America 250: Central Pa. groups preparing to celebrate nation’s birthday

In about 250 days, America will celebrate its 250th birthday.

Community groups and counties throughout the country — and in central Pennsylvania — are getting ready.

The Harrisburg Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is among them.

Members are researching 250 patriots who are buried in Dauphin County cemeteries, stretching from as far north as Erdman in Lykens Township to as far south as Middletown.

Using resources such as Find a Grave, Fold3.com and the NSDAR’s database, the Harrisburg chapter has compiled information on more than 100 patriots so far, says Teri Fegley, regent of the Harrisburg chapter.

“We’re research nerds,” says Fegley, who also co-chairs the chapter’s America 250 committee.

The Harrisburg chapter counts “patriots” as men who par