Released: July 18, 2024
During the July 17 Public Council Meeting, America250PADelco Director Andrea Silva provided an update on planning for the upcoming America250 celebration.
On July 4, 2026, Delaware County and counties across the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States—the U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration. This provides counties all across the nation with a unique opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and envision our future.
Delaware County appointed its first slate of America250 Commission members in preparation for the celebration. America250PADelco is the official nonpartisan entity charged by Delaware County Council with planning the 250th anniversary and working with residents, organizations, and community leaders to contribute their energy, ideas, and enthusiasm to ensure this celebration is memorable and truly represents the spirit and diversity of our community.
The Delaware County America 250 Commissioners will assist in planning, encouraging, developing, and coordinating the commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial in Delaware County. Commissioners will assist in forming partnerships across Delaware County with community partners, including America250PADelco Committee members, the Delaware County Commerce Center, Visit Delco, and stakeholders, to facilitate the raising of funds to support commemoration efforts, and to designate, oversee and monitor official America250 projects in the Delaware County.
So far, 16 Delaware County residents who have a demonstrated history of public and charitable service to Delaware County and hold great enthusiasm for creating an inclusive and memorable U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration and been nominated to serve on the Commission:
“It is an honor to welcome these Delaware County citizens with decades of public service to the Commission,” said Andrea Silva, America250PADelco Director. “I am confident that their leadership, Delco pride, and extensive experience in building partnerships and support will add tremendous value as we continue to make this commemoration memorable and meaningful. I look forward to working alongside them in planning and executing the most significant and inclusive anniversary in our nation’s history.”
Commissioners will help Delaware County connect to programs of America 250, America250PA, and other regional celebrations working to make this the largest, most inclusive commemoration and celebration in American history.
The Delaware County America250 Commission may have up to 20 members, who are a representative sample of Delaware County residents and are community leaders from a broad range of backgrounds and have a diversity of expertise and experience, which may include tourism, economic development, museum, cultural, and historic sites, business, education, labor, charitable giving, government, civic and faith-based organizations, and Tribal representatives. Additional Commissioners are expected to be nominated in September. Delaware County residents who wish to learn more about the role of supporting the America 250 efforts may contact Andrea Silva at andrea@america50padelco.org or (610) 566-2225 ext. 104.
A celebration for the people by the people, there is an open call at www.america250padelco.org for Community Program Partners for institutions, groups and businesses who wish to present programs, events or commemorations to preserve and promote historical tourism; increase civic engagement and understanding for Delco residents; and bring together special 250th anniversary festivities. In July 2024, Widener University, Delaware County Libraries, and Radnor Historical Society in partnership with America250PADelco, launched the third year of the Revolutionary Reads Community Read, which represents the first of many locally-driven, grassroots events and programs that America250PADelco will support across the county. Stakeholders are invited to learn more at upcoming virtual and in-person information sessions. On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 6-8 pm, in partnership with the Delaware County Department of Veterans Affairs, active military and veterans are invited to contribute their ideas for 250th programs and commemorations. Learn more at www.america250padelco.org/events.
America250PADelco is operating through grants from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Philadelphia Funding Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, sponsorships, and personal contributions from generous residents of Delaware County. The project is administered through the Delaware County Economic Development Oversight Board in partnership with Visit Delco and with fiscal sponsorship provided by The Foundation for Delaware County.
America250PADelcois 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. For information about programs and events, visit www.america250padelco.org or follow us on Twitter @America250D, Facebook at www.facebook.com/america250padelco, and Instagram @ america250padelco.
Sign up at www.america250padelco.org to join the celebration, learn how community leaders can get involved, and receive the most up to date news, event invitations, and partnership opportunities.
Media Contact:
Andrea Silva, Director, America250PADelco
Office (610) 566-2225 ext. 104. | Mobile (267) 242-3265
Andrea@America250PADelco.org
Delaware County Commerce Center, 2 W. Baltimore Ave, Suite 200, Media, PA 19063