Social Security Turns 90: We Hit the Road

This summer, AARP Pennsylvania is hitting the road in a decked-out van to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Social Security. This historic program has provided critical financial support for generations, and we’re traveling across the state to highlight its impact — past, present, and future.

Our Social Security Road Trip is all about meeting Pennsylvanians where they are. At each stop, we’re attending local events, collecting stories, and hearing directly from people about what Social Security means to them. Whether it’s peace of mind in retirement, support after a loss, or a foundation for planning the future, these are the stories that show the program’s real-life importance.

Along the way, we’ll share videos, photos, and highlights from each stop. Check back here throughout the summer to follow the journey!

We kicked off the road trip in Washington, PA, where AARP Pennsylvania joined the fun at a Washington Wild Things baseball game. Fans stopped by the van to say hello, share their thoughts on Social Security, and pick up helpful resources.

It was a perfect summer evening of community, conversation, and baseball — and the perfect way to start our journey across the state.

The next leg of our journey brought us to Millie’s Ice Cream in Bridgeville, where we celebrated the 90th anniversary of Social Security with a free scoop for the community!

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the sunshine, connect with neighbors, and share what Social Security means to them.

The AARP Pennsylvania Social Security Road Trip rolled into Lancaster for a sweet summer celebration at the Lancaster Recreation Commission. As part of our statewide journey honoring 90 years of Social Security, we handed out free ice cream and Social Security themed gifts to the community.

The Lancaster stop was filled with great conversations and plenty of smiles, making it another memorable moment on our road trip. We’re so grateful to everyone who came by, enjoyed a scoop, and share their story with us.

The AARP Pennsylvania Social Security Road Trip returned to Lancaster for a lively evening at a pop-up beer garden in Buchanan Park. While enjoying the summer weather, we connected with community members to talk about the 90th anniversary of Social Security, share resources, and hear personal stories about the program’s impact.

It was the perfect setting to mix conversation, community, and celebration — and a great reminder of why Social Security remains such a vital program for Pennsylvanians of all ages.

At Coca-Cola Park, AARP Pennsylvania joined fans of all ages to celebrate Social Security’s 90th anniversary during a Lehigh Valley IronPigs game. As part of our statewide road trip, we talked with attendees about what Social Security means to them and why it’s important to protect it for the future. The message was clear: this program matters.

We also handed out giveaways and shared helpful information on how Social Security supports Pennsylvanians at every stage of life.

In Harrisburg, we made an unannounced stop at a local volunteer meeting to continue the conversation around Social Security. Volunteers shared personal stories about the role the program has played in their lives and communities.

Our volunteers spoke about how important the program is to them and why it must be protected. It was a meaningful chance to listen and learn—and to keep the focus on protecting Social Security for future generations.

We visited Arterial Coffee in West Philadelphia, a local favorite that’s more than just a place to grab a cup.

Neighbors gathered over coffee to talk about the future of Social Security and why this 90-year-old program still matters today. We heard from Philadelphians who rely on earned benefits, and want to see the program succeed for generations to come.

The AARP Pennsylvania Social Security Van pulled into Coca-Cola Park for a night with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs — and this time, we mixed things up.

Instead of our usual conversations, fans took part in a Social Security trivia challenge. The crowd brought their A-game, taking swings at questions that tested both their baseball knowledge and what they know about this 90-year-old program

Think you can get all three correct? Watch now and test your knowledge!

Stop #8 of the AARP Pennsylvania Social Security Van Tour continued at the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where we moved from trivia to real conversations.

Before the game, we asked: What does Social Security mean to you? From personal stories to future hopes, their answers showed just how much this 90-year-old program impacts lives across Pennsylvania.

We’re celebrating 90 years of Social Security with fun, conversation, and community across the Commonwealth. Catch the van at our next stop and join the conversation!

For our next stop, we spun our way into North Philadelphia for Salsa in the Park, in partnership with HACE. Music filled the air, feet hit the dance floor, and our conversations flowed—connecting community celebration with the importance of Social Security’s future.

For 90 years, Social Security has stood for stability and security across America. At this stop, we proved advocacy can be spirited—and deeply rooted in culture.

We’re celebrating 90 years of Social Security with fun, conversation, and community across the Commonwealth. Catch the van at our next stop and be part of the celebration!

The Social Security Van pulled into the PHS Beer Garden on South Street in Philadelphia. Over cold drinks and lively conversation, local AARP volunteers shared their stories about the impact of Social Security.

For 90 years, Social Security has been a cornerstone of financial stability for millions of families. At this stop, we raised a glass to the program’s past — and to protecting its future.

The AARP Pennsylvania Social Security Van stopped at Casa Guadalupe in Allentown, where the community gathered for a lively salsa celebration. The music and dancing set the tone for a day filled with connection, culture, and conversation.

We heard directly from residents about what Social Security means to them and their families. For many, it represents peace of mind and stability — a guarantee that after a lifetime of work, they can count on the benefits they’ve earned. For others, it was about the future, ensuring younger generations have the same protection and security.

The road trip made a sweet stop at Ice Cream World in Allentown! Community members joined us for an evening of games, giveaways, and — of course — ice cream.

We were also joined by State Representative Ryan Mackenzie, who helped highlight the importance of protecting Social Security for the next generation.

And the crowd didn’t just come for treats — they brought their brainpower. Our Social Security trivia contest had everyone buzzing, showing that learning about this 90-year-old program can be just as fun as a scoop of ice cream on a hot day.

We’re celebrating 90 years of Social Security with fun, conversation, and community across the Commonwealth. Catch the van at our next stop and join the celebration!

At the Easton Senior Fest, the Social Security Van took on a different role — as a listening post.

Instead of trivia or interviews, we asked attendees to share their voices directly by finishing the sentence: “My Social Security helps me…”

The answers were powerful in their simplicity, with each response reflecting the essential role Social Security plays in people’s lives across Pennsylvania.

For 90 years, Social Security has strengthened communities by ensuring earned benefits are there when people need them most. In Easton, we saw firsthand just how much it continues to matter.
We’re celebrating 90 years of Social Security with fun, conversation, and community across the Commonwealth. Catch the van at our next stop and add your voice to the story.

We wrapped up our statewide road trip at Pittsburgh’s Reservoir of Jazz Concert Series. Surrounded by the sounds of live jazz, we celebrated the final stop of our 90th Anniversary Van Tour with music, community spirit, and conversations about the future of Social Security.

From trivia at ballparks to salsa dancing, ice cream socials, and senior festivals, our 14 stops across Pennsylvania brought people together to share what Social Security means to them. The stories were diverse, but the message was the same: Social Security is vital for families today and for generations to come.

Though the tour has come to a close, AARP Pennsylvania’s commitment remains strong. We’ll continue to protect and strengthen the Social Security benefits Pennsylvanians have earned through a lifetime of work.

Over the course of more than 1,500 miles and 14 stops, we connected with Pennsylvanians in big cities and small towns — at ballparks, senior festivals, salsa nights, ice cream shops, jazz concerts, and more. Along the way, we heard countless stories of how Social Security has strengthened lives and families for 90 years.



One thing was made clear: Pennsylvanians care deeply about protecting and strengthening Social Security. And while the road trip may be over, our fight to protect the benefits you’ve earned through a lifetime of work is far from over.

As we head into Labor Day and the end of summer, we raise a toast to you — and to 90 years of Social Security. Cheers!

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