Carbon County’s America250PA representative is looking for volunteers and community participation as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding.

America’s Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and Independence Day 2026 marks the 250th anniversary.

Kim Werley, who will be working on coordinating events in Carbon County, spoke to Carbon County commissioners on Thursday and unveiled the logo for the county.

“We need to get the word out,” she told the commissioners.

Werley hopes community organizations will step up and get involved, possibly incorporating the Semiquincentennial into their events, she said.

“There are so many organizations in Carbon County, and activities that have been going on in our county that have to do with history,” Werley said. “I’m hoping they reach out to me.”

The state’s campaign is Educate, Preserve, Innovate, Celebrate, or EPIC, and focus on Pennsylvania’s history, culture and future.

Two statewide programs have already been held in the county - the Keystone Classroom Initiative engaged and educated children at the Penn-Kidder Campus about the 250th anniversary and the planting of a Liberty Tree in Weissport Borough Park, she said.

Werley pointed out that people could learn more about statewide plans on the America250PA website, america250pa.org, such as Bells Across PA, in which Pennsylvania artists can submit original designs for fiberglass bells that will be sponsored and placed in each of the state’s 67 counties.

Individuals and businesses are invited to sponsor one of the bells, or a Semiquincentennial Bell, which is a permanent, commemorative bronze bell that will be placed in historical significant locations, she said.

Werley has already reached out to the Carbon Chamber and Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, since taking on the role as county advisory committee member in December.

Werley is also looking for help to coordinate efforts, and possibly someone to put together a social media page to engage people in the 250th events and keep people informed.

The commissioners told Werley that would help her get the word out through their social media and website, and provide contacts for municipal and school district representatives who may be willing to get involved.