Congress gathers at Independence Hall for 250th anniversary @ThePhiladelphiaInquirer
Congress gathers at Independence Hall for 250th anniversary  @ThePhiladelphiaInquirer
Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A ceremonial event with members of Congress convened at Independence Hall for the upcoming celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the first such gathering in Philadelphia since a ceremonial joint session in 1987 to mark the bicentennial.

The event on July 2 featured visits from members of Congress and fell on the anniversary of the day that the Second Continental Congress voted to adopt a resolution for independence. The Declaration of Independence was drafted and formally approved on July 4.

The gathering was years in the making. U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Democrat whose district includes the national historic site, introduced legislation starting in 2024 that called for a joint session at the site on July 2.

Read more about the week’s festivities at the link in our bio.

📝 by Sam Janesch / Staff
📹 by Jenna Miller / Staff

If you value this work, please consider subscribing to the Philadelphia Inquirer ►► inquirer.com/youtube

More from Philadelphia Inquirer Video:
Watch all of our videos here: inquirer.com/video
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philadelphia...
Instagram: instagram.com/phillyinquirer
Congress gathers at Independence Hall for 250th anniversarySixers fans react to Paul Georges 25-game suspensionEagles cornerback Riq Woolen: God didnt make me to be a quiet person.Building an exact replica of the boat George Washington use to cross the Delaware in 1776Lavar Scott, one of NASCAR’s three Black drivers, is chasing greatness and not looking backPhiladelphias FIFA World Cup Fan Festival kicks off with Luis Fonsi and thousands of fansChecking in with Phillys WNBA fans during WNBA All-Star weekendK.C. Keeler is building Temple football around love and trustunCovering the Birds mailbag: Early thoughts on Chris KuperPhiladelphia mural highlights the city’s legacy of Black dancersSoccer Extra: Groups, goals and gloryMeasles outbreaks present ‘very real threats’ in Philly schools
The Philadelphia Inquirer |

Congress gathers at Independence Hall for 250th anniversary

SHARE TO X SHARE TO REDDIT SHARE TO FACEBOOK WALLPAPER