Celebrate America250PA on the Lebanon County Wooden Nickel History Trail

Visitors to 12 local history sites in Lebanon County can collect commemorative wooden nickels as part of a new campaign to celebrate America250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Visit Lebanon Valley is launching the Lebanon County Wooden Nickel History Trail to connect visitors to local history “in a fun and memorable way while celebrating the nation’s milestone anniversary,” the tourism agency explained in a press release.

The participating historical sites, museums, and businesses throughout the county will distribute the commemorative nickels to visitors. Each nickel features one of five unique designs marking America’s semiquincentennial and highlighting the importance of preserving the shared history in the Lebanon Valley. The five designs are an American flag, a railroad engine, a miner’s hat with pickaxes, a pretzel, and an iron/steel foundry.

Wooden nickels first popped up during the Great Depression to boost local economies when regular currency was scarce. The phrase “don’t take any wooden nickels” was a playful warning to be cautious in one’s dealings to avoid deception, the release explained, and wooden nickels eventually became quirky giveaways and symbols of civic pride.

“Our tokens are more than souvenirs,” Jennifer Kuzo, president of Visit Lebanon Valley, said in the release. “They’re tangible reminders of the role that Lebanon County has played in shaping our region. We hope they inspire people to explore our local sites and feel more connected to the larger American story. Celebrate 250 in the Valley and see if you can collect all 5 nickels!”

Visitors can collect nickels from multiple participating sites, the release said, “creating an engaging way for families to tour historic locations, learn about the past, and celebrate the spirit of America250 together.”

The nickels are free to visitors; paid entry to each site is not required.

Participating locations are:

• Annville Free Library, 216 E. Main St., Annville.
• Cornwall Iron Furnace, 94 Rexmont Road, Cornwall.
• Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville. (Nickels will be distributed at the administration office, located on the right side of the main road shortly after entering the cemetery.)
• Isaac Meyer Homestead, 525 S. College St., Myerstown.
• Lebanon County Historical Society, 924 Cumberland St., Lebanon.
• Lebanon Farmers Market, 35 S. 8th St., Lebanon. (Nickels will be distributed at Candy Rama, Foltz Pretzels, Nomadix Coffee, and S. Clyde Weaver.)
• Mount Gretna Historical Society, 206 Pennsylvania Ave, Mount Gretna.
• Myerstown Library, 199 N. College St., Myerstown.
• Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum, Bldg. T-8-57, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville. (Members of the public must pass through the installation’s access-control point. Those without military identification must park and go inside the Visitor Center, where personnel will scan their driver’s license to conduct a background check. Visitors under 18 do not need to be vetted or have ID as long as they are with someone with a compliant ID or visitor’s pass.)
• Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats, 209 N. Railroad St., Palmyra.
• Visit Lebanon Valley, 115 Springwood Drive, Suite 500, Lebanon.
• Wertz Candies, 718 Cumberland St., Lebanon.

For more details on the History Trail and the participating locations, visit LebanonPa250.com. The trail will continue into 2026 while supplies last.