PROGRAMS & PROJECTS

Fireworks, Parades and Festivals

Celebrate our Independence Day at these festivities around Delaware County!

Forging Freedom: Delaware County's Role in the American Experiment

Visit the installation on the Media Courthouse to commemorate the U.S. Semiquincentennial presented by America250PADelco and the Media Arts Council. “Forging Freedom: Delaware County's Role in the American Experiment” highlights five key historical moments and figures from Delaware County that contributed to the advancement of American democracy.

DelcoVolunteers – DelcoStrong for 250 More Years

Join our county-wide call to service designed to inspire "We the People of Delco" to engage with local history, improve civic spaces, and be part of solutions to ensure we are DelcoStrong for 250 More Years! Community Program Partners are invited to post 250th volunteer opportunities at their historic and civic sites, and commemorative events. The public, schools, companies, faith centers, and civic groups are invited to mobilize and join the celebration! This project is made possible through a very generous grant from the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

1724 Chester Court House Restoration & Activation

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.”

America 250 Mural Unveiled in Wayne

Radnor Township’s America250 celebrations feature a new centerpiece: a hand-painted mural on permanent public display at 118 E. Lancaster Ave. in Wayne. Created by Berwyn artist Dan Scott, the township's first public art installation traces Radnor’s history from its pastoral beginnings and Old Conestoga Road through the railroad era to today's Wayne skyline. Featured landmarks include the Willows Mansion, Wayne Theater, and Ardrossan Estate. Made possible by Radnor Township, Main Line Mural Arts, and the Lau Longsworth Charitable Fund, the piece adorns the exterior wall of At the Table restaurant.

America 250 Mural at Main Line Art Center

Visit the Main Line Art Center in Haverford to celebrate a new public mural by Jim Houser, created in celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial. Honoring past and present Pennsylvania artists who have helped shape the region into one of the country’s most vibrant cultural hubs, the mural reflects the creative spirit and artistic legacy of our community. 746 Panmure Road · Haverford, PA 19041

Brandywine Art Museum: Brandywine’s Battle: 1777 and After Exhibit

September 4, 2027 - January 31, 2028 Drawn from the Brandywine and the Wyeth Foundation for American Art collections, the works on display will range from illustrations and portraits to the Wyeth family’s representations of the historic event honoring of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine, which was fought in Chadds Ford on September 11, 1777.

Brandywine Battlefield Park Events

History and community celebration come together at Brandywine Battlefield Park with an exciting lineup of events. Adults can kick off the summer at the annual Brews At The Battlefield event, featuring live music from Cattail Bloom alongside popular local brewers, cideries, and food trucks in the scenic Picnic Grove. Later in the summer, history comes alive through Voices of Brandywine, a dramatic program featuring character actors from the Delaware Theatre Company who bring the real people and stories of 1777 to life. The season concludes with a moving Remembrance Day Ceremony, a gathering on the historic fields to honor the soldiers who fought in the largest single day of combat during the American Revolution.

Campbell AME Church Restoration

In a celebration alongside Campbell AME Church of Media, Media Area NAACP, Providence Friends Meeting, Second Baptist Church, and Unifying Group of Media, we will celebrate Juneteenth and honor the past, present, and future.

Chadds Fords Historical Society

History fans can step straight into the year 1777 at the Battle at Chadds Ford, a major living history event hosted by the Chadds Ford Historical Society to mark America's 250th anniversary. This immersive weekend honors the Battle with thrilling tactical combat reenactments, military encampments, and historic craft demonstrations. The excitement continues into the evening with Tavern Night in the Grove, featuring colonial music and refreshments in a classic candlelight atmosphere. Attendees will also want to keep their eyes peeled for details on the famous Great Pumpkin Carve coming up later in October.

Cheyney University Historic Campus Tour Series

Cheyney University, the nation's oldest historically Black institution of higher education. Our 8 quadrangle buildings tell a story that spans more than 220 years—from an eighteenth-century farmhouse to a university that has educated generations of teachers, scientists, artists, military leaders, elected officials, and change-makers. Together, they represent resilience, opportunity, and the enduring pursuit of educational excellence. Get ready to explore the historic charm of the Historic Quadrangle at your own pace. Use the virtual self-guided tour stops to jump to any location in any order, allowing you to create a personalized experience that fits your interests and schedule.

Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead Event Series

History comes alive at the Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead with an event series charting the daily lives, struggles, and celebrations of early Americans. Visitors will experience the realities of the 18th century through interactive militia drills, historical science demonstrations, and practical colonial skills ranging from textile production to traditional laundry and well water management. The lineup also features traditional community holidays such as Midsummer, Lammas, Harvest Home, and Yuletide, as well as family focused days dedicated to historic toys, storytelling, and an old fashioned ice cream social.

Crowd Source Historic Sites Descriptions

The Heritage Traveler Project points out sites and stories of Delaware County history. This community-sourced project is asking the public to share pictures and stories on this Facebook Group. In addition, sites are invited to post onto 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.

Declaration Signers Story Map

Take a day trip to celebrate America 250 and visit the twelve Declaration signers buried in SEPA/NJ. This interactive map that shows sites around Pennsylvania and New Jersey featuring🪦9 burial grounds, 📍Four birthplaces, 🏠Eight homes, and 🏛️57 museums, commemorative sites or markers Learn about these signers, their lives, and the legacies and where you can visit to experience history in person.

The Decorative Arts Trust - Collecting250

The Decorative Arts Trust, headquartered in Media, is actively honoring American culture during the nation’s 250th anniversary. Through their landmark Collecting250 initiative, the Trust is collaborating with more than 140 historic institutions to showcase a curated online digital timeline of 250 historic decorative objects from all fifty states. Back at home and across the country, the organization continues to host specialized symposia, research grants, and educational programs designed to highlight the craftsmanship and design history that shaped early America.

Haverford Historical Society Events

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 by exploring the rich heritage of Delaware County with the Haverford Township Historical Society. As the nation marks its Semiquincentennial, discover how local history intersects with the broader American story. Tour historic treasures such as Nitre Hall and the 1700s Lawrence Cabin, discover fascinating regional exhibits, and join special anniversary events throughout the year. Perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and neighbors alike, a visit offers an immersive look into early township life, colonial trade, and local preservation. Experience living history up close and join the community in honoring 250 years of American legacy.

Hedgerow Theatre Arts For All

Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley, is undergoing significant modernization and accessibility renovations, supported by a recent $750,000 state grant. Although the historic three-story building currently only has a wheelchair-accessible first floor, the new funding will allow the theater to renovate its lobby spaces to provide access to the upper floors. Additionally, Hedgerow is upgrading backstage and dressing room areas to ensure full ADA accessibility for artists, students, and staff.

Heritage Traveler Project

League of Women Voters Delco Youth Voter Initiative

Celebrating America’s 250th, the Delco Youth Voter Initiative is a nonpartisan coalition empowering high school seniors to vote. Partnering with the League of Women Voters, Delaware County Bureau of Elections, PA Youth Vote, and NAACP branches, this vital effort provides voter registration packets to over 5,000 graduates during graduation rehearsals. By equipping youth with physical forms and digital election tools, we ensure their diverse voices help shape our shared future.

Main Line School Night

Main Line School Night is offering a whole series of classes, workshops, and bus tours leading up to 2026 to get you ready for America 250. From Literature, History, Current Affairs and more- search 250 to find these and other programs: The Living Constitution, The American Revolution: 10 Critical Days and the Battles that Saved the War, Freedom's Path: Kennett Square's Underground Railroad Sites, The 1876 Centennial Exposition's Legacy at the Historic Guild House Hotel.

Middletown Township Historical Society: America 250 Fall 2026 Lecture Series

The Middletown Township Historical Society is hosting a free Fall 2026 lecture series covering Revolutionary War topics, including Valley Forge, Hessian soldiers, local historical figures, and Grog.

Natural Lands Trek-a-Thon 250

Celebrate the USA’s 250th birthday by walking, trekking, or hiking 250 miles at Natural Lands properties between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Wildflower-filled meadows, shady forests, boulder-strewn stream valleys, vibrant native plant gardens, and coastal marshland habitat. Our 23,000+ acres span two states and 13 counties with more than 120 miles of trails on which to log your journey. Learn more at: https://www.natlands.org/visit/

Newlin Grist Mill Demonstrations

History comes alive at Newlin Grist Mill this summer with an immersive lineup of living history demonstrations exploring the vital labor that sustained early America. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe traditional 18th-century woodworking techniques and discover the culinary realities of the Revolutionary War. Special guest presentations will highlight how armies were sustained, featuring a live cooking demonstration on daily military rations as well as a look into how women leveraged foodways to support the Continental Army.

