvanians can better understand the origins and multiple perspectives of issues facing our Commonwealth and nation today, use history to encourage and inspire future leaders, celebrate the contributions of Pennsylvanians to our Commonwealth’s history but also to our Nation’s history, leave a lasting impact on the next generation and to spark an interest in which will ignite the drive for them to appreciate all the triumphs, trials and tribulations to which contributed to the Commonwealth for which they are now writing their own history.

For more information on how you can participate in Clinton County’s efforts call 570-893-4019 or email voter@clintoncountypa.gov.