Since William Penn presided over the state’s only official witch trial in 1684, witchcraft and folk magic have been a part of the history of the Keystone state. English and German settlers brought their beliefs in magic with them from the Old World—sometimes with dangerous consequences. In 1802, an Allegheny County judge helped an accused […]
Visit CCHC for a one-night opportunity to see side-by-side portraits by noted artists Charles Willson Peale (1741 – 1827) and Horace Pippin (1888 – 1946). Peale and Pippin, well-known while […]
Humphry Marshall's legacy was felt throughout the Delaware Valley and had a strong influence on horticulture in our region. In this talk Tony Aiello will discuss Marshall's impact on horticulture in Chester County and more widely across the region. Tony will highlight some of the more prominent horticulturists and arboreta and how their legacy continues […]
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 music, skilled circus performers from Airplay Entertainment, a fabulous silent auction, and the opportunity to raise your paddle in support of Chester County History Center […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
