AMERICA250PA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASONS, PRESENTS THE LIBERTY TREE PROJECT IN CLINTON, LYCOMING COUNTIES

CLINTON AND LYCOMING COUNTIES– On Saturday, June 22, America250PA, in a generous partnership with the Pennsylvania Freemasons, planted certified Liberty Trees in Clinton and Lycoming Counties as part of a multi-year celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Thanks to this partnership, one certified Liberty Tree will be planted in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties prior to 2026. 

The Clinton County Liberty Tree was planted at the site of the former Tiadaghton Elm. In attendance were Cassandra Coleman, America250PA Executive Director; Robert Brink, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; PA State Representative Jamie Flick; Vice Chairman Jeff Snyder, Clinton County Commissioner; Mayor of Jersey Shore, Lon Myers; and more. 

The Lycoming County Liberty Tree was planted at the Williamsport Cemetery. In attendance were Cassandra Coleman, America250PA Executive Director; Robert Brink, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; PA State Representative Jamie Flick; Chairman Scott L. Metzger, Lycoming County Commissioner; Lycoming County District Attorney, Tom Marino; Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr.; the Office of Senator Gene Yaw; and more. 

Susquehanna Software, Inc. and the Lodges of the 18th Masonic District serves as the county supporting sponsors for the Clinton County Liberty Tree. CROMAFLOW, George L. Hessert Jr, and Roberta Hessert served as the county supporting sponsors for the Lycoming County Liberty Tree.

“America250PA is truly a historic Commission that provides the Commonwealth a platform to showcase our Pennsylvania pride on the national stage,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “We are most appreciative of the partnership with the Pennsylvania Freemasons. Without their support, this project would not be possible. Our goal is to highlight 250 years of contributions of Pennsylvanians to our nation. Planting certified Liberty Trees and watching them grow over the next 250 years, just as our Commonwealth and nation did over the last 250 years, is something we are excited to be part of and leave here as a legacy of this Commission for future generations.” 

During the American Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty would often gather under the original Liberty Trees. In 1775, the British destroyed a symbolic Liberty Tree in Boston, though it did not stop revolutionaries throughout the 13 colonies from using these trees as meeting places. One Liberty Tree, which stood on the campus of St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, survived until 1999, before it was badly damaged by Hurricane Floyd. Thanks to landscaper Mark Mehnert, this historical Liberty Tree, a Tulip Poplar, was rescued and propagated. Now, seedlings from the graft of this original Liberty Tree are being planted across the Commonwealth as part of The Liberty Tree Project. 

Ahead of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence in 2026, America250PA is partnering with organizations and individuals across the Commonwealth to make 2026 E.P.I.C, as they Educate, Preserve, Innovate and Celebrate Pennsylvania’s past, present and future. In the spirit of American liberty, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will be sponsoring the planting of a Liberty Tree in each of the 67 counties across the Commonwealth. A plaque placed beside each tree will indicate the planting of each tree by America250PA and the Pennsylvania Freemasons. 

“Thousands of brave men made the ultimate sacrifice for liberty during the Revolution,” said  Robert Brink, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. “Many of our nation’s founding fathers were Freemasons, and undoubtedly, they were among the men who met beneath Liberty Trees to plan the revolt and fight for freedom. I cannot think of a 

more appropriate way to observe the 250th Anniversary of our nation than to beautify our great state and enliven the spirit of patriotism throughout our great Commonwealth.” 

The next Liberty Tree plantings will resume in Fall 2024. 

Learn more at https://america250pa.org/PPE:_Liberty_Trees. 

About America250PA 

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event,

and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. The Commission is made up of current and past Pennsylvania leaders, celebrating the rich history and diversity of the state. 

America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from each of its 67 counties, to participate in creating a statewide celebration and bringing the Commonwealth’s history into the conversation. Together, we hope that as Pennsylvanians, we can better understand the origins and multiple perspectives of issues facing our Commonwealth and nation today. The Commission’s ability to communicate its vision, engage various audiences, and encourage inclusive and cohesive participation is key to a successful America250PA. The visionary framework – especially our E.P.I.C. theme of Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate, contains the essential messaging to bring the Semiquincentennial to life across the Commonwealth. 

About the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 

Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world, based on the cardinal virtues of brotherly love, charity and truth. Its roots can be traced back hundreds of years in Europe. There are Grand Lodges in every state in the United States and throughout the world with total 

membership in the millions. Today, in Pennsylvania, there are approximately 70,000 members representing over 340 lodges. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has numerous charities including five retirement villages throughout the state and one of the most beautiful Masonic Temples in the world located at 1 North Broad Street in Philadelphia. 

For more information, visit www.pagrandlodge.org.