Connelly Foundation Funds Museum Trips for Catholic Schools Ahead of America's 250th Anniversary

The initiative will provide fully funded field trips to the Museum of the American Revolution for Catholic schools across the Philadelphia region.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:07pm

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The Connelly Foundation has announced a new program that will provide fully funded field trips to the Museum of the American Revolution for one grade from each Catholic school in the Philadelphia region. The trips are meant to help students engage with early American history and commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.

Why it matters

The initiative builds on the Connelly Foundation's longstanding Connelly Access Program, which has connected Catholic elementary schools with cultural institutions through funded field trips for over 30 years. This new program aims to deepen students' understanding of civic responsibility, faith, and the values that continue to guide schools and communities in Philadelphia as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.

The details

Under the program, more than 160 Catholic elementary and high schools in the Philadelphia region are eligible to send one grade on a no-cost visit to the Museum of the American Revolution. Students will explore the museum's permanent galleries as well as the special 'The Declaration's Journey' exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.

  • The announcement was made on January 28, 2026 during 'Celebrating Our Nation' Day as part of Catholic Schools Week (January 26–30).
  • The museum visits will be scheduled throughout 2026 to coincide with the nation's 250th anniversary.

The players

Connelly Foundation

A philanthropic organization that has supported the Museum of the American Revolution since 2013 and is helping to fund regional programs commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary.

Museum of the American Revolution

A museum in Philadelphia that will host the student field trips and provide a meaningful opportunity for them to connect the past to the present, especially through the 'The Declaration's Journey' exhibition.

Archdiocese of Philadelphia Secondary Schools

The organization overseeing Catholic high schools in the Philadelphia region that will participate in the field trip program.

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What they’re saying

“Catholic Schools Week is about celebrating faith, learning, and the formation of young people, and there is no better place to do that than in Philadelphia, where our nation's story began.”

— Tom Riley, President of the Connelly Foundation (catholicphilly.com)

“By fully funding these museum visits, we're giving students the opportunity to engage directly with the ideals that shaped our country—and to see themselves as part of the ongoing American experiment as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding.”

— Tom Riley, President of the Connelly Foundation (catholicphilly.com)

“This initiative brings classroom learning to life in a powerful and memorable way. Thanks to the generosity of the Connelly Foundation, our students will be able to experience our nation's history firsthand—deepening their understanding of civic responsibility, faith, and the values that continue to guide our schools and communities.”

— Jay DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer of Archdiocese of Philadelphia Secondary Schools (catholicphilly.com)

“These visits offer students a meaningful opportunity to connect the past to the present, especially through our Declaration's Journey exhibition.”

— R. Scott Stephenson, CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution (catholicphilly.com)

What’s next

Schools may choose which grade will participate in the museum trips, with visits scheduled throughout 2026 to coincide with the nation's 250th anniversary.

The takeaway

The Connelly Foundation's initiative to fund museum trips for Catholic schools in Philadelphia demonstrates a commitment to providing students with meaningful educational experiences that connect them to the nation's history and values as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.