Central Pennsylvania marks 717 Day to celebrate its historic area code
Updated: 6:00 PM EDT Jul 17, 2026
July 17, known as 717 Day, is an unofficial holiday celebrating the 717 area code, which has been a part of south-central Pennsylvania since its creation in 1947. The 717 area code was one of the original North American area codes established in 1947. In 2017, the Pennsylvania Utility Commission introduced the 223 area code as an overlay option to meet the growing demand for phone numbers in the region. The 717 area code also made an appearance in pop culture. In an episode of the NBC series “The Office,” Dwight Schrute’s business card lists a 717 phone number. However, Scranton, where the show is set, now uses the 570 area code. Scranton and the Wilkes-Barre-Williamsport area were part of the 717 zone until 1998, when they transitioned to 570. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office commemorated the day with a message, saying, “Happy 717 Day to everyone who calls central PA home.”
July 17, known as 717 Day, is an unofficial holiday celebrating the 717 area code, which has been a part of south-central Pennsylvania since its creation in 1947.
The 717 area code was one of the original North American area codes established in 1947. In 2017, the Pennsylvania Utility Commission introduced the 223 area code as an overlay option to meet the growing demand for phone numbers in the region.
The 717 area code also made an appearance in pop culture. In an episode of the NBC series “The Office,” Dwight Schrute’s business card lists a 717 phone number. However, Scranton, where the show is set, now uses the 570 area code. Scranton and the Wilkes-Barre-Williamsport area were part of the 717 zone until 1998, when they transitioned to 570.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office commemorated the day with a message, saying, “Happy 717 Day to everyone who calls central PA home.”