Delaware County:
Where Pennsylvania Began

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 Delco's celebration of America's 250th, whether it’s creating a specific program or legacy goal for the anniversary or just general understanding of what’s happening in Delco, PA and nationally for this milestone event. This program was made possible by funding from the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

Meet and hear Mary Beth Norton, acclaimed historian and author of the 2024 Revolutionary Community Read '1774: The Long Year of Revolution'. This event is free and open to the public.

Join local historians for a virtual book club discussion of 2024 Revolutionary Community Read '1774: The Long Year of Revolution' by Dr. Mary Beth Norton. To read the book ahead of time, find it in the Delco Libraries catalog. This event is free and open to the public.

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 Delco's celebration of America's 250th, whether it’s creating a specific program or legacy goal for the anniversary or just general understanding of what’s happening in Delco, PA and nationally for this milestone event. This program was made possible by funding from the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

In honoring the 300th Anniversary of the Historic Chester Courthouse, the Delaware County Planning Department invites you to celebrate this event on the Bicentennial Farewell Tour of Marquis de Lafayette. Renown for his role in supporting the American Revolution, French aristocrat who fought in the Continental Army against the British in the American Revolution. In 2024-2025, the American Friends of Lafayette will host educational programming across the U.S. and in France to commemorate the Bicentennial of Lafayette’s return to America as “Guest of the Nation.”

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 Delco's celebration of America's 250th, whether it’s creating a specific program or legacy goal for the anniversary or just general understanding of what’s happening in Delco, PA and nationally for this milestone event. This program was made possible by funding from the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

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 Delco's celebration of America's 250th, whether it’s creating a specific program or legacy goal for the anniversary or just general understanding of what’s happening in Delco, PA and nationally for this milestone event. This program was made possible by funding from the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

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.

If you missed the in-person meeting in June and want to organize programs, events, and other activities along the Delaware River historic waterfront or in the Chester History Hub, you 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 the PA’s founding to the Modern Age. 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?

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 Delco's celebration of America's 250th, whether it’s creating a specific program or legacy goal for the anniversary or just general understanding of what’s happening in Delco, PA and nationally for this milestone event. This program was made possible by funding from the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

[Meeting postponed to Thurs Aug 15 1-2:30 pm ] 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?

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 or underrepresented in history?

Stakeholders from all across Delco who organize 4th of July Parades, Fireworks, and other activities are invited to participate in an interactive workshop to inform the ‘Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan’ describing how Delco will celebrate 250th anniversary of America’s independence. This meeting will share what plans coming from our national and state-level partners, the local programs we are dreaming up so far, and ask you: How was your 2024 Parade and events? How was attendance? What went right? Where do you see yourself in the America 250 initiative? What might be missing or what you might need? Whom you could potentially collaborate with? How prepared are you for 2026 to be extra special? This program was made possible by funding from the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

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?

Chester Historical Preservation Committee invites you to listen to our annual reading of the Declaration of Independence . On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence inside the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall). Four days later, on July 8, 1776, the citizens of Philadelphia were summoned to the State House Yard by the bells of the city. The 1724 Courthouse bell, which was cast in 1729, rang loudly to gather the Chester residents to hear the Declaration of Independence read on July 8, 1776. Followed by DAR wreath-laying at John Morton's grave at St. Paul's/ Old Swede's Burial Ground.

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 the PA’s founding to the Modern Age. 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?

Interested partners/collaborators who want to honor the contributions of ALL Americans are invited to help inform the “Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan” through this workshop. 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 that honors the contributions of ALL. Stakeholders who want to organize programs, events or and 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 lost voices or the underrepresented people and history of Delaware County in America’s 250th?

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 participating, 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, honor the contributions of all Americans, 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?

Interested partners/collaborators who want to organize programs, events or activities in the Brandywine Battlefield planning area to promote history, boost civic engagement or make 2026 a special commemoration are invited to participate in an interactive workshop to inform the ‘Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan’. Organized by the Battlefield Task Force (BBTF), Heritage Interpretive Network Partners, Chester County 250 and Delaware County 250, this 2nd working meeting will discuss possible programs, projects, and events celebrating America’s 250th in 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the "Battle of Brandywine" in September 2027.

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.

Stakeholders from all across Delco who want to organize programs, events or activities to promote history, boost civic engagement or make 2026 a special commemoration are invited to participate in an interactive workshop to inform the ‘Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan’. Together, we'll decide how Delco will celebrate 250th anniversary of America’s independence. This meeting will share what plans coming from our national and state-level partners, the local programs we are dreaming up so far, and ask you: Where do you see yourself in the America 250 initiative? What might be missing or what you might need? Whom you could potentially collaborate with? How prepared are you for 2026 to be extra special? This program was made possible by funding from the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

Stakeholders from all across Delco who organize 4th of July Parades, Fireworks, Picnics and other activities are invited to participate in an interactive workshop to inform the ‘Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan’ describing how Delco will celebrate 250th anniversary of America’s independence. This meeting will share what plans coming from our national and state-level partners, the local programs we are dreaming up so far, and ask you: Where do you see yourself in the America 250 initiative? What might be missing or what you might need? Whom you could potentially collaborate with? How prepared are you for 2026 to be extra special? This program was made possible by funding from the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

The Delaware County Court and Bar Association participates in National Law Day on the first Friday in May. This event includes a public ceremony at the Courthouse, presentation of awards, recognition of local students for their artwork and essays, a luncheon at the Bar Building, and a special ceremony at the 1724 Courthouse. Open to the public, registration not required.

