Cheers for Delco’s Birthday & DCHS 130th Anniversary

Delaware County has some birthdays coming up — and everyone’s invited!

Cheers for Delco’s Birthday is a countywide, weekend-long celebration running September 26–28, 2025. Over three days, residents and visitors can enjoy everything from birthday cake on the Courthouse steps and Happy Hours at local favorites, to a rolling downhill derby in Media and the first-ever Delco 10 Miler. It’s a celebration of community pride and a preview of the historic excitement building toward America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

This year’s festivities also mark two milestones: the 236th birthday of Delaware County, founded on September 26, 1789, just 13 years after America declared its independence, and the 130th anniversary of the Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS), which has preserved the stories, artifacts, and traditions that give Delco its character. With America250PADelco leading a broad community effort, the weekend will honor the past while looking ahead to the once-in-a-generation celebration of 2026.

The fun begins Friday, September 26, with a day of birthday events in Media and across the county.

Event Details

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 —Delco's 236th & DCHS 130th Birthdays

HISTORICAL SOCIETY 130TH BIRTHDAY OPEN HOUSE
11 AM - 4 PM,  DCHS, 9 W. Front Street Media, PA 19063

The festivities begin with an Open House at the Delaware County Historical Society as DCHS celebrates its 130th birthday. This free event invites residents to explore rarely seen treasures, including original deeds from Pennsylvania founder William Penn, papers from Declaration of Independence signer John Morton, and documents from the Crozer family and Crozer Medical Center.

BIRTHDAY CHEERS REMARKS & CAKE CUTTING
4 PM - 4:45 PM, Delaware County Courthouse, 201 W Front St, Media, PA 19063

At 4 PM on the steps of the Delaware County Courthouse, County officials, America250PADelco leaders, and community partners will host the Birthday Cheers Remarks & Cake Cutting. The event will unveil new America250 banners titled ‘Forging Freedom: Delaware County's Role.  in the American Experiment” carrying the themes Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness. Attendees will enjoy a festive cake-cutting and rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Leaders will also introduce Delco Volunteers 250, a new initiative encouraging residents to contribute time and talent to events and projects tied to the national Semiquincentennial. Banners were designed by America250PADelco and Media Arts Council and sponsored by the Delaware County Economic Development Corporation. The birthday cake was provided by Burns Family Markets - ShopRite and Fresh Grocer.

DCHS 130TH ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION
5:00 PM (ticketed event), Delco Institute of Science, 11 Veterans Sq., Media, PA 19063.

On Friday evening, the Delaware County Historical Society will host its 130th Anniversary Reception at the Delaware County Institute of Science. Guests will enjoy light fare and beverages while celebrating the Society’s long legacy of preserving and sharing Delco history. Tickets are $25, with proceeds benefiting DCHS programs and available at  givebutter.com/DelcoBday2025.

Can't make it to Media? You can still be a part of Delco's legacy! 

CHEERS 🍻 FOR DELCO’S BIRTHDAY HAPPY HOURS
5:00 – 7:00 PM, Locations include:

• Media: Towne House, 117 Veterans Sq., Media, PA 19063. Toast Host: Andrea Silva, Christine Reuther, Laura Goodrich Cairns
• Media: DiFabio’s Sky Bar, 1243 N Providence Rd, Media, PA 19063, Toast Host: Ralph Cicalese
• Prospect Park: John Morton’s Tavern, 400 Lincoln Ave, Prospect Park, PA 19076
• Ridley Park: Dolan’s Bar, 24 E Sellers Ave Ridley Park, PA 19078 Toast Host: PJ Dolan, Colin McKee
• Ridley Park: R. Park Tavern, 26 E. Sellers Avenue Ridley Park, PA,19078 Toast Host: Dane Collins
• Clifton Heights: Murray’s Bar & Grille, 524 E Baltimore Ave. Clifton Heights, PA 19018 Toast Host: Joe Lombardo 
• Chadds Ford: Penns Woods Winery, 124 Beaver Valley Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317. Toast Host: Tony Shahan
• Swarthmore: Ship Bottom Brewery, 5 Park Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081. Toast Host: Renee DeLuca
• Havertown: Brick N Brew, 31 E Eagle Rd, Havertown, PA 19083, Toast Host: Kate Clifford
• Springfield: Tavola, 400 W. Sproul Rd. Springfield, PA 19064

