Thursday April 23rd, 2026 * 11:00 AM

Join us on Thursday, April 23, 2026, as we kick-off America250 in Mercersburg and celebrate President James Buchanan’s 235th birthday!

The day will conclude with a presentation of the James Buchanan Award, along with a special presentation by Dr. Cory James Young.

We encourage you to make a day out of it!

The following points of interest and activities will be available:

James Buchanan Statue: Take a moment to wish James Buchanan a Happy Birthday by visiting his statue in Mercersburg!

Take a selfie and tag @MercersburgPA to be featured!

Location: 12 South Main Street, Mercersburg PA

James Buchanan Birthplace State Park: (Dawn to Dusk)

Visit the location of the Buchanan’s family’s trading post and the birthplace of the 15th President.

Learn about the history of the property and its striking monument as well as First Lady Harriet Lane’s quest to honor her uncle and to preserve his legacy through her philanthropy and the creation of the state park.

Address: 2831 W Stony Batter Rd, Mercersburg, PA

James Buchanan Cabin: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Visit the cabin in which James Buchanan was born.

This cabin was once part of a complex of buildings making up a thriving trading post established by James Buchanan, Sr.

The structure moved several times before being restored in 1953 on the grounds of the Mercersburg Academy.

We thank the Mercersburg Academy for opening the cabin to the public on this special occasion!

Address: 1967 Mercersburg Academy Rd, Mercersburg PA

James Buchanan Pub: (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

Celebrate President Buchanan’s birthday in the boyhood home of our 15th President!

Special lunch hours will be offered for the occasion, and guests can enjoy drink and food specials throughout the day.

Address: 15 N Main Street, Mercersburg PA

James Buchanan Award Reception/Presentation: 6:30 PM

Join us for complimentary refreshments and the presentation of the 2026 James Buchanan Award, given to a member of our community who provides exemplary community service!

Address: The Upper West Conococheague Presbyterian Church, 34 West Seminary Street, Mercersburg, PA.

Lecture by Special Guest, Dr. Cory James Young: 7:15 PM

Historian Dr. Young will be sharing “Mercersburg, Memory, and Mr. Buchanan: The Persistence of Slavery in Antebellum Pennsylvania”.

This talk, featuring recent research, will touch on Pennsylvania slavery, the Buchanan family, and why these entangled histories remain poorly understood two centuries later. Dr. Cory James Young teaches at Iowa State University and is a scholar of abolition and slavery in the American North.

Address: The Upper West Conococheague Presbyterian Church, 34 West Seminary Street, Mercersburg, PA.

The 2026 James Buchanan Celebration is sponsored by the Mercersburg Historical Society, a 501c3 charitable organization.

Those interested in supporting future programming may make donations by mail to P.O. Box 115, Mercersburg, PA 17236.