Addvent

The United States had a capital for exactly one day. It was Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

September 27, 1777 - Congress fled British-occupied Philadelphia, stopped here just long enough to catch their breath, and pushed on to York by morning. One day. One footnote most people have never heard.

It’s one of 9 cities that held the title before Washington, D.C. was even a plan on paper.
The full timeline - and the other 8 - on the blog. Link in bio.

Artwork by Laura (Jane) Korzon

Nine cities. One changing nation. America’s early capitals, brought to life.

Artist Laura Korzon is an illustrator from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Drawing on folk-art traditions, her intricate illustrations combine historic symbols, decorative motifs, and storytelling.

Fun fact: Lancaster served as the capital of the United States for just one day, September 27, 1777, after the Continental Congress fled Philadelphia.

Learn more about this list through the “Explore” link in our bio!

Everyone knows Independence Hall. Almost no one talks about the building next door that made it possible.

In 1774, twelve colonies sat down together for the first time inside Carpenter’s Hall - before the Declaration, before the Constitution, before any of it was inevitable. It still belongs to the same trade guild that built it, the oldest in the country.
This is where “united” started being a word that meant something.

7 more sites, 7 more turning points - full route on the blog, link in bio.
Artwork by Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell

Eight landmarks. One revolution. Independence, brought to life.

Artists Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell, Kevin and Kristin Howdeshell, bring eight historic places to life through their colorful, playful, and textured illustration style. From Boston and Philadelphia to New York and Yorktown, these buildings connect us to the people, ideas, and events that shaped American independence.

Fun fact: The Old North Church became famous for its lantern signal warning Paul Revere that British troops were approaching by sea.

Learn more about this list through the “Explore” link in our bio!

Walk down Elfreth’s Alley today and you’re walking on the same cobblestones colonists did 300 years ago.

It’s the oldest continuously inhabited street in America, tucked a few blocks from where William Penn laid out Philadelphia’s grid in 1681.
Thirteen colonies, thirteen different starting points - each one shaped by the land, the coastline, and the people who arrived first.

The other 12 founding stories are on the blog - link in bio.

Illustrations by Laura (Jane) Korzon

Thirteen colonies. One nation in the making. America, brought to life.

Artist Laura (Jane) Korzon is an illustrator from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Her bold, decorative style and strong sense of composition bring the character of the original colonies into a colorful collection of places, people, and landscapes. Her work combines expressive illustration with a love of history and place.

Fun fact: New Jersey was once called New Caesarea

Learn more about this list through the “Explore” link in our bio!

Quiet moments, where nothing happens - and that’s exactly the point.
Nine ways to enjoy the Dolce Vita.

Illustrator chiara ghigliazza turns nine ordinary Italian summer moments into a visual archive of “Dolce far Niente.”

Discover the full series at addvent.org.

Seven views. Seven places where Italy forgets to be in a hurry.

From Monte dei Cappuccini in Turin to Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina, illustrator Stefano Marra mapped seven belvederes that have shaped Italian landscape painting for centuries - the windows poets, painters, and travelers have always fought for a spot to see.

Discover the full series at addvent.org.

🍺Beer is geography you can taste.

These 9 styles trace a sensory journey across regions and brewing traditions — from deep, toasted notes to crisp, hoppy intensity.

Each glass holds history. Each style carries a place.
Illustration by

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