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If Walls Could Talk
Now open for enjoyment!
Horticultural Hall, the main museum building for Chester County Historical Society has an amazing history. Did you know that Buffalo Bill, Frederick Douglass, Lucretia Mott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry W. Beecher, Signor Blitz, Tom Thumb have all appeared here?
This exhibit and meeting hall, built by the Chester County Horticultural Society in 1848, became the epicenter for current issues, politics and civil rights in Chester County during the Civil War period. It was the site for Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society meetings, the first Woman’s Rights Convention in Pennsylvania and a rallying place for the Wide-Awakes, young men who marched in support of Lincoln during his 1860 presidential campaign. In 1863 Frederick Douglass spoke to a packed house as he recruited men for the “Colored Troops” to fight for the Union during the Civil War.
Find out how Horticultural Hall was transformed into the posh West Chester Opera House, then into dignified Memorial Hall the home of the McCall Post of the GAR and finally into the fascinating museum of the Chester County Historical Society.
In Stitches, Unraveling Their Stories
Friday, December 2 - Friday, September 7, 2012
Don’t miss this rare opportunity! Westtown School and Chester County Historical Society are providing a unique opportunity to see large portions of their needlework collections in one exhibition. Learn how commonplace pieces become heirloom treasures. Enjoy select samplers and other embroidery made by girls from Chester County and the surrounding area 200 years ago.
In Stitches is generously sponsored by William B. Parker and Westtown School.
Bayard Rustin's Local Roots
Opening Thursday, February 2, 2012
Bayard Rustin (March 17, 1912 – August 24, 1987), whose 100th birthday would have been March 2012, was an American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, pacifism and non-violence, and gay rights. He was also a West Chester native who was active here and across the nation in the struggle for human rights and economic justice for over 50 years. Rustin’s extensive background in the theory, strategies, and tactics of nonviolent action proved invaluable his close association with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This exhibit will explore how Rustin became who he was because of his experiences and environment here in Chester County.
Our deepest gratitude to The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through the Heritage Philadelphia Program, The Philadelphia Foundation, and PGN for their support of our exhibit.
Bayard Rustin's Local Roots Exhibit Open House
Saturday, March 3 (12:30pm)
At CCHS, this event kicks off the Rustin Centennial with a lunch, spirituals sung by Rustin, and talk by Reverend Anderson Porter, colleague and friend of Rustin. Inspired visitors will be invited to write postcards to their politicians voicing their concerns about social causes, which CCHS will mail.
Our deepest gratitude to The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through the Heritage Philadelphia Program, The Philadelphia Foundation, and PGN for their support of our exhibit.
Antiques Show 2012
Preview Party - Saturday, March 16 (5pm early admission or 6pm admission).
Saturday, March 17 (General admission 10am - 7pm)
Sunday, March 18 (General admission 11am - 5pm)
Please visit our Antiques Show web-pages for more information http://www.chestercohistorical.org/antiquesshow.php
Come experience the 30th Annual Chester County Historical Society Antiques Show at the Westtown School. Presented by PECO, The Town Dish, and BrandywineRadio.com. Please contact David Reinfeld at 610.692.4800 or dreinfeld@chestercohistorical.org for sponsorship opportunities.
Needlework Documentation Project
Saturday, April 14 (9:30am)
Do you own an heirloom embroidery sampler or other hand-stitched piece made in Chester County by someone born before 1950?
We invite you to share your heirloom at our upcoming
Needlework Documentation Day!
Your Chester County heirloom needlework will be photographed and information will be collected about your heirloom’s maker, history, pattern, age and workmanship. Genealogical information and/or photographs that may be copied are also sought. Information collected will become part of CCHS’s research archives. Owner confidentiality is assured.
More details will follow in the coming months. For more information, contact CCHS at 610-692-4800.
History on Tap at Doc Magrogan's Oyster House in West Chester, PA
Tuesday, April 17 (5:30pm)
Time Travelling over 300 Years ~ Personal Reflections on Chester County's Past.
Join CCHS President, Rob Lukens, as he takes you on a journey from the 1680s 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 is followed by discussion, Q & A, and good conversation. And of course, lots of good 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. Produced by the Chester County Historical Society in partnership with Dave Magrogan.
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.