Three Cheers For Delco’s Birthday: A THREE-DAY CELEBRATION OF HISTORY, HOMETOWN PRIDE, AND AMERICA’S UPCOMING 250TH

18 Sep

18Sep

Three Cheers For Delco’s Birthday: A THREE-DAY CELEBRATION OF HISTORY, HOMETOWN PRIDE, AND AMERICA’S UPCOMING 250TH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Delaware County, PA

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.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY 130TH BIRTHDAY OPEN HOUSE

▪ Date: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025

▪ Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

▪ Location: Delaware County Historical Society, 9 W. Front St., 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.

“DCHS and small historical societies are important because we preserve unique local stories, foster local identity, support historic preservation efforts, and provide valuable resources for researchers and genealogists,” said Paul Hewes, Executive Director of the Delaware County Historical Society. “2026 is an exciting milestone and DCHS is excited to make history accessible and enhance community vitality.”

BIRTHDAY CHEERS REMARKS & CAKE CUTTING

▪ Date: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025

▪ Time: 4:00 – 4:45 PM

▪ Location: 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.

“The banners are a visual reminder of the local history that has shaped our county and American democracy,” said Andrea Silva, America250PADelco Director. “By celebrating our local history, we build local pride and connections built on shared values. Inclusive history is inspirational and serves as a catalyst for future action — which ties into our Delco Volunteers 250 call to service.”

DCHS 130TH ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION

▪ Date: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025

▪ Time: 5:00 PM (ticketed event)

▪ Location: Delaware County 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.

CHEERS FOR DELCO’S BIRTHDAY HAPPY HOURS

▪ Date: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025

▪ Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM

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.

More locations are joining daily. Check the full line up of Cheers for Delco’s Birthday locations at givebutter.com/DelcoBday2025.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 — DCHS DELCO DOWNHILL DERBY

▪ Date: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025

▪ 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!
▪ Date: Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025

▪ Time: 8:00 – 10:30 AM

▪ Start: Rose Tree Park, Upper Providence Township

▪ Finish: Subaru Park, Chester, PA

A COUNTYWIDE CELEBRATION FOR AMERICA’S 250TH
These events mark the official kickoff to Delco’s role in America250, leading to 2026 when millions of visitors will experience the Philadelphia region as the birthplace of American democracy. Delaware County is proud to showcase its own story — from the nation’s first independence signer to today’s thriving communities — and to connect those stories with the values that still shape America.

“America’s and Delaware County’s best days are still ahead, and our 250th birthday is a perfect time to celebrate and enjoy what’s great while we build our future,” said Delaware County Councilmember Christine Reuther. “This weekend brings together our history, our people, and our pride in one unforgettable celebration.”

For event details, registration, and volunteer information, visit: www.America250PADelco.org, www.padelcohistory.org, or www.Delco10Miler.com.

America250PADelco is the local, nonpartisan project uniting Delaware County to promote American history, boost civic engagement, and bring together special 250th Anniversary festivities leading up to the U.S. Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026. The Delco America 250 experience has been generously supported by the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, Delaware County, Visit Delco, The Delaware County Economic Development Corporation, and The Lau Longsworth Charitable Fund. For information about programs and events, visit www.america250padelco.org and receive the most up to date news, event invitations, and partnership opportunities or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @america250padelco.
We are located at the Delaware County Economic Development Corporation, 2 W. Baltimore Ave, Suite 200, Media, PA 19063#America250PADelco

Delaware County Historical Society collects, protects and preserves the history and culture of Delaware County, making it accessible to all through strong educational outreach. DCHS is open weekly to view displays from Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 3 PM, and by appointment for research requests. Public programs include free outdoor" History Under the Stars" lectures, the annual "Delco History Insiders Conference", and the inaugural Delco Down Hill Derby and more. Learn more at https://www.padelcohistory.org
Delaware County Historical Society, 9 W. Front Street Media, PA 19063#DelcoHistory

Visit Delco PA is the official destination marketing organization for Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to drive the economic vitality of Delco by both promoting our abundance of diverse experiences and framing the region as a welcoming place to visit, meet, stay, and play. Responsible for promoting the county as an attractive tourist destination to drive economic benefits through increased tourism.
1501 N Providence Rd, Media, Pennsylvania 19063, US#Delco10Miler #RunDelco #VisitDelco

Media Contacts:
Andrea Silva, Director, America250PADelco, Office (610) 566-2225 Ext. 104 or Andrea@America250PADelco.org
Paul Hewes, Executive Director, Delaware County Historical Society, Office 610-750-0622outreach@padelcohistory.org
Michael Connolly, Director, Delaware County Government Department of Communications and Public Affairs, Office (610) 891-4943 or via e-mail at DelcoComms@co.delaware.pa.us.
Rob MacPherson, EVP/CMO, Visit Delco, Office 610.565.3679 ext. 102, RMacPherson@VisitDelcoPA.com
Fran McElwee, Marketing Strategist, Visit Delco, Office 610.565.3679 ext. 105, FMcElwee@VisitDelcoPA.com

DelcoLovesHistoryAmerica250PA

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