A commemorative event marking the establishment of the first U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in 1775, part of the '52 Weeks of Philly Firsts' series for the 2026 Semiquincentennial.
Firstival comes to the Arch Street Meeting House on Saturday, October 17, from 11 AM to 1 PM. This particular date marks the first U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, which dates back to 1775.
The event is part of 52 Weeks of Philly Firsts, a yearlong series produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee for the 2026 Semiquincentennial. The Semiquincentennial marks 250 years of American independence and Philadelphia's pioneering spirit, and the series spends the year highlighting the city's legacy of firsts in freedom, innovation, healthcare, science, and public safety. This one is just one of many: other installments in the series honor the first medical school in America (1765), the first hospital (1751), and the first children's hospital (1855).
Sponsoring the series is Draeger, Inc., a Lübeck-based medical and safety technology company founded in 1889. They're on board as part of their Technology for Life mission and their membership in the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia.
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It's free and open to the public. You'll find it at the Arch Street Meeting House, 320 Arch St., on Saturday, October 17, from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Date
Saturday, 17 October 2026
11:00
Location
Arch Street Meeting HousePrice
Free
Recommended Age
+14 years
