Led nationally by The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission—created by Congress—and it's America250 Foundation, the commemoration is a multi-year effort, beginning in 2020, culminating on July 4, 2026, and officially concluding in 2027.
Leading up to 2026, a coalition of public and private partners are all working to create initiatives and programs that celebrate 250 years of our history and inspire the American spirit in all Americans.
Learn more about national initiatives.
EDUCATE.
PRESERVE.
INNOVATE.
CELEBRATE.
Learn more about PA state-wide initiatives.
America250PADelco
America250PA Delco is the nonpartisan, local project for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. We are working to make infrastructure investments to public spaces like historic sites and trails; promote historical tourism; increase civic engagement and understanding for Delco residents; and of course, throw fun 4th of July parties and activities leading up to 2026, like only Delco can.
Delaware County, PA is where William Penn first landed in Pennsylvania in 1682 and is widely celebrated as ‘Where Pennsylvania Began.’ Today, patriotism still runs deep in Delco. Home to some of the country’s most beloved historical sites, welcoming main streets, celebrated museums, gorgeous parks, and gardens. From thrilling soccer games on the Chester waterfront to apple picking in the orchards, world-class cuisine to home-grown hidden gems, Delaware County is a snapshot of American freedoms in action.
OUR VISION
All who live and work in Delaware County will find meaningful participation and appreciation for their civic involvement in America's 250th anniversary now through 2026. We will ignite imaginations, elevate diverse stories, inspire service, highlight the American founding and 250 years of American history through Delco’s unique lens. Our celebration will sow cultural, educational, civic, and economic benefits well beyond 2026.
Delaware County, PA is where William Penn first landed in Pennsylvania in 1682 and is widely celebrated as ‘Where Pennsylvania Began.’ Today, patriotism still runs deep in Delco. Home to some of the country’s most beloved historical sites, welcoming main streets, celebrated museums, gorgeous parks, and gardens. From thrilling soccer games on the Chester waterfront to apple picking in the orchards, world-class cuisine to home-grown hidden gems, Delaware County is a snapshot of American freedoms in action.
OUR VISION
All who live and work in Delaware County will find meaningful participation and appreciation for their civic involvement in America's 250th anniversary now through 2026. We will ignite imaginations, elevate diverse stories, inspire service, highlight the American founding and 250 years of American history through Delco’s unique lens. Our celebration will sow cultural, educational, civic, and economic benefits well beyond 2026.
America’s 250th anniversary, a celebration for all.
Across America – from federal agencies to tribal nations, from nonprofits to corporations, and from state commissions to local community groups – every American is invited to be a part of marking America’s Semiquincentennial celebration!
America250PADelco Commission
The America250PADelco Commission was established by Delaware County Council on August 16, 2023 and is composed of 20 appointed members that are a representative sample of Delaware County residents and are community leaders from a broad range of backgrounds and have a diversity of expertise and experience, which may include tourism, economic development, museum, cultural, and historic sites, business, education, labor, charitable giving, government, civic and faith-based organizations, and Tribal representatives.
The work of the Commission is to coordinate with Delaware County Commerce Center, Visit Delco, America250PADelco Committee, and major partners to facilitate the raising of funds to support commemoration efforts, to designate and oversee official America250 projects in Delaware County, and to monitor and oversee the work of the America250PADelco Director.
The Commission holds public meetings at least quarterly.
The work of the Commission is to coordinate with Delaware County Commerce Center, Visit Delco, America250PADelco Committee, and major partners to facilitate the raising of funds to support commemoration efforts, to designate and oversee official America250 projects in Delaware County, and to monitor and oversee the work of the America250PADelco Director.
The Commission holds public meetings at least quarterly.
America250PADelco Committee
The America250PADelco Committee was established in July 2020 and is composed of enthusiastic community members who live or work in Delaware County. The Committee is where the diverse population throughout Delaware County's 49 municipalities, hundreds of communities and regional organizations, 15 school districts, 29 library branches, and multiple large corporations can participate.
The work of the Committee is to organize events, projects, and partnerships to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026. The Executive Committee meets every month and sub-committees meet monthly or as needed.
The work of the Committee is to organize events, projects, and partnerships to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026. The Executive Committee meets every month and sub-committees meet monthly or as needed.
Team
Andrea Silva
Director, America250PADelco
Andrea brings a background in nonprofit leadership, diplomacy, fundraising, arts education, and civic engagement to our county-wide celebration. She lives in Wallingford, where you’ll find her gardening and hanging with her Delco-native husband, two children, and rescue dog.
Kate Clifford
Chair, America250PADelco Committee
Kate is a Preservation Planner for Delaware County and serves as liaison to Heritage Commission. She is President and Volunteer Coordinator for the Haverford Township Historical Society.
We hold these truths to be self-evident,
that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--Declaration of Independence