In collaboration with Chester County 250, join America250PADelco at the Zoom into History Series. This session features Donna Ann Harris from Heritage Consulting, Philly to discuss how your site or organization can get 'Visitor Ready' for 250.

In collaboration with Chester County 250, join America250PADelco at the Zoom into History Series. This session features Donna Ann Harris of Heritage Consulting reviewing What Does It Mean to Be "Visitor Ready" for 250? Participants will review a Self-Assessment Checklist for their site and/or organization.

In collaboration with Chester County 250, join America250PADelco at the Zoom into History Series. This session features Rose Fennell, Superintendent, National Park Service, Valley Forge National Historical Park to speak about how Valley Forge National Historic Park is getting ready for America's 250th anniversary founding celebration in 2026. Valley Forge National Historical Park is open year-round, has no entrance fees, and welcomes around two million visitors each year. Historic buildings, statues and monuments, and 35 miles of trails can be found in this beautiful 3,500-acre landscape.

Stakeholders from the 80+ groups that preserve the rich history of Delaware County as members of the Delaware County Historic Preservation Network (DCHPN) are invited to participate in an 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. Refreshments will be served. This program was made possible by funding from the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

All Delaware County residents are invited to join a Chester MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 15, 2024. This event will be an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King's life and work, while also taking action to improve our community. This event is hosted by Delaware County in partnership with Widener University, Philadelphia Union, the City of Chester, The Downtown Cultural Arts and Technology Center, and America250PADelco.

Revolutionary Reads will culminate with a visit from Dr. Patrick Spero, author of Frontier Rebels: The Fight for Independence in the American West, 1765-1776, on Sunday, November 12 at 1:00 pm hosted by Widener University. This event is free and open to the public.

On Veteran’s Day, if you are close to Chester, PA you may hear a bell tolling at 11:11 AM. At the historic 1724 Chester Courthouse resides the Chester Liberty Bell, the very bell which rang out for freedom in 1776. You will hear the bell ring out as part of the nationwide the Bells of Peace ceremony. On 11th of November 1918, bells rang out to announce the end of the most catastrophic war the world had yet seen, and since November 2018, the 100th anniversary of the WWI Armistice, the Bells of Peace ceremony has been held nationwide. As we hear the bell toll, we ask residents of Delaware county to take a moment to reflect on and to salute all Americans who served their nation in both conflict and times of peace.

Join local historians for an America250PADelco Revolutionary Reads Book Club Discussion of Frontier Rebels by Patrick Spero. This event will take place on Zoom.

America250PA is announcing this year's Direct Effect™ Innovation Challenge (DEIC) theme with Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Dr. Khalid N. Mumin! Join in to hear about the official 2023 theme and challenge, timeline and major details, and answer participation questions. All Pennsylvania postsecondary students, faculty, staff, and interested partners and sponsors are welcomed to attend.

The County received a Semiquincentennial Grant from the National Park Service in the amount of $522,872 for the rehabilitation of the 1724 Chester Courthouse in Chester City. This impactful grant was obtained through the hard work of the County Planning Department. We are planning to announce receipt of this grant in a press conference in front of the Courthouse on Tuesday, August 8th at 11:00am. It will also be at this event that we will announce the hire of Andrea Silva, who will serve as the Director of the County’s efforts to commemorate the Country’s 250th Birthday. Councilwomen Elaine Paul Schaefer and Christine Reuther will be present. Join America250PADelco at the press conference!

Lafayette Day festivities begin the bicentennial celebration of America’s hero in Chester, Delaware counties on July 29. Randell Spackman of Thornbury Farms is hosting the free-family event at his farm, 1256 Thornbury Road, West Chester, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. In addition to Lafayette displays, the day will include food, music, a Heritage Walk and activities for children. The Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard will mark the beginning of the celebration.

The celebration, hosted by Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, and Taylor Made Vets will feature live music, artistic performances from local schools, vendors, food, and more.

Fun for the whole family! Demonstrations, crafts, food, music, beer, etc. Craft vendors and non-profits are invited to register. The theme this year is first responders! Suggested donation $2.

Parade (including bike parade) starts staging at 10:30 at Rockdale Art Center (starts 11:15). Ends at Monument at New/Mount Roads where there will be music, food, gifts, raffles, etc. from 10 am onwards.

Help celebrate over 250 years of American History in Delco! The program is designed to tell the story of Delaware County people, places, and events from before the founding of America to the present time for the celebration of America 250 occurring in 2026. This presentation would be a "how-to create" an online presence, click link below for one example, for those people, places, or events. https://www.theclio.com/entry/121969