Philadelphia planned 76 commemorative trees for Independence National Historical Park as part of preparations for America250.
The project was announced in 2017 by the Daughters of the American Revolution, which awarded Philadelphia a $380,000 grant for the planting. Independence National Historical Park includes major sites connected with the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.
The number 76 refers to 1776, the year associated with the Declaration of Independence and the founding era commemorated by the semiquincentennial. It echoes the way anniversary projects often use historically meaningful numbers rather than round totals.
The trees were intended to be planted over several years leading up to the 250th anniversary. This Philadelphia initiative was one part of a larger national program that included commissions, educational activities, public service projects and commemorative events. It should not be confused with Philadelphia’s separate 1976 Bicentennial celebrations or with the 76 trees sometimes associated with other city beautification projects.