Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps

Celebrating the Services who secured 250 years of independence.

Thanks to the Directors and Officers of Homecoming 250 who worked for five years to make this dream a reality. Thanks to the former and serving Secretaries of the Navy who supported and advised us, and ultimately approved celebrating the Navy and Marine Corps 250th birthdays at their birthplace. Thanks to the leaders of Fleet Forces, HQMC, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Naval History and Heritage Command, the Coast Guard, and others who directed the ships and aircraft, bands and drill platoons, historical materials, and most importantly the Sailors and Marines coming to Philadelphia and Camden County. Thanks to the leaders of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Philadelphia and Camden, and the National Park Service for welcoming them and working with Homecoming 250 to host the Celebration. Thanks to the Navy and Marine Corps planners, active-duty, civilians, and reservists far from home, who laid the detailed organization that made it work. Thanks to the historic ships, museums, sports teams, veterans and military organizations, and other partners who opened their doors and helped in so many ways. Thanks to our sponsors and donors who made it possible for Homecoming 250 to mount the wonderful events it did. And thanks to all the volunteers who freely gave their time, energy, and ideas. No one can thank you enough for your dedication, effort, skill, flexibility, and ability to triumph over adversity.

And congratulations for the triumphs you accomplished, despite adversity including a record government shutdown and unseasonable Nor’easter: the fascinating exhibits in ten museums on the Navy and Marines’ centuries of service, the impressive Parade of Ships, the week of touring proud Navy ships and historical sites, the thrilling daily flyovers and aviation events, the inspiring Opening Ceremony and Navy and Marine Corps 250th Commemorations, the pageantry-filled Navy soccer and football matches, the star-studded Navy 250 Gala, the superb Victory at Sea Concert and other musical and drill performances, the BOAT (best of all time) Navy & Marine Corps 250th Parade, the spectacular Fireworks over the Delaware, and the memorable 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball where it all began. You all gave the Navy, Marine Corps, and Philadelphia area the historic Homecoming and the 250th Celebration they deserved!

American Swedish Historical Museum

Exhibits at Participating Museums (Summer 2025 – Winter 2026)

Visit exhibits on Navy & Marine Corps history at participating museums, including: the American Swedish Historical Museum, the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, the Independence Seaport Museum, the Library Company of Philadelphia, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the American Helicopter Museum.

SEE ALL PARTICIPATING MUSEUMS

Homecoming 250 Shirts

Celebrate in style with this special commemorative tee! If you joined our Philly celebrations, it’s a must-have keepsake. Even if you couldn’t make it, it’s still a fantastic way to mark the 250th anniversary.

Designed like a classic concert tee, the shirt features the Homecoming 250 logo on the front. The back showcases “Homecoming 250 Tour” along with the names and dates of significant Navy campaigns from 1775 to today.

Buy Your Shirt Today!

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