Newton Square Historical Society Summer Festivities

Come celebrate America's 250th anniversary this summer with an exciting lineup of events hosted by the Newtown Square Historical Society. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local heritage during the town wide Marple Newtown Historic Day, featuring multi-site tours and lively living history performances that bring early Pennsylvania back to life. The summer schedule also highlights interactive heritage craft workshops, including a hands on basket weaving session where participants can learn traditional colonial techniques.

North American Land Trust - Brinton Run Preserve

The North American Land Trust protects and preserves vital open spaces, including the historic Brinton Run Preserve in Chadds Ford. In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, the trust is hosting a variety of outdoor community programs on the land, which served as a key battleground during the 1777 Battle of Brandywine. Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy nature inspired wellness activities, guided trail walks, and workshops that highlight the unique connection between local ecology and early American history.

Mapping the Declaration Signers of Pennsylvania and New Jersey

As Pennsylvania and the region celebrate America's 250th anniversary, the Delaware County Planning Department has created an interactive map offering a compelling way to engage with this milestone through the lives of the twelve signers of the Declaration of Independence buried within the Commonwealth. The map guides visitors to a rich network of historically significant sites, including nine burial grounds, four birthplaces, and eight homes connected to these signers, alongside fifty-seven museums, commemorative markers, and historic locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Together, these sites offer a firsthand opportunity to learn about the signers' lives and lasting legacies, and to experience the story of the nation's founding in the very places where history unfolded.

Penns Woods Winery Event Series

Sit back and enjoy some wine at Penns Woods Winery with a special series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Guests can kick off the festivities with an educational masterclass exploring the drinking habits of the founding generation, followed by a patriotic-themed paint and sip evening. The summer schedule also features interactive history experiences hosted in partnership with the Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead, including a hands-on colonial quill writing workshop and a historical pop-up event.

Restoring the Old St. Paul’s and Swedish Burial Ground

During the semiquincentennial season, The Friends of Old St. Paul’s and Swedish Burial Ground are actively welcoming visitors and researchers to explore one of the most historically significant and oldest colonial graveyards in Pennsylvania. Located in Chester, the grounds date back to the early Swedish settlement of the 1640s and serve as the final resting place for generations of early citizens, including Revolutionary War soldiers and John Morton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Revolutionary Reads Community Read

Delaware County Libraries invites readers to explore the road to independence through the annual Revolutionary Reads program. Each featured book offers unique perspectives on the escalating events and diverse colonial experiences leading up to the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. Patrons can participate through local library book clubs or check out Book Club in a Bag totes for private groups. Readers are encouraged to support local independent businesses by purchasing copies from Main Point Books in Wayne.

Radnor Memorial Library Events

Come celebrate America's 250th anniversary this summer with an interesting lineup of events at the Radnor Memorial Library. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local history by exploring daily life in 18th-century Delaware County, or enjoy a unique, genre-bending celebration on Bastille Day featuring local musicians. The summer schedule also highlights the "Remember the Ladies" Film Series, a curated collection of powerful documentaries and films showcasing the incredible strength, artistic genius, and enduring impact of trailblazing women throughout history.

Radnor Historical Society Lecture Series

Join the Radnor Historical Society, as local historian Jim Segrave-Daly will pull back the curtain on the unsung heroes, complex founders, and historic families who shaped early America and left their mark on our region. From underrated revolutionary leaders to the famous and infamous figures of the era, this series explores the deep local ties that connect our community to the birth of the nation. Best of all, guests can stay after each presentation to enjoy complimentary homemade ice cream, ginger cookies, and lemonade!

Sound of Freedom by Keep Music Alive

Delco Based national non-profit Keep Music Alive is excited to present an America 250-themed version of its popular Musical Petting Zoo program in 2026 entitled "Sounds of Freedom". This version of the program will include several musical instruments popular during American Colonial times in addition to the modern musical instruments typically presented by the program. Some of these events will also include a medley performance of both colonial and more modern patriotic songs. "Sounds of Freedom" programs will be hosted at schools, libraries and community events as well as partnering with other America 250-themed events throughout the Philadelphia region. For more information please visit www.KeepMusicAlive.org, email SoundsOfFreedom@KeepMusicAlive.org or call (610) 874-6312.

Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum

The Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum presents a special exhibition honoring local athletes who traded their jerseys for military uniforms to serve in the United States Armed Forces. Staged in the atrium of the Radnor Township Municipal Building, the five displays span from the Civil War to the Gulf War. Featured highlights include Civil War soldier and early professional baseball player Tom Berry, the World War II era “Dutiful Dozen”, professional and Olympic athletes, and Korean War veterans Paul Arizin and Jack Klot.

