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The Bulletin Newsletter: July of 2025

A deed from William Penn to Robert Wade of the Essex House in Chester, dated 1684. Robert Wade and his wife Lydia were the first Quaker Friends to greet Mr. Penn upon his arrival to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A deed from William Penn to Robert Wade of the Essex House in Chester, dated 1684. Robert Wade and his wife Lydia were the first Quaker Friends to greet Mr. Penn upon his arrival to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Events and Programming:

Upcoming Events:


DCHS turns 130!

On September 26, (Delco's 236th birthday as well!) DCHS will celebrate our 130th birthday with a weekend long bash! DCHS will partner with America 250 Delco and the Delaware County Institute of Science to hold a day of celebration on September 26th with an open house at DCHS, and a cocktail party at DCIS. More details to be announced soon, so save the date today!


The Delco Downhill Derby (Triple "D")

Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS) is hosting the greatest Delco event of the year on Saturday September 27th, the Delco Downhill Derby or the "Triple D"! The Delco Downhill Derby is a public event for the community of Delaware County that will take place on Edgmont Street in Media, from 12 pm to 5 pm.


Here are the details:

The Delco Downhill Derby is not a race but rather a kinetic sculpture derby, where teams and groups are encouraged to show off their creativity and celebrate their community.


Click here to register today: https://form.jotform.com/251614352791053 


Participants must register by September 12th and agree to the following rules and regulations:

• The vehicle must have at least 2 wheels.

• The vehicle can be no wider than 4 ft.

• The vehicle can be no longer than 8 ft.

• The vehicle can be no taller than 6 ft.

- No more than two riders per team.

• The vehicle must have approved steering and brakes. Each vehicle will be inspected by the “DDD” team and must meet approval to participate.

• All riders must be 16 years of age or older.

• The entire base of the vehicle must be able to clear 8 inches.

• Vehicles are allowed to be pedal powered. No motored vehicles permitted.

• A helmet is required. A full helmet is recommended.

• Each team member must sign a waiver, including pushers and volunteers. Participate at your own risk.

• Each group/team will go down the hill one at a time. Only when the lane is cleared and permitted by the Block Captain, will the team be able to go down the hill.


Each team that registers must abide by the DDD Rules and Regulations and must sign a waiver before they go down the hill. Any team/group that does not abide by the Rules and Regulations or doesn’t sign a waiver will not be allowed to participate in the derby.


Each team and group will be judged on three different categories: Style/Design, Functionality, and Execution. Prizes for best of each category will be awarded, as well as the main prize for best in show.


The Main Prize:

The William Penn Stump: The ultimate prize will be a place in history on the William Penn Stump, the historic stump that was first rolled down a hill by William Penn upon his arrival, thus beginning the first downhill race in the colony of Pennsylvania! The winners will have their team/group name etched into the stump and will be awarded a $500 cash prize!


Other prizes include:

The Benjamin West Ribbon: Best Style and Design (How well integrated is your theme in your vehicle? Was it eye-popping and original?)


The Dr. Anna Broomall Ribbon: Best Functionality (How well did the vehicle work? Did it make it down the hill? Was it a smooth ride?)


The Sandy Flash Ribbon: Best Execution (How well-crafted was the vehicle? Was it made of any reusable material?)


Each ribbon winner will also receive a special prize provided by our sponsors!


History Under the Stars Lecture Series

The DCHS lecture series, History Under the Stars has been moving along with great progress, though sometimes we still have inclement weather that forces us indoors. However, the lecture has been fostering community dialogue and creating a wonderful space to discuss history both local and international.

Since our last post, our speakers have included Zach Beaver, Reverend Alexis Washington, and Dr. Kirsten Lee. Zach Beaver discussed the influence of William Penn to Edward Bacon has had on city planning and development. Reverend Washington shared with us the incredible story and history of Campbell AME Church in Media, and its upcoming 200th anniversary in 2027. Dr. Lee shared the story of the freed enslaved people who were rescued by the U.S.S. Ganges and found their freedom here in Delco! Please join us for our upcoming lectures, free and open to the public.


Wednesday July 9th at 8 pm:

Mr. George Choe of the Philip Jaisohn House in Media will share with us the incredible life and work of Dr. Philip Jaisohn, who resided in Media while advocating and fighting for a free and independent Korean nation.


Wednesday August 6th and 20th at 8 pm:

DCHS will show two brief documentaries highlighting Delco history! Docs TBD.


Dr. Kirsten Lee of Auburn University shares the story of the U.S.S. Ganges and those who were freed here in Delco in the early 19th century!
Dr. Kirsten Lee of Auburn University shares the story of the U.S.S. Ganges and those who were freed here in Delco in the early 19th century!
Reverend Alexis Washington shares the history of the Campbell AME Church in Media.
Reverend Alexis Washington shares the history of the Campbell AME Church in Media.
An outdoor audience waits for Mr. Beaver's presentation on the history of urban development, from William Penn to Edward Bacon.
An outdoor audience waits for Mr. Beaver's presentation on the history of urban development, from William Penn to Edward Bacon.

