Corry Higher Education Council

Presented by the Jefferson Educational Society - Revisiting the 1976 American Bicentennial: 'It Was A Really Big Deal!'. Speaker: Richard Arthur, M.A.

As the United States of America approaches its 250th year of liberty and independence, we have the opportunity to look back on many events, large and small, that made us who we are. One landmark in particular deserves a look this year: The American Bicentennial, an event that spanned several years of the early 1970s, occurring just as we were recovering from the national shocks of Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. Americans were suffering from runaway inflation, and in the northwestern Pennsylvania region, the early collapse of the industries that were the backbone of our economy were becoming more evident. Yet, the Bicentennial served as a salve. It provided events that promoted unity and patriotism. It educated and entertained. It was a time of reflection, celebration and joy. It was everywhere in our lives in a way almost unimaginable today – and deserves our looking back at it.

This event is part of the JES's USA 250 Event Series. JES Satellite Programming is sponsored by Erie Insurance.

The program will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 6p-7:30p at the Corry Hi-Ed. The program is free to attend, but registration is required by visiting www.jeserie.org/events or by calling 814-459-8000.