Traveling exhibit featuring U.S. Colored Troops during the U.S. Civil War, curated by Ms. Shayne Davidson, professional illustrator and amateur genealogist. On view February 10 through July 1. Free with regular admission. To learn more click here.
Take an in-depth look at the oldest record preserved at the Chester County Archives and learn about its significance over 340 years. On February 14, 1683, local residents assembled at the House of Defense for their regular court session. When the court clerk, Thomas Revell, opened the court docket, however, he did something a little […]
Click Here for Additional Event Information You can't miss this opportunity to enjoy amazing beer and period costumes while supporting the History Center. Bring your good spirits and cash for the tip jars and join us for this relaxed, fun afternoon among friends. We will have a great raffle and a surprise gift for the biggest […]
Illustrator Shayne Davidson, who curated the exhibit, will discuss how she came upon a historic photo album, the treasures it contained, and creating the exhibit. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Shayne Davidson holds a BFA from California Institute of the Arts and an MFA in Medical and Biological Illustration from the University of Michigan. […]
This is the first major biography of the free Black abolitionist William Still, who coordinated the Eastern Line of the Underground Railroad and was a pillar of the Railroad as a whole. Based in Philadelphia and well-connected to Chester County abolitionists, Still built a reputation as a courageous leader, writer, philanthropist, and guide for fugitive […]
Author Eugene L. Meyer tells the story of Osborne Perry Anderson, a native of Chester County, who joined with abolitionist John Brown in an ill-fated raid on Harpers Ferry in October 1859 to seize its federal arsenal, incite a slave rebellion, and end slavery. Anderson was one of five African Americans soldiers in Brown's raiding […]
In 1900 at the height of his fame, illustrator Howard Pyle founded the Howard Pyle School of Art in Wilmington, Delaware. His bold purpose was to train promising young artists to produce uniquely American work that would echo the nation’s spirit and challenge Europe’s artistic supremacy. Towards that end, Pyle championed imagination over technique and […]
Women make up half the population, yet their stories have often been neglected, excluded, or marginalized in public memory. West Chester, long the center of battles for equality and civil rights, has been home to several trailblazing women who left an indelible mark on the history of law, abolition, suffrage, education, politics and science. This […]
Professor Daniel K. Richter will explore the interactions and agreements between William Penn and the Native people of Pennsylvania.
Join the Chester County archivists as they discuss how to effectively use county government records in your genealogical research.
Author Susan Freinkel discusses the tragic history of the nearly-extinct American Chestnut tree.
This Documentary Launch and Fundraising Gala is sold out, but the film will be shown as part of the West Chester Film Festival on Saturday, April 29 at 2:00PM at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, across the street from the History Center. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door ($13 or $10 […]
225 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380 | 610-692-4800
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