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, commemorative events, and public history projects. A250PADelco will connect with the public, schools, companies, faith centers, and civic groups to mobilize and join the celebration! This project is made possible through a very generous grant from the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

2026 History Under The Stars - Delaware County Historical Society

The Delaware County Historical Society invites community members to experience regional heritage in a whole new light during the History Under The Stars evening series. Staged outside the museum headquarters in Media, these gatherings offer a unique atmosphere for exploring the stories, people, and milestones that shaped the local landscape leading up to America's 250th anniversary. Attendees can enjoy the early summer air while connecting with fellow community members.

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.

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/

Discover Haverford: America on Display

As part of the regional America250 celebrations honoring the USA's Semiquincentennial, this community art project features storefront windows throughout Brookline and Oakmont main streets of Havertown painted with vibrant patriotic themes and colors. The completed storefront displays are scheduled to remain up from April through September 2026. You can view the displays simply by strolling through the downtown business districts and commercial corridors in Havertown. Admission: It is completely free and open to the public, designed as an outdoor, walkable exhibition to encourage residents to support local shops and restaurants.

Rose Tree Summer Festival 2026

Free concerts in Rose Tree Park's scenic outdoor amphitheater began in 1975 and have been a popular Delco tradition ever since! Our Summer Festival features top-notch local talent performing a wide variety of live entertainment - from Motown to Broadway, Classical to Country, Rock & Pop to Barbershop, and special children’s shows to delight your little ones.

Delco Libraries America 250 Lecture Series

March 16 - April 23 enjoy 5 lectures on Revolutionary America presented at Roosevelt Community Center Auditorium by Middletown Free Library in partnership with Middletown & Aston Township Historical Societies.

Folcroft Community Passport Program

Folcroft’s Community Passport Program celebrates America’s 250th! Residents who visit 22 local spots can enter a year-end prize drawing. Pick up passports at the Borough Building or Library with a valid PA ID. It’s a fun way to explore local businesses, parks, and borough history!

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.

America250 Week at Camp Middletown

June 29 – July 2, 2026 Roosevelt Community Center, Media, PA In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Camp Middletown is hosting a special America250-themed week: Past, Present, and Future. Campers will explore the people, ideas, inventions, and creativity that have shaped our nation—while imagining what comes next. Through hands-on STEM challenges, art projects, cooperative games, and imaginative play, each day highlights a different era or concept. The program encourages curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving in fun, age-appropriate ways, bringing the spirit of 1776 into the present and looking ahead to the future. 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM 464 South Old Middletown Road Media, PA 19060 More information: Middletownpa@myrec.com

Heritage Traveler Project

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.

Crowd Source Historic Sites Descriptions

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.”

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.

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

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

Radnor Celebrates! 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!

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.

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.

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.

Rockdale Art Center Workshops

Creativity takes center stage at Rockdale Art Center this summer with a festive lineup of America 250 art workshops. Designed for makers of all ages, this series offers hands-on projects celebrating history. Young creators can kick off the festivities crafting string art stars, while older children and adults can dive into mixed-media projects including American flag art, custom Lady Liberty canvas paintings, and a unique wine cork flag workshop.

Aston Mills Arts Exhibit

Local art and historic traditions intertwine this July at Aston Mills Arts with a special series of creative events marking America's 250th anniversary. Art enthusiasts can begin the month by exploring the "American Reflections" exhibition, a visual celebration of heritage and community. The festivities continue mid-month with two textile workshops hosted in partnership with Rockdale Art Center. Participants can learn traditional fabric arts while crafting patriotic designs, including embroidered stars and custom appliquéd star tote bags.

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.

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.

St. David's Episcopal Church Lecture Series

Citizens can engage with the foundational ideas of early America this season through a compelling lecture series honoring the nation's 250th anniversary. The lineup features presentations examining the lasting importance of First Amendment freedoms and how communities first received the news of American independence in 1776. The series also investigates religious history, exploring the colonial birth of the Episcopal Church and the patriotic contributions of its founder, William White. A special weekend highlight includes a community celebration and public reading of the Declaration of Independence to mark the historic milestone.

