With our local event now less than two months away; the focus today is on the mission of the Allemaengel 250 Committee, briefly touched upon in our group’s unveiling to the press in fall of 2025.

*Pay deserving TRIBUTES to the Patriots of our five township area who fought for the Independence of our Nation.

*REVISIT the 1776 era in our local Allemaengel Region and southeastern Pennsylvania with educational presentations about the many challenges facing American settlements and frontier regions while being governed under the reign of King George III of Great Britain; challenges which ultimately climaxed in our Nation’s grueling 8 year war for Independence.

On New Year’s Eve, our local daily press carried an article written by Elizabeth Wellington of the Philadelphia Inquirer titled “The moment Philadelphia museums have been waiting for.”

It stated that Philadelphia based museums really know how to throw a “Happy 250th Birthday, America” party with the first kicking off Jan. 1 and went on “Embedded into the fabric of our nation’s birthplace, Philly cultural institutions are gearing up for high-level deep dives into history, fun, folly and reflection. Just in time for the semiquincentennial.”

The article goes on to describe specific events being planned at the city’s many museums and cultural centers.

While traveling to Philadelphia throughout 2026 to be part of America’s 250th year long birthday celebration may be a day trip, the challenges and cost of such a trip make it unfeasible for many families.

While special celebrations will abound across our Commonwealth and Nation, you need look no farther than your local Allemaengel 250 Committee to throw a memorable Happy Birthday America bash in your own backyard on April 11th at the Kempton Community Center.

Parking and admission to all events will be free.

Enjoy Betsy Ross direct from the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia; nationally known speaker Michael Jesberger credited as Mr. US History; a colonial encampment and militia demonstrations; fife and drum pageantry; Liberty Express train rides by WK&S; a replica Liberty Bell created locally for the 1776 celebration; and yet more surprises to come … word is also spreading that Ben Franklin may revisit the Blue Mountain, although not on horseback on his heroic return.

Reasonably priced food prepared by the kitchen of the Kempton Community Center; participation in a raffle of quality Pennsylvania German articles; the purchase of one of our attractive yard signs; or a small donation toward expenses would be the only “voluntary” contributions for an exciting afternoon and evening.

The Allemaengel 250 Committee, representing the three local historical societies covering Albany, Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn and Weisenberg townships, is working with our Revolutionary War era local churches to display signage paying tribute to where these Patriots eternally rest.

Whenever possible, red/white/blue ribbons will be tied to county issued veteran markers to assure the graves of the Revolutionary Patriots will be easily distinguished from those of all our celebrated veterans of all eras.

Yet another tribute, will be the sharing of the names of these almost 600 local Patriots in our local press and on the day of our event.

It is difficult to imagine 600 or more local Patriots taking up arms from this young frontier region: our roster of Patriot names being derived from the 1974 Kempton Centennial book and the Northwestern Lehigh Veterans Memorial in Ontelaunee Park.

April 11 will be like a time machine taking us back to the days when our ancestors arrived at the docks in Philadelphia and their quest for land ownership in Penn’s Woods.

Enhancing the words of our varied presenters will be a colonial encampment populated by students of Northwestern Lehigh Middle School under the direction of social studies teacher Pamela Peters, recently cited by Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) with their “Outstanding Teacher of American History for 2025.”

Peters shared her plans for her students at the April 11 event.

“Come April, the Allemaengel’s 250th-anniversary celebration is getting a dose of reality thanks to the eighth-graders at Northwestern Lehigh Middle School. On April 11, these students are ditching the classroom to host a living history experience that focuses on the “grit” of the Revolution rather than just the dates on a timeline. The highlight is a deep dive into the life of the citizen soldier.

“These weren’t career military men; they were the farmers, shopkeepers and tradesmen of our own townships who stepped up when it mattered. Students will be stationed at authentic replica tents, demonstrating the grueling daily routines and the genuine hardships that defined life on the front lines 250 years ago. It’s not all reenactments, though. The students are also bringing their “Immersive Learning Labs” to the public, showing off local history projects that blend old-school research with new-age technology. It’s a rare chance to see local history through the eyes of the next generation, as they pay tribute to the neighbors who came before them.”

Peters went on to elaborate her students will be sharing the life of an enlisted soldier of the Continental Army speaking from their replica war tents.

Also highlighted will be the jobs performed by females following the Army and colonial era games.

Students will showcase their current local history projects, educational displays and demonstrations of period crafts/trades.

Simultaneously throughout the afternoon there will be programs staged both indoors and under pavilions to engage the curiosity in all ages.

The Allemaengel 250 Committee will add fun to the event with a community hoedown beginning at 6:30 p.m. led by Keith Brintzenhoff, recognized as an expert on Pennsylvania German music, dance and folklore.

Part three of this series will detail the day’s events and highlight the resumes of the speakers and reenacting groups appearing April 11 at Kempton Community Center.

Stay tuned … will historical character Ben Franklin be one of them?

Contributed article