The Traveling Women's History Museum

The Traveling Women's History Museum, founded by Rachel McCullough from Aston, Pennsylvania, brings women's stories to the public through a collection of original and reproduced artifacts spanning 1770 to 1970.

Treasures from the Darby Library: Before Lewis and Clark, There Was Bartram

William Bartram was a naturalist, explorer, and artist whose writings on American wildlife and landscape made him famous around the world, a child of the Enlightenment whose lyrical prose helped usher in the Romantic era and inspired writers including Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau. His father John, born in Darby, helped found the Darby Library in 1743. When William published Travels through North & South Carolina in 1791, he gave his personal copy to this library. It is still in the collection. Come learn more about this special book and special library. On Display during library hours: Saturday, September 5th – Saturday, October 3rd

Treasures from the Darby Library: THE 100-YEAR OVERDUE BOOK

Come see the novel returned to the Darby Library more than a century late. Clarissa, an English literature classic published in 1764, was lent out in the mid-1800s and didn't find its way home until 1947. The story was so unbelievable it was featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not. Stop by to see this exhibit exploring the remarkable history of this one-of-a-kind volume in the Darby Library collection. ON DISPLAY: July 10th, 2026 - August 1st, 2026

Tyler Arboretum 250th History Tours

Nature and history converge at Tyler Arboretum this season with a special walking tour honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Participants will explore the deep historical roots of the property, tracking its evolution from a colonial land grant to a celebrated public garden. Guided by knowledgeable guides, these excursions highlight how the local landscape connects to the broader story of early American independence. The monthly tours offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy the summer while learning about the historic grounds.

Haverford Township Adult School: The History of Delaware County & Its Role in America’s Founding

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, join local historian & veteran HTAS teacher, Jim Segrave-Daly, for an entertaining discussion of Delaware County’s history & the vital role it played in the country’s founding. From the original Lenape tribes to European settlement & its creation in 1789, Delaware County’s contributions to America’s birth cannot be understated. Instructor: Jim Segrave-Daly, experienced HTAS history instructor Registration opens Monday, August 24th, 2026 Class details: Tuesdays 6:00-7:30p 4 weeks starting 9/29-10/20

Scott Arboretum

Nestled on the grounds of Swarthmore College, the Scott Arboretum & Gardens is a living museum designed to inspire, educate, and soothe. Seamlessly woven throughout the college campus, it provides a quiet escape from city life and an endless source of ideas for home gardeners

Documenting Delco Black Neighborhoods

The Delaware County Planning Department has an ongoing project documenting underrepresented resources throughout Delaware County. As part of this endeavor, they’re hoping to better document and recognize Traditional Black Neighborhoods through stories and examples of their historic built environment. These are neighborhoods which were originally created and settled by African Americans whether by choice or through segregation. If you, or someone you know, is aware of a neighborhood or has more information on this topic, please email either Beverlee Barnes (barnesb@co.delaware.pa.us) or Rose Cohen (cohenr@co.delaware.pa.us).

DCHS - Call for Artists/Photographers

The Delaware County Historical Society and Collingdale Historical Society have teamed up to organize an exhibit of images around Delco. They are looking for photographs and/or paintings that depict buildings and landscapes that either stand out or represent the community in which it is located. Contact: outreach@padelcohistory.org or collingdalehistory@gmail.com for more information or to get involved.

Heritage Commission's Historic Preservation Directory of Trades, Services & Products

The updated version of the Heritage Commission's Historic Preservation Directory of Trades, Services & Products is now available. New format, more companies, and now including products. Check out the online version. Paper versions are available at the Delaware County Planning Department office, 2 W. Baltimore Pike, Suite 202, Media.

Villanova Lepage Center Grant program

The Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest at Villanova University is pleased to announce its seventh annual grant cycle to support public-facing history projects. In celebration of the Center’s tenth anniversary, we will be funding projects that speak to a question at the heart of our founding mission: what is history in the public interest?Application Deadline: September 25, 2026

Website: Learn More

DCHS: Delco History This Way Ap

History This Way app puts it in your pocket. Produced in partnership with the Delaware County Historical Society, Visit Delco, and America250PADelco, this free self-guided tour app invites you to explore the places, people, and moments that made Delco what it is today, on your schedule, at your own pace.