Falls Church Sparks Excitement with Bold Plans for America's 250th Birthday Celebration!
- bradykrainik
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Falls Church, Virginia, is actively planning its participation in the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, set for July 4, 2026. The city has established the Falls Church250 Committee to coordinate local events and initiatives from 2024 through 2026, in alignment with the Virginia America 250 Commission's objectives .FFXnow+2The White House+2Latest news & breaking headlines+2Falls Church VA+1Falls Church VA+1
Initial discussions have proposed a variety of commemorative activities, including historical talks, community tree plantings, and the recording of oral histories to capture residents' perspectives for future generations . The committee is also considering incorporating these events into the city's annual Watch Night celebration on New Year's Eve 2025–26.
In addition to these plans, Falls Church is seeking approximately $200,000 in state funding to support the restoration of the historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse. The proposed improvements include a new roof and a modern HVAC system, which are essential for preserving the structure and its interior artifacts .ARLnow | Arlington, Va. local news
Local festivities won’t necessarily end in July 2026. At a recent planning meeting, it was noted that Falls Church holds a unique historical connection to the nation's founding — on September 10, 1776, just two months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a public reading of the document took place from the steps of The Falls Church itself. This moment marked an early and powerful expression of support for American independence within the local community.
While George Washington, the church’s most famous parishioner, wasn’t present for the reading — he was away leading the Continental Army — his deep ties to the area add historical significance to the event. Planners are considering ways to commemorate that 1776 reading as part of the city’s extended celebration, potentially stretching into the fall of 2026.
For more details or to get involved, residents can contact Holly Irwin, the city's Arts & Humanities Coordinator, at hirwin@fallschurchva.gov .Falls Church VA+1Falls Church VA+1
Sources
Modern Image of The Falls Church: By Southerngs - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7357728
Falls Church, Va. The Church, Library of Congress Online Catalog (1,670,543)
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