Concerning the proposal to celebrate 250th Anniversary of 1776 Independence in Philadelphia, notmentioned was the 1926 Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary) celebration in Philadelphia. No onetalks about it because it was a complete financial failure.

I do not know what was happening in Philadelphia in 1976. I was living in New York City then andits 1976 (200th) celebration was great - tall ships in the harbor and Hudson River etc. That was aparty. There is a distinction between an anniversary party celebration and a World's Fair.

The 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia was quite different and its purpose was more thana commemoration of US Independence. At Expositions, Exhibitions or World's Fairs, countriescompeted to show their manufactures and arts.

The last World's Fair to excite wonder and amazement was New York 1939-1940. I do not thinkthat can be recaptured today - for many reasons. As for celebrating Independence in 2026, inPhiladelphia - I am sure something will be done in acknowledgement, but without the same feeling as1876. It is said no one knows or cares about history now. (Obviously, I am not referring toE-Sylum readers and participants!)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
U.S. SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONPLANNERS WANTED (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n43a20.html)