How Do You Unite a State?

When most people think about America’s 250th birthday, they picture fireworks and celebrations.

Cassandra Coleman sees something much bigger.

As Executive Director of America250PA, she’s spent nearly eight years building a once-in-a-generation effort to help Pennsylvanians learn from our history, embrace the present, and reimagine the future. Along the way, she’s united communities in all 67 counties, reached more than 50,000 students, launched statewide programs, and kept one principle at the center of every decision: This celebration belongs to every Pennsylvanian.

In this conversation with Anne Deeter Gallaher and Anne Carnathan, Cassandra shares how a small-town mayor came to lead one of the Commonwealth’s most ambitious initiatives. She talks about the importance of listening before leading, believing in the work even on the hardest days, and building something that will inspire pride in Pennsylvania long after the anniversary has passed.

Whether you’ve spent a lifetime in Pennsylvania or are just beginning to appreciate its role in the American story, this episode is a reminder that history isn’t just about where we’ve been. It’s about what we choose to build together.