Delco Semiquin Plan: Stakeholder Engagement Meetings

Delco Semiquin Plan: Stakeholder Engagement Meetings

JOIN US TO MAKE HISTORY! In 2026, America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. 

America’s 250th anniversary isn't just a party thrown for us, it's a party thrown by us!

America250PADelco is conducting county-wide community engagement planning from January - May 2024 to develop the ‘Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan’ describing how Delco will celebrate activities and events leading up the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence in July 2026.

What is the ONE story of Delco History that people should remember AFTER the celebration to understand where we are and inform our future?

How you want Delco to celebrate our freedom? All kinds of programs that have a connection to the 250th are eligible to partner. Parades, commemorations, performances? Exhibitions, storytelling, re-enactments,? Days of service, tree plantings, neighborhood clean-ups?

Delco stakeholders from businesses, schools, municipalities, organizations and groups working in education, labor, cultural, civic, veterans, faith-based, immigrant-, LGTBQ-, disability-and ethnically related social communities across the County are invited to participate in interactive workshop to contribute to the ‘Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan’ describing how Delco will celebrate activities and events that are relevant to the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence. 

Every hand raised, every voice heard, every story shared shapes this celebration into a reflection of who we are as a community.

Get involved, own your piece of history, and let's show the world the power of Delco pride, united in spirit, history, and community!

250th Community Program Partner Chat Sessions
Held the first Wednesday of each month, these virtual office hours can answer your questions related to how individuals and organizations can get involved in the 250th, whether it’s creating a specific program or legacy goal for the anniversary or just general understanding of what’s happening in Delco for this milestone event.

Wed. July 3, 2024, 12-1 PM
Wed. August 7, 2024, 12-1 PM
Wed. September 4, 2024, 12-1 PM
Wed. October 2, 12-1 PM
Wed. November 6, 12-1 PM
Wed. December 4, 2024, 12-1 PM

Register Here.

4th of July Parades & Fireworks
Delco celebrates our Independence Day at 20 events ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts each year: Aldan, Aston, Chester,  Clifton Heights, PA Colonial Plantation, Glenolden, Lansdowne, Media, Marple Newtown, Parkside, Prospect Park, Garret Hill, Ridley Park, Rose Valley, Springfield Township, Swarthmore Upper Chichester, Bethel Township, and Upper Darby.  How will we make the 2026 celebrations extra special for our communities? See a list of Independence Day events here.

    • Virtual: Thursday, May 10, 2024, 11AM -12:30 PM
    • Virtual: Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 12-1:30 PM, Zoom. Register here.

Active Military & Veterans' Roles in Delco USA 250th Commemorations
How do our current veteran and active duty service members want to be a part of Delaware County's U.S. Semiquincentennial Celebration? Interested partners/collaborators who want to organize programs, events, or activities to honor our military history, boost civic engagement or make 2026 a special commemoration are invited to attend. This meeting is hosted in partnership with the Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Visit Delco.

  • In-person: Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 6-8 PM, Upper Darby Post 214 American Legion, 6914 Chestnut St, Upper Darby, PA 19082
    Register here. 

Brandywine Battlefield Task Force (BBTF) And Heritage Interpretive Network Partners
Interested partners/collaborators who want to organize programs, events, or activities in the Brandywine Battlefield planning area. Organized by the Battlefield Task Force (BBTF), ChesCo250 and DelCo250, these working meetings will discuss possible programs, projects, and events celebrating America’s 250th in 2026, the 250th anniversary of the "Battle of Brandywine" in September 2027, and Philadelphia Campaign Gateway at Brandywine Battlefield Park and Heritage Interpretive sites in Chadds Ford, Thornbury, and Dilworthtown. 

    • In-person: May 30, 2024, 5 – 8 PM, Thornbury Farm, 1256 Thornbury Rd, West Chester, PA 19382
    • In-person: September 2024

A Call for Service to Boost Civic Engagement for a Strong Future
Interested partners/collaborators who want to organize programs, events, or activities to boost civic engagement or make 2026 a special commemoration, are invited to participate in an interactive workshop to inform the Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan. American Democracy is defined by its people voicing their opinion and making a difference through volunteering and public service. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. How will your Semiquin program build the future of Delco?

    • In-person: June 5, 2024, 3 – 5 PM, Willows Park Preserve, 490 Darby Paoli Rd., Villanova, PA 19085
    • Virtual: Monday, July 15, 2024, 12-1pm, Zoom, Register here.

Hidden History and Under-Represented Narratives
Interested partners/collaborators who want to honor the contributions of ALL Americans are invited to help inform the Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan. American Democracy is defined on our founding ideals – universal principles of equality and liberty. Our goal is to be the most inclusive commemoration in American history. Stakeholders who want to organize programs, events or activities that promote the stories of traditionally marginalized groups, or are recovering and preserving sites, documents, and narratives important to the fuller history/story of Delco are invited. How will your program ensure we celebrate and amplify people whose stories have been untold, forgotten and underrepresented in history?

    • In-person: June 6, 2024, 12 – 2 PM, Cheyney University, 1837 Township Dr., Cheyney, PA 19319
    • Virtual: Thursday, August 1, 2024, 1-2:30 PM. Zoom. Register here.
    • In-person: TBD, Cheyney University, 1837 Township Dr., Cheyney, PA 19319

1724 Courthouse & Historic Waterfront
Interested partners/collaborators who want to organize programs, events, and other activities along the Delaware River historic waterfront or in the Chester History Hub are invited to participate in an interactive workshop to find ways to include this area in the Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan.  From Marcus Hook to Tinicum, Delaware County's riverfront is 'Where Pennsylvania Began'. This area of Delaware County has major historical importance, from the Declaration of Independence to the Underground Railroad, through World War II. Chester drove economic growth and American innovation from Pennsylvania’s founding to the Post WWII boom. Held in coordination with the Chester Economic Development Authority, participants will also learn about the Chester Creek Connector plan and its overlap in Chester History Hub. How will residents and visitors engage with our Delaware River waterfront historic sites, parks and trails in our 2026 celebration and commemorations?

    • In-person: June 27, 2024, 12 – 2 PM, Downtown CAAT Center, 515 Avenue of the States, Chester, PA 19013
    • Virtual: Tuesday, August 13, 1 – 2 PM, Zoom. Register Here. 

Up-Coming Meetings virtual and in-person, will be added throughout the summer on these topics:

  • The Green Future: Environmental Community Engagement in America 250th
  • Public Art & 250th Commemorations Design Charette
  • United for 2026: Briefing for Local Elected Officials and Municipal Managers


If you would like to host a planning session in your community, please contact  Andrea@america250padelco.org.

Refreshments will be served. 

These programs are made possible by funding from the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.