Thursday, February 12, 2026 (1:00 - 3:00 pm) | FHG Library, Room 615
Upcoming Events
University Events
Museum Exhibition: Becoming America in West Chester
May 1, 2026-August 1, 2027 | Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology (Old Library), Atrium Gallery | Opening reception: Friday, May 1, 2026, 6:00 pm
Join us for the opening of the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology’s latest student-curated exhibition, Becoming America in West Chester—a highlight of WCU’s America 250 celebration. Housed inside a reconstruction of the historic Turk’s Head Tavern, the center of our town during Revolutionary times, this special exhibition tells the story of how West Chester became the vibrant borough we know today. With authentic artifacts spanning 5,000 years, we will learn about the Lenape people who were removed in 1733 through the Walking Purchase, the creation of the village around the Turk’s Head Tavern in 1769 along the road from Philadelphia to Lancaster, and its establishment into the Borough of West Chester in 1799—mirroring, in many ways, the development of modern America 250 years ago. The exhibition also showcases important moments in time from the 1800s to today. Period music and refreshments will be featured at the opening reception. For more information, contact museum@wcupa.edu.
Historic Walking Tour of Philadelphia
May 2, 2026, 10 AM -1 PM | 8th & Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA (WCU Philadelphia Campus)
Join WCU’s Philly campus community, family & friends for a historic walking tour of Philadelphia led by Dr. tonya thames-taylor, founding director of the WCU African American Studies program. Light fare at the Philly Campus will be provided after the tour.
FREE | WCU STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF ONLY
For more information and to register, contact Dionne Easton (deaston@wcupa.edu )
Past Events
Frederick Douglass Institute/PASSHE Collaborative Conference and Debate Tournament
March 31, 2026 - April 1, 2026 | Sykes Student Union
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), Frederick Douglass Institute (FDI) Collaborative conference and debate tournament is a signature academic and leadership forum dedicated to advancing equity, social justice, and inclusive excellence across the fourteen PASSHE institutions. Rooted in the legacy of Frederick Douglass, the conference seeks to cultivate intellectual inquiry, critical dialogue, and collaborative action that addresses persistent disparities in higher education and society.
Still Ringing for Justice: Education, Equity, and Women’s Voices
Thursday, March 19, 2026 (12:00 - 3:30 pm) | Philips Autograph Library, 700 S. High Street, West Chester, PA
In recognition of Women’s History Month, West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Women’s Commission presents a screening of the Justice Bell documentary to explore the enduring role of women’s voices in advancing justice, equity, and democratic leadership. Through education, dialogue, and civic engagement, this event invites the campus community to reflect on history, amplify women’s leadership, and consider our shared responsibility in shaping a more just future.
There will be a 20-minute documentary followed by a discussion led by the woman behind the Justice Bell Project, Amanda Owner. The Justice Bell toured Chester County in 1915 to support the women’s suffrage movement. The final stop on the tour was the Chester County Courthouse.
Dare to Declare: WCU Hosts Inaugural Frederick Douglass Day
On Behalf of Frederick Douglass Institute, FHG Library, and The Society of WCU, we are pleased to share that the first annual Frederick Douglass Day will be held on Thursday, February 12th from 1:00-3:30 pm in 615 FHG Library. Please join us in celebrating Frederick Douglass’ life through art, writing, and discussion stations, as well as an exhibit that displays Frederick Douglass’ connection to WCU. If you are planning to attend the event, please register in advance.
The keynote speaker is Dr. tonya thames-taylor, Associate Professor and Founder of the African American Studies program. Following the keynote speaker, we will have a reading of the Declaration of Independence as part of WCU's America 250 "Dare to Declare" series.
Refreshments will be served at the event. To honor Frederick Douglass’ commitment to literacy, we will be collecting book donations for local elementary, middle, and high schools during the celebration.
2026 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration
January 21 - 27, 2026
WCU will kick off a week-long series of events commemorating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., beginning with a student-centered event designed to engage student leaders and aspiring leaders as they return to campus and begin classes. Other events include:
Thursday, January 22
MLK Day of Service
10 am - 1 pm (or when the project is complete)
Location: Sykes Ballroom
In collaboration with the Center for Community Engagement & Social Impact, all are
welcome to participate in a toy disinfecting service project to support community
partners.
