Press Release:
Cheltenham Township continues its celebrations of America’s 250th year with one of its annual events—Camp William Penn Day in La Mott—September 19, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM.
This event commemorates the anniversary of Camp William Penn, established in 1863 as the first training camp for the US Colored Troops in the Civil War.
The day will start with remarks at the Camp William Penn gate on Sycamore Avenue at 10 AM, before moving to the grounds of the La Mott Community Center (7420 Sycamore Ave.) for a community fair featuring historical artifacts, children’s activities, and a food truck. Guided tours of the small Camp William Penn Museum on Willow Avenue will also be available.
Attendees can collect the September commemorative coin towards the completion of the Cheltenham 250 ‘passport’ coin book.
At 1:15 PM, the Township will host a ceremonial groundbreaking for the La Mott Community Center Renovation project, which has received $5.2M in grants, including generous federal funding through the support of Congresswoman Madeleine Dean.
After the groundbreaking photo opportunity, the event’s closing will be held at the property’s flagpole at the corner of Sycamore and Willow Avenues at 1:45 PM. This flag was flown in honor of the first 82 recruits arrival at Camp William Penn to begin their training as United States Colored Troops.
For more about Cheltenham’s celebrations, visit cheltenhampa.gov/america250.
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