The Bulletin Newsletter: May of 2025

A recent accession to the Delaware County Historical Society collection, a survey of present-day Colwyn between Darby and Cobbs Creek done by John Morton in January of 1774. Note in the corner, a smaller survey for meadowlands on Tinicum Island. Very few Morton surveys exist today. 

Events and Programming:

History Under the Stars Lecture Series:

DCHS has been hosting a new series called “History Under the Stars” at our research center and library in the heart of Media. Our first two we’re held indoors due to weather conditions, but by our third lecture we were able to host it outdoors in the warm weather. So far, our speakers have been Professor Jeffrey Lamonica discussing German propaganda of World War One posters, Dr. Sam Lemon discussing the founding of Media and unknown stories, including his own family history, and Professor Kelly O’Donnell discussing doctors' wives in America history. Our lectures have been well attended with guests engaging in robust discussion, fostering dialogue on historic questions and how they resonate today.

Upcoming lectures:

May:

May 7th: Zach Beaver, DCHS. “From Penn to Price to Bacon: Utopias, skateboarding, witch trials, and urban planning in southeastern Pennsylvania.”- Delco Gives kick off!

May 21st: Rev. Washington-Campbell’s AME “From Enslavement to Empowerment - The Legacy of Future of Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church”

From its founding in 1827 by the Free African Society, Campbell AME Church has embodied the journey of Black Americans—from enslavement to empowerment—serving as a pillar of faith, resilience, and community. This lecture explores its historical significance, the role of the Black church in shaping America, and the ongoing work to preserve this sacred space for future generations.

June:

June 25th: Dr. Kirsten Lee, Auburn University-Exploring African American literature from the 18th century.

An array of propaganda posters from Professor Lamonica's lecture on World War One German propaganda.

Volunteer Zach Beaver plays a pre-lecture game with our guests called "Guess the Township/Borough/Municipality/Census-designated area". Each outline is marked with Wawa locations, a helpful marker for Delco locals.

Guests listen closely to Dr. Lemon speaking about his family's history and the establishment of Media.

Folks enjoy the night air and enjoying Professor O’Donnell’s presentation.

Spring Open House:

On Saturday April 5th, DCHS hosted their Spring Open House in partnership with the Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum, featuring a curated display entitled, “Baseball in the Blue and Gray.” The exhibit featured the story of Thomas Berry, Delco’s first recorded professional athlete and a service member during the Civil War. The display also featured items from the American Civil War, highlighting the 160th anniversary of the war’s end. Our next open house will be on May 8th for Delco Gives featuring rare items of Delco history! Thanks to the Burman Family Charitable Fund for their support in our open house efforts.

On display until May 7th, items from the American Civil War with a curated display from the Sports Legends of Delaware County Musuem entitled, "Baseball in the Blue and Gray." On display there is a sword, belt, bugle and knife that belonged to Captain Ralph Buckley, of PA Company B 124th Infantry, resident of Media.

Delco Gives!

On Wednesday May 7th, the Foundation for Delaware County will launch Delco Gives, a fundraising campaign for Delco non-profits. DCHS will be participating with the following schedule of events to raise awareness, and to raise funds! DCHS needs your support to continue our efforts to protect and promote Delco history for all. You will have three different days to support DCHS, and to come out learn more about how we serve the community!

Wednesday May 7th: Delco Gives will have a kickoff event during Dining Under the Stars on May 7th. At 8 pm, please join us for our continuing lecture series, History Under the Stars and our next presentation entitled, “From Penn to Price to Bacon: Utopias, skateboarding, witch trials, and urban planning in southeastern Pennsylvania,” presented by Zach Beaver. The lecture is free and open to the public! See below for details and info:

History Under the Stars Lecture

Wednesday, May 7th at 8pm

DCHS Research Center and Library

9 W. Front Street

Media, PA 19063

Please find parking on Front or Jackson Streets

Limited seating is available; guests are welcome to bring their own seats.

Free and open to the public!

Thursday, May 8th: DCHS will host a special open house from 1 pm to 7 pm, featuring incredible and unique items of Delco history, including pieces rarely seen by the public. The exhibit will include pieces from Benjamin West, John Morton, William Penn, and more! The open house is free and open to the public!

Friday May 9th: DCHS will be at the closing ceremony at Rose Tree Park from 5 until 7:30. DCHS will have games and prizes on hand, as well selling our newest t-shirts! Come out for a wonderful community event and support DCHS in our preservation efforts!

To donate through Delco Gives, please click the link below!

Give to Delaware County Historical Society | Delco Gives 2025

Give to Delaware County Historical Society | Delco Gives 2025

Delco Summer Social: A Concert Fundraiser for DCHS Saturday, June 21st:

DCHS will be hosting a concert fundraiser on Saturday June 21st at the Mill in Rockdale called, Delco Summer Social. The concert will feature local music acts as well as a surprise guests to help DCHS raise funds for our mission in preserving and promoting local history. The concert line up and ticketing information will be available on our website soon, stay tuned for details. The concert will also feature a small display of highlighting the history of Delco music, featuring pieces from Bill Hailey, Ethel Waters, and more! To donate or volunteer for the event, please visit our website at padelcohistory.org.

The Chester Justice Collection

The Chester Justice Collection is a digital archive project led by Swarthmore College's Lang Center for Civic & Social Responsibility in partnership with Chester community groups to collect, preserve and share the unique stories, memories and experiences of Chester City.

By recording first-hand oral histories, the Justice Collection protects the rare stories that shaped Chester and prevents them from becoming lost with the passing of time. The project invites Chester residents of all ages to share their personal and family stories around social justice, and visions for a future. 

Check out the website at https://chesterdigital.domains.swarthmore.edu/CDS/

Call for Interns and Volunteers!

Are you a college student looking to advance your experience working in history? Do you need an internship for college credit? Do you just have a passion for history? Then come intern or volunteer at DCHS! Please email a brief bio and CV to outreach@padelcohistory.org today!

From the Archives:

A core mission of DCHS is preserving pieces that relate to the history and culture of Delaware County, PA and ensuring that they are protected for the next generation of local stewards. A part of this process includes digitizing materials to both ensure their longevity and most importantly provide equitable access for research purposes. Below we have a couple of examples of our latest digitization efforts, featuring pieces rarely seen by the public due to their fragility and vulnerability. With the support of our members and volunteers, DCHS is able to ensure these items are protected and shared with the community of Delaware County and beyond! Please donate to DCHS today to help support our mission in protecting and promoting Delco history for all:

Donate/Friend of DCHS

A lithograph of the Frick and Thomas extensive sawmill and boat building, est. in Chester, Delco. By K. Volkman Lewisburg, circa late 1800s.

A battle-scarred Union flag captured by Confederate soldiers at Falmouth, VA in 1863. The flag was donated by Morris Allcutt of Upland, PA in 1931. This flag and lithograph are part of the ongoing digitization process that DCHS undertakes to help preserve these items and create better accessibility.

An 1808 document from the office of Pennsylvania Governor Thomas McKean, creating the incorporation of shareholders of the Phila. Brandywine-New London turnpike. (What would become known today as Baltimore Ave) Note the many names of the local shareholders and the number of shares of each.

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

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

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!

 https://www.padelcohistory.org/support

Links and Contact Information:

DCHS Website: Delaware County Historical Society (padelcohistory.org)

Follow DCHS on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/padelcohistory

Follow DCHS on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/padelcohistory/

Email: outreach@padelcohistory.org

Phone: 610-750-0622

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