Friday, January 23
The Society’s Annual MLK Awards Ceremony & Reception
12 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: Sykes Ballroom
Join the Society of WCU as we recognize the winners of the Drum Major for Justice,
Larry Dowdy Community Service, and Outstanding Student Organization Service Awards.
Be in community to lift each other up as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther
King. Jr. and service on our campus.
Monday, January 26
Movie Monday: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Join us as we commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through
the power of film. We're encouraging everyone to explore thought-provoking movies
that highlight themes of equality, justice, and resilience. Check out this curated
list of 10 Movies to Watch in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on A. Frame and
reflect on the impact of his vision for a more just and compassionate world.
Whether you're gathering with friends or watching solo, let these stories inspire
meaningful conversations about civil rights and social change. Make your Monday a
moment of reflection and celebration!
College of Arts & Sciences Main Hall Mural Contest
This year’s banners celebrate WCU’s America250 themes through the lens of the College of Arts and Humanities, highlighting how creativity, culture, and critical thought tell our shared story.
Artists are invited to submit a visual concept and a brief narrative describing how their work reflects these three guiding ideas:
- Informing Our Shared History (Past)
- Advancing Justice (Present)
- Strengthening Communities (Future)
Collaborative and individual submissions are welcome. Each concept must include at least one image and ideas for all three panels of Main Hall.
Take a walk by the Academic Quad to view this year’s banners in person for a sense of scale and inspiration.
Native American Heritage Month
During November, WCU is planning several events celebrating Native American heritage and the history of the original residents of this area, the Lenape, or Delaware Tribe, one of the 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States.
Veterans, Justice, and Community:Navigating Systems & Securing Support
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm | BPMC Rooms 101 & 102
Join WCU campus community for a Veterans Day panel discussion on November 11, 2025. Panelists from PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Chester County Veteran Affairs Office, WCU’s Veterans Center, Montgomery County Veteran & Emergency Services, and Advocacy organizations will discuss a variety of topics including:
• Mental health
• Victimization
• Financial exploitation
• Reintegration challenges
• Access to justice and services
7th Annual Ruby Jones Conference on Social Justice, Race, and Civic Leadership
Friday, October 24, 2025 (9:00 am - 2:00 pm) at Sykes Student Union in Sykes Ballrooms
On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Dowdy Multicultural Center will host its 7th Annual Ruby Jones Conference on Race, Social Justice, and Civic Leadership from 9am – 2pm at the Sykes Student Union in the Sykes Ballrooms. In recognition of our 250th year of U.S. Independence, the theme for the conference is "250 Years Later: This is America".
The goal of this conference is to create an educational environment where participants can engage in learning that will raise awareness and promote action-oriented dialogue about race, gender, sexuality, health, disability, social and cultural issues, and so much more. This conference will help to examine how these issues impact faculty, staff, and students' lives on campus, in communities, and in society. This year marks 250 years of independence in the U.S. and our hope is that participants will be encouraged to think critically about our independence, the issues concerning their communities, and the role they play.
True Crime on Trial (in partnership with the Chester County History Center)
Tuesday, October 21 (2:00-5:00 pm)
Philips Autograph Library
$20/person (FREE for students)
The event is an interactive trial based on an early 20th century murder that transpired at the current location of the Fame Fire Company just off campus. It offers an interdisciplinary exploration of individual rights, forensics, criminal justice, gender, and history as participants consider the evidence of the time, under the rules that applied, to determine guilt or innocence. Chester County Center History Center's Jennifer Green (a WCU alum) created the program which has been touring our area and receiving terrific reviews.
Frederick Douglass Lecture Series
Tuesday, October 2 (3:00 - 5:00 pm)
Philips Autograph Library
The Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste Frederick Douglass Lecture is an educational and cultural resource for advancing multicultural studies across the community and for deepening the intellectual heritage of Frederick Douglass.
The goal of the lecture is to maintain the legacy of the great abolitionist, orator, and statesman Frederick Douglass before the campus community, local community, region, and the nation. The Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste Frederick Douglass Lecture is an educational and cultural resource for advancing multicultural studies across the community and for deepening the intellectual heritage of Frederick Douglass. Each year a guest lecturer is invited to be the speaker, with the goal of attracting a wide audience.