Edgmont Township Activities

Local heritage takes center stage this June as Edgmont Township hosts a festive day of community activities celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The inner historian can explore the area at their own pace during a self guided historic road tour highlighting key landmarks and stories from the region's past. Following the tour, community members can gather for a seasonal celebration featuring patriotic pride and flavors.

Widener University Lecture Series

Scholars can dive deep into the stories behind the founding of the nation during a special lecture at Widener University. Hosted at the University Center, this presentation examines the fascinating personalities of the American Revolution, shedding light on the diverse backgrounds, motivations, and conflicts of the individuals who shaped the war. Attendees will gain an understanding of the complex figures, whose choices altered the course of history.

Community Arts Center Exhibit

In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Community Arts Center is hosting a major group exhibition entitled 25 DECADES. This unique historical showcase features 25 different artists, with each creator tasked with interpreting a specific ten year period between 1776 and 2026. Through two to three pieces of original artwork per artist, the exhibition explores the defining events, groundbreaking inventions, and influential people that shaped each decade of American history.

Delaware County Symphony Series

The Delaware County Symphony is getting into the America 250 spirit this summer with a concert series focused entirely on American music. Audiences can look forward to a great lineup of homegrown classics, local favorites, and stirring songs that capture the sounds of the country's history. It is a wonderful way to enjoy some local talent while celebrating the nation's 250th birthday through music.

Brandywine Art Museum Exhibit

Art lovers can experience the rich legacy of regional and national creativity at the Brandywine Museum of Art this summer. The museum is presenting exhibitions focused on the Wyeth family and American art as part of the local America 250 celebrations. Visitors can explore the deep connections between the landscape of the Brandywine Valley and the iconic paintings of N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth, alongside a premier collection of American illustration and heritage art.

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.

Chadds Fords Historical Society Weekend

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.

Campbell AME Church

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.

Cheyney University

Cheyney University, the nation's oldest historically Black institution of higher education, is playing a key role in the regional America 250 celebrations. Throughout the season, the university is highlighting the vital underrepresented stories, perspectives, and milestones that have shaped the country's journey since its founding.

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.

Delaware County Bar Association

The Delaware County Bar Association is actively engaging with regional residents and professionals during the country's landmark milestone season. Beyond their regular advocacy, professional development, and legal aid resources, the association frequently collaborates with regional organizations to foster community growth, networking, and public service. Throughout the summer and fall, the organization provides a welcoming space to reflect on the legal frameworks that have supported American liberty.

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.

Haverford Historical Society Events

Community members and history lovers can immerse themselves in regional heritage with the Haverford Township Historical Society as the area celebrates America's 250th anniversary. The society is hosting its signature annual Heritage Festival, featuring live music, local craft beer, food vendors, and traditional colonial living history demonstrations such as blacksmithing and weaving. During the festivities, the organization will open the doors of its landmark properties, Nitre Hall and Lawrence Cabin, for free guided tours.

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.

Keep Music Alive Events

Families can find their rhythm with Keep Music Alive, an official America 250 Delaware County partner celebrating the nation's milestone through music. The nonprofit is bringing its popular, interactive Musical Instrument Petting Zoos to major community festivals and public spaces, including Media's Dining Under the Stars. The group invites visitors of all ages to get hands-on experience trying out guitars, keyboards, and percussion instruments, celebrating America's rich heritage of musical creativity.

Landsdowne Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution

The Lansdowne Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution is actively organizing commemorative initiatives for America's 250th anniversary. Composed of women descended from Revolutionary War patriots, the organization is dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism throughout Delaware County. Across the Semiquincentennial season, the chapter hosts public ceremonies, community flag displays, and educational outreach programs designed to honor the legacy of America.

Main Line Art Center Events

The Main Line Art Center in Haverford serves as a creative anchor for the community, inspiring people of all ages and abilities to create, engage with, and experience visual art. To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, the center is launching specialized public art projects, including a major commemorative outdoor mural by artist Jim Houser that honors the region's vibrant cultural heritage.

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.

Upper Chichester Township Community Celebrations

Upper Chichester Township is actively engaging the community during this milestone season with a diverse mix of family-friendly activities, cultural celebrations, and historical programming. Through partnerships with the America 250 Delaware County commission, the township is focusing on events that reflect local heritage and celebrate the area's deep history.

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.