In early America, women were all too often the people who just weren’t there: not in the records, not in the censuses, not on juries, not in the voting booth. The common law relegated women to “protected” – second-class – status, and understanding how they were treated under the law provides clues to finding their […]
In 2020, the Chester County Archives staff unveiled their award-winning 1777 Chester County Property Atlas. This project highlights property owners, roads, and notable sites of interest (mills, taverns, places of worship, etc.) in existence in September 1777 during the Battle of Brandywine and succeeding events of the Philadelphia Campaign. Learn more about how this project […]
Liberty’s Exiles: American Loyalists in the Revolutionary World by Maya Jasanoff NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD WINNER At the end of the American Revolution, sixty thousand Americans loyal to the British cause fled the U.S. and became refugees throughout the British Empire. This is their story. This surprising new account of the founding of the […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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.
225 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380 | 610-692-4800
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