On September 26, 1789, just 13 years after America signed its Declaration of Independence, Delaware County separated itself from Chester County and became our beloved Delco.

For 130 years, the Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS) has been the guardian of our shared past, collecting and preserving the stories of the people, businesses, and places of our county. Today, you can help us keep that history alive and accessible to all, ensuring it's celebrated for America's 250th anniversary in 2026.

America250PADelco, the local, nonpartisan initiative to engage all Delaware County residents in America's 250th anniversary, is working with 100+ Community Program Partners to foster civic awareness and historical understanding by Delco residents. With your support, our Delco's A250 will be a celebration of local civics and American history, including diverse and underrepresented perspectives.

Join us for a day of history, community, and celebration as we mark Delaware County's 236th Birthday and the 130th anniversary of the Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS)!

Event Details

When: Friday, September 26, 2025

12 PM - 4 PM: DCHS Open House, 9 W. Front Street Media, PA 19063

Step back in time at the Delaware County Historical Society. Explore rare and unique items on display, including deeds from figures such as William Penn, John Morton and items highlighting the history of the Crozer Family and the Crozer Medical Center. This portion of the event is free and open to the public. This is a unique opportunity to connect with Delco's rich past.

4 PM - 4:30 PM: Remarks & Cake Cutting, Delaware County Courthouse, 201 W Front St, Media, PA 19063

Gather with us on the Courthouse steps for special remarks and a festive cake-cutting ceremony.
We'll commemorate the installation of the America250PADelco banners, featuring the themes of "Life, Liberty & Pursuit of Happiness," accompanied by a special rendition of "Happy Birthday." In honor of America's upcoming 250th birthday, we'll also be launching Delco Volunteers 250, an exciting new initiative that invites you to give a gift of service to our community.
(Rain Location: Delaware County Institute of Science, 11 Veterans Sq., Media, PA 19063)

5 PM - 7 PM: Birthday Cheers Receptions ALL ACROSS DELCO!!

DCHS 130th Anniversary Celebration at Delco Institute of Science, 11 Veterans Sq., Media, PA 19063. $25 pp.
These participating bars & restaurants will donate 25% Cheers happy hour proceeds:
- Media: Towne House, 117 Veterans Sq., Media, PA 19063. Toast Host - Laura Goodrich Cairns, Christine Reuther
- Media: DiFabio’s Sky Bar, 1243 N Providence Rd, Media, PA 19063. Toast Host - Ralp Cicalese
- Prospect Park: John Morton’s Tavern, 400 Lincoln Ave, Prospect Park, PA 19076. Toast Host -
- Ridley Park: Dolan’s Bar, 24 E Sellers Ave Ridley Park, PA 19078. Toast Host - Colin McKee
- Ridley Park: R. Park Tavern, 26 E. Sellers Avenue Ridley Park, PA,19078. Toast Host -
- Clifton Heights: Murray’s Bar & Grille, 524 E Baltimore Ave, Clifton Heights, PA 19018. Toast Host -
- Chadds Ford: Penns Woods Winery, 124 Beaver Valley Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317. Toast Host - Tony Shahan
- Swarthmore: Ship Bottom Brewery, 5 Park Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081. Toast Host - Renee DeLuca
- Havertown: Brick N Brew, 31 E Eagle Rd, Havertown, PA 19083. Toast Host - Kate Clifford
- Springfield: Tavola, 400 W. Sproul Rd. Springfield, PA 19064. Toast Host -

Support Delco's Future

All proceeds from this event will be shared by the DCHS and America250PADelco to fund free community and educational programs in 2026 as part of our nation's 250th birthday celebration.

This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our county's heritage, connect with neighbors, and learn how you can contribute to Delco's future.
We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners
A Cheers For Delco’s Birthday and “Forging Freedom: Delaware County's Role in the American Experiment” public art installation was generously made possible by the Delaware Economic Development Corporation.

We'd like to thank and recognize Delaware County for permission to install on the historic Delaware County Courthouse and the expertise of the Public Affairs office and Visit Delco in helping to promote this inaugural celebration.

This project would not be possible without the expertise of Jeff Thomas at the Media Arts Council. In addition, licensing for 'The Nation Makers' by Howard Pyle was contributed by Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.

Delco’s Birthday Cake and Cake Cutting Reception was generously sponsored by Burns’ Family Neighborhood Markets - The Fresh Grocer and ShopRite supermarkets.

Banners were installed and American-made in Delco by Roe Fabricators | Berry And Homer.

Special thanks to America250PADelco commission, committee members and restaurant owners for co-hosting happy hours for Delco’s Cheers: Patrick Burns, Frank Agovino, Martin P. Bonnes, Ralph J. Cicalese, Laura Goodrich Cairns, PJ Dolan, Paul J. Hewes Jr., Zach Hurst, Robert MacPherson, Joe Magee, Theresa Murtagh, Suzy Pratowski, Carley and Gino Razzi, Christine Reuther, Tony Shahan, and Robert Zarko.

Delaware County Historical Society collects, protects and preserves the history and culture of Delaware County, making it accessible to all through strong educational outreach. DCHS is open weekly to view displays from Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 3 PM, and by appointment for research requests. Public programs include free outdoor" History Under the Stars" lectures, the annual "Delco History Insiders Conference", and the inaugural Delco Down Hill Derby and more. Learn more at https://www.padelcohistory.org/. We are located at 9 W. Front Street Media, PA 19063. #DelcoHistory

America250PADelco is the local, nonpartisan project uniting Delaware County to promote American history, boost civic engagement, and bring together special 250th Anniversary festivities leading up to the U.S. Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026. Our 250th commemoration will celebrate and promote civic engagement in our schools and communities, amplify lost voices and underrepresented stories, and highlight the American founding and 250 years of American history through Delco’s unique lens. Project is oversight is provided by the Delaware County America 250 Commission, the Delco EDC, in partnership with Visit Delco. America250PADelco is also fiscally sponsored by The Foundation for Delaware County. The Delco America 250 experience has been generously supported by the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, Delaware County, Visit Delco, The Delaware County Economic Development Corporation, and The Lau Longsworth Charitable Fund, and many other generous Delco citizens. For information about programs and events, visit www.america250padelco.org. We are located at the Delaware County Economic Development Corporation, 2 W. Baltimore Ave, Suite 200, Media, PA 19063. #America250PADelco

2025 Cheers for Delco’s Birthday

DCHS 130th Anniversary & Delco's 236th Birthday

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