Delaware County celebrates Black History Month with cultural events, historic sites, and exhibits. Explore local Black heritage this February.

Delaware County‘s rich Black history comes alive this February as the region celebrates Black History Month with a compelling mix of cultural events, historical commemorations, and community gatherings. From the legendary Hilldale baseball team to the county’s crucial role in the Underground Railroad, the area’s African American heritage continues to resonate and inspire.

Delaware County’s historic connections to Black excellence

Among the most remarkable chapters in Delaware County’s Black history is the story of the Hilldale Athletic Club, a powerhouse Negro League baseball team that brought pride and excitement to Darby in the early 20th century. Originally founded in 1910 as a youth team called the Darby Daises, the club evolved into championship material, claiming victory in the 1925 Negro Leagues World Series. A Pennsylvania historical marker now stands along MacDade Boulevard, marking the former site of Hilldale Park and commemorating this team’s remarkable legacy.

The county also played a vital role in the Underground Railroad network, with the recently recognized Darby Friends Meetinghouse and School serving as a crucial waypoint. The site’s historical significance is exemplified by the story of Allen Rickets, who at age 11 escaped enslavement near Baltimore in the 1830s and found refuge within the Darby Friends community. The meetinghouse has now joined over 740 locations across 40 states in the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom program.

Current celebrations and community events

This February features several engaging events, including:

• The Black History Culture Fair at the Boys & Girls Club of Chester on February 22, which will showcase Black literature and culture as part of its 95th Anniversary Celebration.
• The “20 Men Project” photography exhibition at the Park Ave Community Center, running February 6-8, will feature powerful portraits of local Black men by photographer Sandrien de Bruijn-Mesman.
• The Bishop Richard Allen Wreath Laying ceremony on February 14 at 227 Brook St. in Bryn Mawr.

Educational resources and cultural engagement

The Delaware County Library system has curated special collections highlighting Black authors, while the “Making a Homeplace” podcast series explores the historically Black neighborhood of Swarthmore through community-curated episodes.

Visitors can also experience history firsthand through the self-guided Underground Railroad walking tour, which traces the path of freedom seekers through Delaware County.

This article may have been created with the assistance of AI.