If Walls Could Talk
Now open for enjoyment!

Horticultural Hall, the main Museum building at the Chester County Historical Society, has an amazingly rich history; Many notable figures have appeared here, from Buffalo Bill to Frederick Douglass. In 1848, the meeting hall became the epicenter for issues, politics, and civil rights in Chester County during the Civil War period. Other important groups like the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society and the Wide-Awakes, found their way to West Chester as well, not to mention the Women's Rights Convention, which held its first meeting here at the Hall. Over the years, Horticultural Hall has transformed from an Opera House, to a Memorial Hall to a Museum. Visit our website to learn more about this exhibit, and about these interesting transformations at Horticultural Hall.

Needlework Documentation Project
Saturday, April 14 (9:30am)

This event, held in conjunction with CCHS's current exhibit, In Stitches: Unraveling Their Stories, will help us document the rich tradition of schoolgirl embroidery and other needlework crafted in Chester County. CCHS will collect information about needlework made by anyone born before 1950 in Chester County. The focus of this free event is to document Chester County samplers. CCHS will also document pieces made outside of Chester County. To participate, drop in at CCHS on 4/14. If you have 10+ items, please call in advance to schedule an appointment (610-692-4800, Ext. 257). No appraisals will be given. Conservation advice will be available.

History on Tap at Doc Magrogan's Oyster House in West Chester, PA
Tuesday, April 17 (5:30pm)

"Time Traveling over 300 Years ~ Personal Reflections on Chester County's Past" Join CCHS President, Rob Lukens, as he takes you on a journey from the 1680’s to the 20th century. Based on Dr. Lukens encounters with original documents, rare artifacts, and lost stories held by the Historical Society, this brief 25-30 minute presentation will be followed by discussion, Q & A, and good conversation. And of course, lots of great beer, good food, with a special History on Tap Menu designed by Dave Magrogan. History on Tap brings history to you in the casual atmosphere of your favorite local bar or restaurant. The program is free for the community to enjoy!

Discover Your Family Tree: Genealogy Workshop
Saturday, April 21, 2012, (9:30am-1:30pm)

Kim Bucklaw, Assistant Archivist and genealogist at the Chester County Archives, will host a morning genealogy workshop designed especially for beginners as well as for seasoned genealogists looking for a refresher on research procedures and best practices. The workshop will consist of two sessions and a special bonus consulting session. The consulting session will be limited to 10 participants.

For more information and to download the registration form please Click Here

Dr. Florence Williams: Lecture
Wednesday, April 25 (6:00pm)

As part of our ongoing Civil War Commemoration, CCHS welcomes Dr. Florence Williams who will present a lecture entitled The Postal Service; Getting the Mail Across the Lines. Free for CCHS Members and $5 for Non-Members.

Our deepest gratitude to the DNB First, Pennsylvania Humanities Council, The Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation, The Fox Chase Bank Charitable Foundation, The Haverford Trust Company, The Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau Foundation, and Jimmy Duffy Catering for their support of our Civil War exhibit.

Uptown! Entertainment Alliance
Saturday, April 14 (7:30pm - 10:00pm)

This event will celebrate Uptown!'s efforts to establish a permanent theatre venue in the downtown Historic District of West Chester. Your attendance will mark the beginning of a new era for the arts culture in our growing town! Your $50 ticket includes a Red Carpet Reception with delicious hors d'oeuvres and drinks followed by a supreme night of dance, film, comedy and music culminating in a feature performance by former Miss America and Broadway Star, Kate Shindle! uptownwc.org.

Historic Yellow Springs Preservation Fair
Chester County's Historic Preservation Conference & Trade Show

Presentations, hands-on history, open forums, refreshments, games, tours and more. CCHS President, Dr. Rob Lukens, will present a speech entitled Developing a Countywide Cultural Heritage Experience (2pm). Cost: $8 for members of HYS or CCHPN, $10 for general public. For more information, please contact event coordinator, Matthew E. Roberson, inquiries@yellowsprings.org or 610.620.4656.

