“Our Seventy-Ninth Year”
Times & details for all events may be subject to change. Check back for latest information.
Next Event:
Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia
Thursday, October 29, 2026, 7:00pm
The Winsor Room, Radnor Memorial Library
An early Black Patriot, and a staunch supporter of American independence, James Forten was perhaps one of the most prominent Black leaders of the post colonial era.
Born a free Black person in Philadelphia in 1766, James Forten grew up to run a successful sailmaking business and became one of the wealthiest men of any race in Philadelphia of the early 18th century. He used his riches to support abolitionist causes. Forten’s descendants continued that legacy, creating a dynasty of social activism.
Jim Segrave-Daly is an accomplished speaker specializing in American History with national experience leading lectures in person and virtually. With family roots in America stretching back to 1649, his ancestors have a legacy of service from the American Revolution through the Vietnam War.
There is no registration. We hope to see you there!
Wings of Courage, Wills of Iron: The Tuskegee Airmen and the Legend of Captain Luther Smith
A Signature America250 Veterans Day Presentation
Presented by: Gordon L. Smith, Executive Director at JPMorgan
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 6:30pm
The Winsor Room, Radnor Memorial Library
Defying the Odds in the Skies. Surviving the Unthinkable on the Ground.
During World War II, the legendary African American fighter pilots known today as The Tuskegee Airmen shattered segregation barriers and flew straight into history. Flying their famous Red Tail P-51 Mustangs, they established an extraordinary tactical record that remains a gold standard of military excellence to this day. But behind their historic collective triumph lies the breathtaking, deeply personal survival story of a true local hero: Villanova’s own Captain Luther Smith.
Join us this Veterans Day as we honor the 250th anniversary of American resilience through a riveting presentation led by Gordon L. Smith. Gordon is an Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase in New York and is the son of Captain Smith. Gordon has presented nationwide about the legacy of The Tuskegee Airmen. This talk traces Captain Smith’s remarkable journey:
- The Combat Pilot: Flying a staggering 133 grueling missions over Europe as part of the elite 332nd Fighter Group.
- The POW Survivor: Escaping a fiery P-51 Mustang crash over Yugoslavia, enduring seven brutal months in a prison camp—withered down to just half his body weight before liberation.
- The Citizen Pioneer: Overcoming massive physical trauma to undergo 18 major surgeries, later earning his undergraduate and masters engineering degrees, launching a trailblazing career at General Electric, serving as a NASA consultant, and representing Radnor Township in numerous civic pursuits.
As part of Radnor’s America250 programming, this event highlights the profound spirit of liberty, sacrifice, and triumph over adversity that defines our community’s history.
We hope to see you there!
There is no registration.
The Distinctive History of Carpenters’ Hall
Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 7:00pm
The Winsor Room, Radnor Memorial Library
This engaging presentation explores why Carpenters’ Hall—home of the First Continental Congress in 1774—holds such an exceptional place in the American founding story. Beginning with the Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia, founded in 1724, the program introduces the remarkable builders, civic leaders, and patriots whose skills and public spirit helped shape colonial Philadelphia and the emerging nation.
The talk traces the Hall’s role in the First Continental Congress, the formation of the First City Troop, Pennsylvania’s Revolutionary mobilization, and its later service as an arsenal, center of learning, financial institution, and meeting place for early American organizations. It also highlights the Company’s library, its long preservation legacy, and a watercolor of Carpenters’ Hall by distinguished Swarthmore architect Louis de Moll.
Designed for a community audience with an interest in local history and the American founding era, this presentation brings together architecture, Revolutionary history, military heritage, civic service, and preservation to show how one modest Philadelphia building became a lasting symbol of American independence.
Mike Teti is a lifelong enthusiast of early Philadelphia history and an active volunteer, tour guide, and speaker in the region. He serves as vice president of Preserve Old Swedes, a board member of Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead, and is involved with organizations such as the Independence Historical Trust, Carpenters’ Hall (where he is a docent), the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides, and the American Friends of Lafayette. Mike has led educational tours, organized historical programs, and supported preservation projects, sharing his knowledge of Philadelphia’s founding era with a wide range of audiences. Mike Teti’s work reflects a deep commitment to preserving and promoting the city’s rich historical heritage.
There is no registration. We hope to see you there!
Previous Events:
‘Remember The Ladies’ Film Screening: THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT (2024)
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:00pm
The Winsor Room, Radnor Memorial Library
Please join us for a free screening of Tyler Perry’s film, “The Six Triple Eight” at Radnor Memorial Library. The connection between the screening of “The Six Triple Eight” and the County’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Radnor Memorial Library, League of Women Voters of Radnor Township, and Radnor Historical Society represents our local community gathering to honor this historic World War II battalion during America’s 250th anniversary.
In 1776, when John Adams was in Philadelphia drafting America’s Laws, Abigail Adams wrote to him asking her husband to ‘Remember the Ladies’. What did that mean? In 2026, we think Abigail would ‘heart’ this film!
The historic Six Triple Eight–also known as the U.S. Army’s 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion–is the largest group of Black servicewomen to serve overseas during World War II. These remarkable women shattered barriers and played a pivotal role in ensuring that mail reached our American troops.
After World War II, individual members of the Battalion later on led civic efforts in their own communities to highlight the legacy of trailblazing servicewomen. RML is a memorial library dedicated to the men and women in the local community who served and lost their lives in WWII.
Following the 2-hour film, there will be a brief discussion led by Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins, Jr., Director of Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
There is no registration and refreshments will be served.
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