From 5–7 PM, the celebration spreads across the county with Cheers for Delco’s Birthday Happy Hours at popular bars, restaurants, and wineries. Patrons can toast Delco while supporting history — up to 25% of proceeds from each location will be donated to DCHS and America250 programming. These funds will directly support free community and educational initiatives leading into 2026.  #DelcoBday2025.

OTHER WAYS TO PARTICIPATE

Can't make it to the Cheers? Buy us a beer 🍻 and donate at http://www.givebutter.com/DelcoBday2025

For Individuals and Families, Host a "Cheers to Delco's Birthday" Happy Hour at Your House! — You're invited to raise a glass to Delco's birthday by hosting a "Cheers to Delco" happy hour right in your own home. Host a small gathering with friends and neighbors. During the party, you can "pass the hat" or share the 'Text to Give link' to collect donations. All funds raised will directly support free Delco America’s 250th programming for the public and school children in Delaware County, ensuring future generations can learn about our shared history.Sign up as a Team or Fundraiser at www.givebutter.com/DelcoBday2025

For Educators — Host a Toast in your Classroom, with an optional classroom fundraiser. Here's how: Host a "Cheers to Delco" Cupcake/Cake Party: Bake or purchase a birthday cake or cupcakes to share with your students. Encourage Small Donations: Students can choose to contribute $0.25, $1, or $2.50 in honor of America's 250th birthday to receive a piece of cake. This is completely optional. Make it a Celebration: Lead your class in singing "Happy Birthday to Delco!" to make the event even more festive. Create a class 130th birthday card for the Delaware County Historical Society, and mail it to at 9 W. Front St., Media, PA 19063. As a token of our appreciation, you will be added tour special Educators mailing list for the K-12 Delco Semiquin Toolkit. To Participate: Sign up as a Team or Fundraiser at www.givebutter.com/DelcoBday2025

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 — DCHS DELCO DOWNHILL DERBY

▪ Time: 12:00 – 5:00 PM

▪ Location: Edgmont St., Media, PA 19063

The debut of a one-of-a-kind community tradition — the DCHS Delco Downhill Derby — will transform Edgmont Street into a rolling stage for creativity, craftsmanship, and hometown pride. Unlike a speed competition, this is a kinetic sculpture derby, where teams build and pilot human-powered vehicles that show off imagination and community spirit. Entrants can be whimsical or ambitious — expect to see rolling sculptures shaped like animals, local landmarks, or even tongue-in-cheek creations inspired by Delco’s culture. Families and spectators are invited to line the street and cheer on an unforgettable parade of ingenuity. 

Registration remains open through Monday, September 21, for those eager to take part. Register on the https://www.padelcohistory.org/.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 — INAUGURAL DELCO 10 MILER: PARK TO PITCH

The celebration concludes with the inaugural Delco 10 Miler — a 10-mile road race designed to showcase Delco’s neighborhoods, parks, and pride — is happening Sunday, 9/28 , with runners hitting the road at 8:00 a.m. Branded “Park to Pitch,” the course begins at Rose Tree Park and ends at Subaru Park, bringing seasoned runners together for one of the region’s most scenic new courses, while raising money for Delco Arts, Delaware County Parks & Recreation, and the HEADstrong Foundation. 

The Delco 10 Miler promises to become one of the area’s premier running events, delivering both community impact and excitement to Delaware County. The inaugural Delco 10 Miler sold out quickly — all 1,200 bibs have been claimed, with runners coming from across Delco and as far away as Florida and California. Local groups and Delco neighbors will be joining in as volunteers along the entire route!

▪ Time: 8:00 – 10:30 AM

▪ Start: Rose Tree Park, Upper Providence Township

▪ Finish: Subaru Park, Chester, PA