National History Day and Carpenters’ Hall announce 3rd Young People’s Continental Congress

Philadelphia, PA — (February 16, 2026) National History Day® (NHD) and Carpenters’ Hall are proud to announce the third Young People's Continental Congress (YPCC), which will again be held in Philadelphia from July 19 to 25.Carpenters’ Hall, the home of the nation’s First Continental Congress in 1774, has engaged National History Day as its lead educational partner to produce a one-of-a-kind program for students and teachers from across the United States and its territories. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, 28 teams will travel to Philadelphia to participate in the third YPCC. Each team consists of one high school student and one teacher, for a total of 56 delegates.This year’s YPCC delegates represent diverse communities across the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and Department of Defense (DoDEA) schools in the Netherlands and Puerto Rico. Before the program culminates in Philadelphia, the student-teacher teams will complete online learning modules throughout spring 2026 about the Continental Congress and the ways our founding ideals evolved through U.S. history.In Philadelphia from July 19-25, teams will experience a week of special programming, including field learning opportunities at Carpenters’ Hall, Independence National Historical Park, the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Delegates will also co-create and sign a joint declaration of their aspirations for American democracy, just as their historical counterparts issued the Declaration of Colonial Rights and the Declaration of Independence. “Engaging with students to reflect on their aspirations for democracy is a powerful way to inspire the next generation of historians and leaders,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “YPCC provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students and teachers to better understand and engage with the founding principles of democracy, especially this year during the 250th anniversary of our nation. NHD is excited to once again lead this program with Carpenters’ Hall and support the teaching and learning of early American history from multiple perspectives.”“We are excited to partner with NHD once again on the third national convening of the Young People’s Continental Congress,” said Carpenters’ Hall Executive Director Michael Norris. “There’s no work more important to us than inspiring the leaders of tomorrow to value our history and understand their role as citizens, and there’s no better time to do that than the Semiquincentennial year of 2026.” Congratulations to the American Samoa student and teacher selected for the 2026 Young People’s Continental Congress — Ms. Grace Alesana & Jaceyline Foketi Siliva of Manumalo Academy in Malaeimi.Section: Local NewsTags: 3rd Young People’s Continental Congress
2026-02-18 18:42:07