On Display at DCHS:

Beginning today, Delaware County Historical Society and the Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum have a new display available at our location running from July 1 through August 10! The display highlights baseball history during the First World War, and those athletes who served. The display features highlights on early Philadelphia Athletics players such as Albert "Chief" Bender, Jimmy Dykes (famously of the Delaware County League as well, an "outlaw league" and a Haverford High School grad!) and Frank "Home Run" Baker.

The display features an original Chester Baseball League uniform, a signed American Baseball Club of Philadelphia card by Babe Ruth, and a mid-20th century baseball glove. Other items on display include a War Savings Bond for the township of Aldan and several medals awarded to those who served from Prospect Park and other Delco neighborhoods.

The display is up through August 10, come by Tuesday through Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm, free and open to the public!

Several medals awarded to Delco residents for their service in the First World War.
Several medals awarded to Delco residents for their service in the First World War.
A war bond from the War Savings Society for the township of Aldan, and a signed American Baseball Club of Philadelphia card by Babe Ruth.
A war bond from the War Savings Society for the township of Aldan, and a signed American Baseball Club of Philadelphia card by Babe Ruth.
The original poster for the Delco Summer Social held at the Mill at Rockdale on June 21, 2025. The fundraiser was a great success, drawing over two hundred guests and making national headlines! Poster art by Frances Beaver.
The original poster for the Delco Summer Social held at the Mill at Rockdale on June 21, 2025. The fundraiser was a great success, drawing over two hundred guests and making national headlines! Poster art by Frances Beaver.

Delco Summer Social a Success!

The Delco Summer Social was a massive success! We would like to thank the over two hundred guests who came out and supported DCHS and especially the bands; Puddled, Fib, Snoozer and of course Alex G.

We would also like to thank the Mill at Rockdale for hosting us, and our sponsors:

-2SP Brewing Company

-Oliver Heating and Cooling

-Burmans Health Shop

-Entrepreneur Works!

-Visit Delco!

Big thanks to our team!

Zac Beaver, Frances Beaver, Jude Hutchinson, Karen Grossman, Chris Gaydos, Paul Fellman, Kristen Gaydos, Matt Jones, and the wonderful folks at the Mill in Rockdale!

Thanks for supporting DCHS and promoting Delco history, until the next one 🤫


From the Archives:

A core mission at DCHS is to protect and promote pieces that reflect the history and culture of Delaware County, PA. DCHS makes these pieces accessible through our Research Center and Library for the public, and through digitizing these pieces for easier access. Below are some items that illustrate those efforts. Stop by sometime to see what's on display or just to find out more about your family, hometown, house and community!

One of our finest portraits on display is this one of Emma Crozer Knowles, painted in 1834 by R.T. Buchanan. Emma was the youngest daughter of the industrialist, J.P. Crozer, and the wife of Dr. William Gray Knowles.
One of our finest portraits on display is this one of Emma Crozer Knowles, painted in 1834 by R.T. Buchanan. Emma was the youngest daughter of the industrialist, J.P. Crozer, and the wife of Dr. William Gray Knowles.
A section highlighting the fraternities of Swarthmore College from an 1899 yearbook on display at DCHS in June of 2025.
A section highlighting the fraternities of Swarthmore College from an 1899 yearbook on display at DCHS in June of 2025.
A remarkably preserved campaign piece from the 1840 presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison. The back depicts a log cabin, as he was considered the first "log cabin president".
A remarkably preserved campaign piece from the 1840 presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison. The back depicts a log cabin, as he was considered the first "log cabin president".

Special Thanks to our Partners:

Delaware County Community College

Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum

Willows Park and Preserve

Media Arts Council

Delaware County Institute of Science

YES, Center of Chester

The Mill at Rockdale

America 250 Delco

Visit Delco

Visit Media


Special Thanks to the DCHS 2025 Sponsors:

Delaware County Council

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Delaware County Interactive Gaming Authority

The Burman Family Charitable Fund

Mr. Andrew Saul

Anthony Makowski and Elise Brand

Arasapha Farms

2SP Brewing Company

Burmans Health Shop

Oliver HVAC

Entrepreneur Works!

Delco Gives!


Please consider supporting DCHS today by donating or becoming a member. Funding by members and friends help DCHS continue our mission of collecting and preserving Delaware County history and culture and making it available to the community!

 Venmo- @Delcopahistory


Links and Contact Information:

Phone: 610-750-0622

Address: 9 W. Front Street- Media, PA 19063. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 am to 3pm.

 
 
 
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