State House To Convene In Philadelphia’s Congress Hall On September 9

The Pennsylvania State House is coming to Philadelphia.

Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) announced on Wednesday that the 203-member legislative body will convene in Philadelphia’s Congress Hall for a historic meeting on September 9 to commemorate the nation’s anniversary.

Congress Hall served as the seat of the United States Congress from 1790 to 1800. During that period, the country admitted three new states, ratified the Bill of Rights, and saw George Washington (second term) and John Adams take the oath of office in the building. The Congress in Philadelphia also oversaw the establishment of the First Bank of the United States, the Federal Mint, and the United States Department of the Navy.

The Hall was restored in 1934 to its original appearance of 1796 and is conjoined with Independence Hall, which is adjacent to the east.

During the session, lawmakers will vote on two resolutions celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which laid the groundwork for the U.S. Constitution nearly a decade later.

“From the colonial era through our work today, Pennsylvania’s legislators have helped steer the course of our state and nation,” McClinton said. “September’s historic meeting will celebrate the state House’s central role in the country’s founding and honor the enduring importance of representative government.”

McClinton said that in addition to legislative business, the state House is collaborating with America250PA to offer a civic education program to more than 80 students from across Pennsylvania.

“This legislative session, coupled with America250PA’s student initiative, is a historic opportunity to reflect on our remarkable history, with an eye toward creating a stronger future for everyone,” McClinton added.

“We’re grateful to Speaker McClinton and the Pennsylvania House for their partnership,” said Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America250PA. “Connecting young Pennsylvanians with the history they’re inheriting and the future they’ll help shape has been central to our work. This day celebrates both.”

Due to space constraints in the historic building, lawmakers will meet in two groups at 5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.