Official kickoff celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States will be held Thursday in Carbon and Schuylkill counties.

Both America250PA events had been rescheduled from last month, and a change of location was recently made to the Carbon County event.

The Carbon event will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. from the Jim Thorpe Area High School. It had originally been planned for Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall.

The Schuylkill celebration will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. from the Schuylkill County commissioners boardroom at the Schuylkill County Courthouse, 401 N. Second St., Pottsville.

The event will launch a year of historic programming, cultural showcases and community engagement across Pennsylvania.

It will feature opening remarks from America250PA representatives, comments from state and county officials, opportunities to learn about upcoming America250PA events and introductions of county and community activities.

“This celebration is for everyone in our community, to reflect on our past and to spark excitement for the future,” said Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess. “We welcome all residents and visitors to be part of this historic kickoff.”

Attendees are encouraged to register in advance by visiting https://form.jotform.com/253344756467164.

For more information on Schuylkill County America250 news and events visit www.facebook.com/America250PASchuylkill.

Communities, schools, organizations or businesses hosting an America250 event are encouraged to send information to schuylkill250th@gmail.com. Updates will be added to Facebook.

For more information about America250PA and statewide semiquincentennial activities, visit America250PA.org or follow America250PA on social media.

America250PA seeks to engage Pennsylvanians in all 67 counties in preserving and Pennsylvania’s rich history and culture through programs, projects and events.