Chats from the Stacks: The Big Dig

The CCHC Library and Photo Archives were closed to researchers during the month of January to catch up on the ever-growing backlog of projects. The staff has been busy processing new collections, rehousing manuscripts and photographs, and making their collections more searchable and accessible to researchers. Chat with the CCHC librarians and Photo Archivist to […]

Camp Elder: The Strange Story of Westtown’s Union Prisoner of War Camp

Join local historian David Walter for an virtual exploration of a Chester County Civil War POW camp. After the Battle of Gettysburg, almost 2,000 prisoners of war who had been captured by the Confederate Army were returned to the Union Army under the condition that they would not be returned to the front. Instead, they […]

Virtual Book Discussion – Hell and Other Destinations

Join Chester County History Center's curator Ellen Endslow to discuss thought-provoking books and connect with others in the community. Since leaving the State Department, Albright has blazed her own trail—and given voice to millions who yearn for respect, regardless of gender, background, or age. Hell and Other Destinations is the tale of our times anchored […]

The Cassatts at Home: West Chester and Beyond

Join Dr. Nancy Mowll Mathews for a look at the Cassatt family while they lived in Chester County, and artist Mary Cassatt's early life. This talk will visit the Cassatt family, including artist Mary Cassatt, in their many homes in Pennsylvania and France. We will get to know their friends and family, gathering amidst the […]

Chats from the Stacks: Big Dig

The CCHC Library and Photo Archives were closed to researchers during the month of January to catch up on the ever-growing backlog of projects. The staff has been busy processing new collections, rehousing manuscripts and photographs, and making their collections more searchable and accessible to researchers. Chat with the CCHC librarians and Photo Archivist to […]

The Story of Chester County Hospital

Andy Gordon will share how, to build a hospital, it takes a village (and a few wars, famine, railroads, and philanthropists.) “We think it is the duty of Chester County to care for her own.” After an impassioned appeal from several key local physicians, Chester County Hospital first opened its doors in 1892 as a […]

Black History Month Indoor/Outdoor Tour

Chester County History Center 225 North High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

Celebrate Black History Month at CCHC with a guided tour featuring the African Americans who helped make Chester County what it is today. This unique, one hour, guided tour will take you through our library, galleries and, weather permitting, outside to tour the town of West Chester. Foul weather? No problem! We will remain indoors […]

Black History Month Indoor/Outdoor Tour

Chester County History Center 225 North High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

Celebrate Black History Month at CCHC with a guided tour featuring the African Americans who helped make Chester County what it is today. This unique, one hour, guided tour will take you through our library, galleries and, weather permitting, outside to tour the town of West Chester. Foul weather? No problem! We will remain indoors […]

Black History Month Indoor/Outdoor Tour

Chester County History Center 225 North High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

Celebrate Black History Month at CCHC with a guided tour featuring the African Americans who helped make Chester County what it is today. This unique, one hour, guided tour will take you through our library, galleries and, weather permitting, outside to tour the town of West Chester. Foul weather? No problem! We will remain indoors […]

Black Woman, Black Activist: The Life and Legacy of Mary Ann Shadd Cary

Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a courageous and outspoken 19th-century African American who used the press and public speaking to fight slavery and oppression in the United States and Canada. Her life provides a window on the free black experience, emergent black nationalisms, African Americans' gender ideologies, and the formation of a black public sphere. […]

Chats from the Stacks: A Strange Border in Chester County

Explore the dividing line between West Vincent and Uwchlan Township. The division line between Upper Uwchlan and West Vincent is perhaps one of the strangest municipal borders in Chester County, and it tells a fascinating story. The Upper Uwchlan “thumb” is the product of empire, business ambitions, beaver furs, and even unpaid taxes. Learn more […]

Learn how to research your Chester County, PA historic property

Learn how to research your Chester County, PA historic property About this event: 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 […]