PROGRAMS & PROJECTS

Revolutionary Reads Community Read

Each year through 2026, the America250PADelco Committee will select a title connected to the history of the Declaration of Independence and American Revolution. Get a copy of this year's book, start a book club, or join our author's talk. This year our Read is 'Frontier Rebels: The Fight for Independence in the American West, 1765-1776' by Patrick Spero.

Preserving History - 1724 Chester Court House

Located less than a block from the current Chester City Hall, the 1724 Chester Courthouse is the oldest continuously occupied building in public use in the country. “The spirit of Delaware County is reflected in its historic cultural gems like the 1724 Chester Courthouse,” said Congresswoman Scanlon. “Thanks to this new funding from the National Park Service’s Semiquincentennial Grant Program, our community has the exciting opportunity to put the courthouse back together in a way that keeps the building in public use and ensures future generations of Pennsylvanians can reap the cultural, educational, civic, and economic benefits.”

Heritage Traveler Project

The Heritage Traveler Project points out the significant places along, and adjacent to the Lincoln Highway and Route 1 in Delaware County. This community-sourced project is asking historical societies and individuals to share input into the project on their Facebook Group and to theClio.com, an educational website and mobile application that guides the public to thousands of historical and cultural sites throughout the United States along with nature trails, art walking tours, and virtual tours of museums and sites.

The Liberty Tree Project

America250PA is planting a certified Liberty Tree in each of the 67 counties in partnership with the Pennsylvania Freemasons. Thank you to Patrick Burns, America250PA Chairman and Delco resident, for sponsoring Delco's Liberty Tree. Coming soon is the location of Delaware County's tree!

Pennsylvania Day - July 20th

National Pennsylvania Day is an annual observance that is celebrated on July 20th. America250PA designates this day 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. Save the Date and Volunteer on July 20!

Road to 2026

America250PA is encouraging Pennsylvanians to live a healthier lifestyle by walking, running, biking or wheeling their way to 2026. Participants can walk, run, bike or wheel their own race, at their own pace, and submit their times to track their progress. This program is being carried out in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and our county partners. Register and to become a Delaware County Parks and Trails Explorer!

Be #PAProud

Tell America250PA what makes you #PAProud. Delaware County, here is your opportunity to share what makes you #DelcoProud with the entire state of PA.

#PAProud Servicemember Spotlight

Nominate a Servicemember today. Spotlighting Pennsylvania active servicemembers and Veterans on our social media platforms. The America250PA Commission wants to recognize those servicemembers for their service to our Commonwealth and Country.

"Start Here, America Did" Podcast Series

The America250PA Podcast is telling the unique stories that make up the diverse fabric of Pennsylvania. Listen to the most recent episode or submit your idea to America250PA.

Direct Effect Innovation Challenge (DEIC)

America250PA is challenging Pennsylvania college and university students to create integrated marketing campaigns for America250PA. The DEIC is a three round marketing challenge that provides teams of students to build campaigns to engage #EveryPennsylvanian in #EveryCounty in America250PA. Join the virtual launch event on September 19, 2023 to learn more.

Memorial Flag Initiative

America250PA, in coordination with Pennsylvania agencies and Essential Utilities, will place American flags on veteran gravesites across the Commonwealth. This flag memorial will remain in place between Memorial Day and Veterans Day in 2026 to show our statewide gratitude and respect for the sacrifices of our servicemen and servicewomen.

Keystone Classroom Initiative

America250PA is delivering a storytelling and visitation program for 50,000 pre-k through 4th grade students by 2026 to educate young people about our shared Pennsylvania story. Each selected school partner with local mascots to hand out America250 backpacks filled with goodies and to read "K is for Keystone" the America250PA Coloring Book. Applications will re-open in late spring 2024 for 204/25 school year.

Young Heroes Outreach Program (YHOP)

America250PA is Implementing civics education in Pennsylvania classrooms in partnership with the National Liberty Museum.

Bells Across PA

America250PA is accepting design submissions from Pennsylvania artists for the ‘Bells Across PA’ art series to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026. These fiberglass bells will be adorned and magically transformed by local artists and sponsored by businesses or individuals. The selected artists or group will receive an honorarium. Installation will begin in April 2025. Public bell locations will be included on America250PA’s 2026 Commemorative Map. ‘Bells Across PA’ is open to all Pennsylvania artists and groups from the acclaimed to the amateur.

Semiquincentennial Bells

America250PA is Installing permanent, commemorative bronze bells at historically significant locations. Learn about the first Semiquincentennial Bell at the Dennis Farm. This 200+ year-old farm, originally settled by free African Americans who moved to northeastern Pennsylvania from Connecticut after the Revolutionary War and continuously in the stewardship of their descendants, represents an overlooked and remarkable story in American history that holds lessons for us today. **No Semiquincentennial Bells are currently planned for Delaware County.

America’s Invitation

AMERICA250 has launched America’s Invitation. SHARE YOUR STORY to get involved in the countdown to 2026. America250 wants to hear from you—your reflections on our past, present, and future. They will use these stories to tell the American story on social media, through videos and to create the most inclusive commemoration in our history. Visit america250.org.