Our Vision:
The History Center of the CCHS will be a vibrant place where people may encounter, explore and learn about the past. With diverse audiences and Chester County’s unique heritage at its core, CCHS is an educational leader in the history community of the Delaware Valley.
In pursuit of this vision, CCHS will:
Founded in 1893, the CCHS moved to Horticultural Hall in 1938 and expanded to 48,000 sq. ft by moving into the adjoining, renovated YMCA building. The History Center, is in the middle of downtown West Chester, steps away from scores of great restaurants and stores.
The History Center includes our museum, library, photo archives, museum shop and administrative offices. In addition, The Chester County Archives, which CCHS jointly administers with the County of Chester, is located in the Chester County Government Services Center.
Explore, enjoy, discover!
The History Center of the CCHS will be a vibrant place where people may encounter, explore and learn about the past. With diverse audiences and Chester County’s unique heritage at its core, CCHS is an educational leader in the history community of the Delaware Valley.
In pursuit of this vision, CCHS will:
- Identify, collect, and exhibit significant historical materials related to Chester County and southeastern Pennsylvania.
- Provide leadership in the responsible preservation of, and public access to, these historical materials.
- Encourage excellence in research, documentation, and interpretation of historical materials.
- Present exhibitions that use historical materials to enrich public's understanding and appreciation for the history of Chester County and southeastern Pennsylvania.
- Foster an appreciation of the importance of historical materials to enrich public understanding of the past and present.
- Serve diverse audiences through a variety of learning formats.
- Promote pride in both individual and community heritage.
- Respond to the community's needs to explore and examine issues critical to its past and application to contemporary life.
- Provide support to historic preservation initiatives in Chester County.
- Maintain mutually beneficial relationships and alliances with educational institutions, the business community, government and other community organizations
Founded in 1893, the CCHS moved to Horticultural Hall in 1938 and expanded to 48,000 sq. ft by moving into the adjoining, renovated YMCA building. The History Center, is in the middle of downtown West Chester, steps away from scores of great restaurants and stores.
The History Center includes our museum, library, photo archives, museum shop and administrative offices. In addition, The Chester County Archives, which CCHS jointly administers with the County of Chester, is located in the Chester County Government Services Center.
Explore, enjoy, discover!
- CCHS has amazing permanent and rotating exhibits – locally crafted Grandfather Clocks, furniture from the early 1700s, over 200 quilts, and historic clothing collection dating from the 1700s to today, etc.
- Conduct research in our extensive library and photo archives – there are over 80,000 historical photographs dating from the 1840s to the 1990s. You’ll be amazed at all the images and information! And they’re all accessible!</
- Get “hands-on” involvement in our interactive History Lab
- Research your family and your home. We’ll help you learn how to get started
- Check out our Calendar of Events for an array of public and school programs, Cultural Center Performances, and Holiday celebrations held throughout the year.
- Become a CCHS member – click here to see all the privileges.
A video message from Dr. Robert Lukens, President of
Chester County Historical Society.
“Chester County has been at the crossroads of every major period in our country's history. CCHS helps us understand what it was like to live during those times and how our past informs our lives today.”