Public Art Unveiling of ‘Forging Freedom: Delaware County's Role in the American Experiment’

To commemorate the U.S. Semiquincentennial, America250PADelco and the Media Arts Council present “Forging Freedom: Delaware County's Role in the American Experiment.” This exhibit highlights five key historical moments and figures from Delaware County that contributed to the advancement of American democracy.

The installation features a diverse array of topics, from the 1777 Battle of Brandywine, a critical moment of resilience during the Revolutionary War, to the abolitionist efforts of Quaker Thomas Garrett, who helped over 2,700 people escape slavery. Also included are Dr. Anna Howard Shaw, a leader in the women's suffrage movement; the Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., which played a pivotal role in manufacturing and labor rights; and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s connection to the area, where he first studied nonviolent resistance. The exhibit aims to inspire residents to reflect on the complex 250-year journey of American democracy, as guided by the Declaration of Independence.