America250PA’s Delaware County Kick-Off Event

2026 is almost here! Beginning January 16 in Philadelphia, America250PA will kick off the Semiquincentennial year with a two-week tour of all 67 counties—celebrating at courthouses and historic sites across Pennsylvania. The America250PA initiative aims to make 2026 E.P.I.C. - Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate! 

The following programs and initiatives have have occurred or are open to Delaware County residents:

• Bells Across PA – Installed at the Drexeline Shopping Center and Rose Tree park, these fiberglass bells are adorned and magically transformed by local artists. Public bell locations will be included on America250PA’s 2026 Commemorative Map. 
• A “Liberty Tree”, a symbolic meeting places for “the Sons of Liberty” throughout the 13 colonies, was planted at Brandywine Battlefield Park. Thank you to PA Freemasons, Patrick Burns, America250PA Chairman and Daughters of the American Revolution for sponsoring Delco's Liberty Tree. 
• Keystone Classroom Initiative, a storytelling and visitation program for 50,000 pre-k -4th grade students to educate students about our shared PA story. Local mascots gave America250 backpacks filled with goodies and volunteers read "K is for Keystone" the America250PA Coloring Book at Park Lane Elementary School in Darby; at Concord Elementary School, Garnet Valley Elementary School , and Bethel Springs Elementary School.
• #PAProud Servicemember Spotlights have collaborated with the Delaware County Dept of Veterans Affairs to feature Captain Ralph Galati,  Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins Jr., Air Reserve Technician Christopher Young, U.S. Marine Corps E-6 Michael C. Allen,  U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Joseph J. Daly.
• "Start Here, America Did" Podcast Series featured  Episode 41 "The Names We Carry: Memorial Day at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial"
• Semiquincentennial Grants were warded to Newlin Grist Mill for Building America Through Trades and Food, Mainline Art Center and Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates for the Brandywine, Battle for Independence: “Amazing Race to Brandywine”, Main Line Art Center for A Celebration of Pennsylvania Artists: Past, Present, and Future” Mural Project. 

Up Coming Programs in 2026:

Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program applications are now open for Awarding $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students for the 2026/2027 school year.

Volunteer on July 20 - Pennsylvania Day! Designated as the volunteer component of the A250PA initiative. Volunteerism has important impacts on our communities, and we are committed to encouraging every resident to participate. 2024 #EPIC volunteers will work to support food banks across Delaware County. Mini-grant opportunities will be available or neighborhood and park clean-ups.

Road to 2026 encourages Delco residents live a healthier lifestyle. Participants track their own runs, walks and bikes toward four-part challenges. Those who log their miles at PADCNR state parks or trails OR select historic points of interest will be entered to win additional prizes. 

Lecture250 Series - a free, public educational lectures related to Pennsylvania and Declaration of Independence-Era History.

Learn about more programs by subscribing or following on social media America250PA.org

Thank you to Delco residents for connecting our County to the state-wide programs - Chairman Patrick J. Burns, Matthew Taylor and Steven Scott Bradley.