Since 1982, the Chester County Archives has been preserving and making accessible the historic government records of the Chester County Government. We’ll peel back the curtain for a behind-the-scenes look at the Chester County Archives. We’ll discuss the history of this unique department, explore the historic county government records available to researchers, and highlight some […]
Join us at Chester County History Center’s 4th Annual Halloween Ball –Le Cirque. A sure-to-be memorable night of fun, celebration of friendship, and nostalgia. Fine fare by Spence Café, live […]
This illustrated talk looks at some of the notable houses and gardens of the du Ponts. In the 19th century and first half of the 20th century members of this family created a wide variety of country houses in the Brandywine Valley. They chose architects such as T.P. Chandler, Harrie Lindeberg, Albert Ives, and R. […]
Join Chester County History Center book discussion about thought-provoking history books and connect with others in the community. In Lost Kingdom, award-winning historian Serhii Plokhy argues that we can only understand the confluence of Russian imperialism and nationalism today by delving into the nation’s history. Spanning over 500 years, from the end of the Mongol rule […]
A fun family day exploring some of history's most interesting inventions! What’s the greatest invention in human history? Some might say the wheel, the printing press, the airplane, or the […]
Artists Jessie Willcox Smith, Elizabeth Shippen Green, and Violet Oakley captivated early-twentieth-century Philadelphia with their brilliant careers and uncommon lifestyle. Nicknamed "The Red Rose Girls” by their mentor, illustrator Howard Pyle, they rented the Red Rose Inn on the city's Main Line and set up an unconventional household. Joined by their friend Henrietta Cozens, the […]
Researching the history of your property can be a rewarding experience. Getting started, however, can seem overwhelming. It requires an understanding of the basic methods of historical research. Knowing where resources can be found and how to interpret them is a fundamental part of the process. Join Chester County, PA archivists for a presentation about […]
'Tis the season--for creating wonderful crafts to give as gifts or hang in a special place at home! CCHC staff will guide visitors through the history and meaning of historic crafts (like tin punching) and children can make their own unique treasure to keep for themselves, or gift to a loved one. Tickets include all-day […]
Throughout time, clothing has revealed a great deal about who we are. In the early 1800s, clothing in Chester County represented individual identity, personal choice, and place within the community. People here had access to global trends through Philadelphia and other regional ports. They accepted or rejected fashion styles based on what they could afford, […]
What made Anthony Wayne an “unlikely general”? He was not President George Washington’s first choice to lead an army against the confederation of Ohio tribes blocking America’s advance across the Ohio River in 1792. Wayne, a notorious womanizer, heavy drinker, and spend-thrift, had just been removed from Congress for voter fraud. Though he had fought […]
Join Chester County History Center book discussion about thought-provoking history books and connect with others in the community. A New York Times bestseller, this definitive history of Ukraine is “an exemplary account of Europe’s least-known large country” (Wall Street Journal). Situated between Central Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, Ukraine has been shaped by empires that exploited […]
Born in Philadelphia, Thomas U. Walter was internationally renowned in the mid 1800s, rising to the position of architect of the U.S. Capitol from 1851 to 1865, during which time […]