Historic Sugartown Day
Saturday, April 21 (10:00am - 4:00pm)

Help celebrate the 9th Annual Historic Sugartown Day. Be sure to see CCHS's carriages which are on display in their Carriage Museum. Historic Sugartown - 690 Sugartown Rd, Malvern, PA 19355, 610-640-2667 - historicsugartown.org - info@historicsugartown.org

Jazz Supper Club Featuring Vana Gierig
Saturday, April 21 (6:00pm - 9:00pm)

The Chester County Historical Society is a proud partner of the Chester County Jazz Festival. A dynamic, mesmerizing evening of jazz, featuring an exhilarating performance by New York's premier jazz pianist and composer VANA GIERIG, joined by bassist, Matthew Parrish, and drummer, Marcello Pellitteri. Enjoy mouthwatering tastes of New Orleans, prepared by Donald and Donny Moore, owners of the Social Lounge in West Chester. Choice wines from Penns Woods Winery. Cost: $68 per person (includes dinner/music). A portion of each ticket sale will benefit The Chester County Food Bank and The Stephen Chandler Ericson Foundation. http://chestercountyjazzfestival.com.

Small Town, Big Film; West Chester Film Festival
Friday, April 27 (7:00pm - 11:30pm); Saturday, April 28 (10:00am - 11:30pm); Sunday, April 29 (12:00pm - 4:30pm)

Calling all film lovers! This 8th annual event takes place at CCHS and features interactive workshops and innovative short films, up to 30 minutes in length, submitted by independent filmmakers from around the world. Submissions are juried by a panel of industry professionals and winners are chosen according to content, innovation and technical execution. More info at westchesterfilmfestival.com.

West Chester University Civil War Event
Friday, April 27 (10:00am - 8:00pm)

West Chester University will host a free program at the Philips Autograph Library (WCU) on High Street; "The American Civil War, Year in Review, 1861-1862." The purpose of the all-day event is to reflect on the 1st year of the Civil War on its 150th anniversary. CCHS President Dr. Rob Lukens will present a lecture on CCHS's upcoming exhibition "On the Edge of Battle: Chester County and the Civil War" (10am). Many speakers, demonstrations and more. Keynote speaker, Civil War author, Dr. Alan Guelzo, at 7pm.

Richie Ashburn Lecture and Book Signing by Bruce Mowday
Wednesday, May 2 (7pm)

Swing into the baseball season with a talk on Philadelphia's most beloved athlete, Richie Ashburn. Ashburn was a member of the Whiz Kids, a Hall of Fame member and partnered with Harry Kalas on radio and television for decades calling Phillies game. Chester County author Bruce Mowday will talk
about his latest book "Richie Ashburn ... Why the Hall Not? The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown." Bruce will sign copies of the book.

Free for members, $10 for non-members.

Poplar Culture: The Celebration of a Tree, at Historic Yellow Springs
Monday, May 21 - Sunday, June 10

CCHS has proudly partnered with The Wharton Esherick Museum to promote Poplar Culture: The Celebration of a Tree, at Historic Yellow Springs. The exhibit features work by more than 40 contemporary woodworkers honoring Wharton Esherick.

The Wharton Esherick Museum challenged artists to create works that "honor the tree." All pieces were crafted from a single tulip poplar tree which stood outside of Esherick's studio door. Works include furniture, woodblock prints, ceramics and sculpture and can be purchased at the show. Proceeds from the sales benefit the Wharton Esherick Museum and Historic Yellow Springs. Preview party attendees will have the first opportunities to purchase a piece of studio history and to see the vast array of art made from a single tree. Preview party: 5/20, 2-5pm.

click here for more information.

CSI for Art Detectives
Thursday, October 4 (2:00pm – 4:00pm)

The Violette de Mazia Foundation will host an introductory course CSI for Art Detectives at the Chester County Historical Society. Through color scene investigations, participants will follow "color" evidence to discover the art in painting. Classes will consist of guided scrutiny of works of art via visual and sensory exercises, discussion, and practice. This course provides the clues and cues that lead to the appreciation of art. Spaces are limited, register today!

Classes: October 4 - December 13, 2012
Thursdays 2:00pm - 4:00pm
$175 per ten week course
www.demazia.org ~ 610.971.9960

Tuition includes an individual membership to CCHS with an option to renew at at a discounted price and unlimited access to Artstor.org