The lecture, which is open to the public free of charge, is hosted by the Frederick Douglass Institute and is made possible through the generous gift of Dr. Clifford DeBaptiste, the first African‐American mayor of West Chester Borough and a recognized champion of education.
Separating Fact from Fiction: Debunking Myths about US Immigrants
Wednesday, Sept. 18 (3:00pm – 4:15pm)
Sykes Student Union Theatre
This talk will evaluate some of the commonly held myths about the impact of immigration today in the U.S. Presentation by Dr. Miguel Ceballos, WCU Sociology Department.
September 11th Memorial Ceremony
Thursday, September 11th, 2025 (9:00 am – 10:30 am)
Academic Quad (in case of inclement weather, Asplundh Hall)
The Student Veterans Group is planning an event commemorating the 24th anniversary of the attack on the United States.
Welcome Week/Welcome to the Borough
Saturday, August 23, 2025 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Come join us as we welcome our first year and transfer students to WCU! Look for the “WCU250” table on Market Street around the corner from the old courthouse steps. Take a selfie with Rammy in his best patriotic “Uncle Sam” costume. Giveaways and information about upcoming events will be available.
Community Events
West Goshen Township Bus Trip - Presentation with Christopher Reardon and bus trip to the Museum of the American Revolution
April 18, 2026, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |1025 Paoli Pike West Chester, PA 19380 (West Goshen Township Building)
Join Historian Chris Reardon for a presentation about the British Campaign for Philadelphia. Then board a motor coach for the Museum of the American Revolution and enjoy a scavenger hunt looking for people, places, and events from Chester County. Have time to tour the museum and check out other highlights in Philly.
“Beat Ben” Fun Run
April 30, 2026, 12 PM | 1661 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380 (East Goshen Park)
The Beat Ben Kid's Fun Run includes:
Racing against Ben Franklin
Professional kite demonstrations by the South Jersey Kite Fliers
A Ben Franklin-inspired Art & Craft project with Malvern Library
Posing for pictures with Ben
Healthy snacks at the race's end
Run is rain or shine.
Dare to Declare and Unveiling of the America250 Bell
April 30, 2026, 5:00 PM | West Chester’s Historic Courthouse
5:00 Help us read the Declaration of Independence aloud, as a group, on the Courthouse steps.
RSVP to paige@chescocf.org or walk up & join in.
5:15 The Unveiling of the America250 PA Chester County Bells Across PA Bell, on the Courthouse steps
These events immediately precede the kickoff of Town Tours & Village Walks, which begin with an introductory overview at 5:30 pm in Courtroom #1.
Plus, the Lincoln Building is open to the public from 4:30 pm onward for tours and refreshments.
Chester County Concert Band Presents: Celebrating America's 250th Birthday!
Sun Apr 26th 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm | 500 Ellis Lane, West Chester, PA 19382 (Fugett Middle School)
The Chester County Concert Band is a large community band established in 1981. David Reif, the band's music director since 2004, will lead the band in many exciting pieces all with a focus on Celebrating America's 250 Birthday! on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 2:30 to 4:30. The wide variety of music will include many patriotic selections including marches, Broadway, movies, Big Band, sing alongs, and many other patriotic works. All ages should enjoy this concert and any of our concerts. Tickets may be purchased at the door or on our website. Adults - $15; Seniors and Students - $10; Children Under 12 - FREE
Battle for Independence: Amazing Race to Brandywine
Sat May 16th 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 (Brandywine Battlefield Park)
Gear up for America’s 250th! Explore the Brandywine Battlefield with family and friends in an untimed road rally. Be prepared to use your navigational skills! Use the directions provided on the day of the event to discover key historic sites, meet costumed interpreters, and learn how the largest single-day battle of the Revolution shaped our fight for independence. Tickets are now live!
America250 at Goshen
May 30th, 3 PM - 9 PM (Parade starts at 5 PM) | East Goshen Park
Fun for the whole family with a parade, moon bounces, historical demonstrations and presentations in a “Town Square,” public reading and signing of The Declaration of Independence, concerts featuring the Chester County Concert Band and The Greaseband, fireworks and drones, and more!