Chester County History Center

Chester County History Center CCHC is a non-profit educational organization that connects our community with its history.

CCHC enjoyed hosting students from indigenous communities across the U.S. as part of the training program in artifact re...
06/16/2026

CCHC enjoyed hosting students from indigenous communities across the U.S. as part of the training program in artifact research and management developed by the West Chester University Anthropology & Sociology Department. Their afternoon visit at the beginning of the two-week program encompassed how artifacts are cataloged, important considerations surrounding NAGPRA (National American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act), and the tools to conduct property research, among a variety of other questions. Thanks to our colleagues at Chester County Archives for their help with this visit.

West Chester University of PA Chester County Archives and Records Services

The second Saturday in June is celebrated each year as World Doll Day! Whether you love them or find them unnerving, dol...
06/13/2026

The second Saturday in June is celebrated each year as World Doll Day! Whether you love them or find them unnerving, dolls have played a critical role in the development of children for much of human history. These are just a few of the images from the CCHC Photo Archives that provide a glimpse into the childhood world of sisters Sue Dorothy and Virginia Keeney. Their father photographed them in these examples with their beloved dolls.

Image 1: Sue Dorothy and Virginia Keeney with their dolls, 1894.
Image 2: Virginia Keeney and dolls, January 1893.
Image 3: “The dolls tea party,” Christmas 1894.

Big news from the Chester County History Center!After six transformative years of growth, stability, and incredible mile...
06/11/2026

Big news from the Chester County History Center!

After six transformative years of growth, stability, and incredible milestones, our President, Conor Hepp, will be stepping down on June 26, 2026, to take on an exciting new role as the Executive Director and CEO of the Da Vinci Science Center.

Conor stepped into leadership in 2020 during an unprecedented time. Alongside our dedicated staff, board, and volunteers, he helped secure CCHC’s long-term future—leaving us debt-free, with a strong endowment, and a thriving foundation for the future.

"Conor’s vision and steady leadership have been instrumental in navigating the History Center through unprecedented times," says Holly Stoviak, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "We enter this leadership transition from a position of strength, and we wish him the very best on the next step of his journey."

Looking back at what we’ve achieved together under Conor's tenure:
· Record-Breaking Engagement: We’ve seen historic highs in museum and library visits, memberships, and event attendance.
· Spotlight on Chester County: We cut the ribbon on our flagship Becoming Chester County exhibit, setting the stage for the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
· Global Connections: CCHC made waves by hosting the Smithsonian’s The Bias Inside Us exhibition and co-hosting the world premiere of Netflix’s Rustin.
· Deepened Inclusion: We launched dynamic new programming celebrating all cultures and communities within our region.

What’s next?

The CCHC Board of Trustees has officially launched a national search for our next leader. Rest assured, our daily operations, exhibits, and educational programs will continue seamlessly during this transition.

Please join us in thanking Conor for his incredible dedication to preserving and celebrating Chester County’s rich history, and wishing him the absolute best in his next chapter! Read the full press release here: https://mycchc.org/conor-hepp-pursuing-a-new-opportunity/

On Display! We’re hosting the exciting new traveling exhibit the American RevolutionExperience in partnership with the A...
06/10/2026

On Display! We’re hosting the exciting new traveling exhibit the American Revolution
Experience in partnership with the American Battlefield Trust. Come see it now at
Chester County History Center. The exhibit can be viewed Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. until June 18. For this installation only are Lego recreations of some key battles. Don’t miss it!

Link to the online experience: https://american-revolution-experience.battlefields.org/


American Battlefield Trust

06/09/2026

History lives and breathes in Chester County.

It speaks from the page of a letter penned by George Washington's own hand. It resonates in the notes of an original Samuel Barber score. It gazes at us through one of the earliest known daguerreotypes of Frederick Douglass.

These treasures, along with countless others, tell not just the story of our past, but illuminate who we are today—and who we can become tomorrow.

As our nation marks its 250th birthday this July, Chester County's story has never felt more alive. We are asking you to stand with us with a gift by July 4, 2026. Every gift ensures these stories are preserved, shared, and discovered by the next generation.

Donate online: https://mycchc.org/donate/

Or via mail:
Chester County History Center
Attn: Development Department
225 North High Street
West Chester, PA 19380

On behalf of all of us at CCHC: THANK YOU!

Who remembers the Jungle Room at the Mansion House Hotel in West Chester? We would love to hear your memories and storie...
06/06/2026

Who remembers the Jungle Room at the Mansion House Hotel in West Chester? We would love to hear your memories and stories! This photo was taken around 1950.

Thanks to a generous grant from The Decorative Arts Trust, CCHC is pleased to announce that Anne Mesiarik has been selec...
06/05/2026

Thanks to a generous grant from The Decorative Arts Trust, CCHC is pleased to announce that Anne Mesiarik has been selected through an application process as a summer intern in the museum. The internship is designed to provide professional development in the study of decorative arts, material culture, and object-based research, exhibitions, communications, and educational programming. Anne is a Chester County resident and an undergraduate at Brown University.

The Decorative Arts Trust

June 3 is World Bicycle Day! World Bicycle Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate the b...
06/03/2026

June 3 is World Bicycle Day! World Bicycle Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate the bicycle as a sustainable, affordable, and healthy means of transportation. In this image from our collection from 1894, young Virginia Keeney tries out her new ride. Yes, we know it has one too many wheels for World Bicycle Day, but there isn't a World Tricycle Day - yet.

Address

225 N High Street
West Chester, PA
19380

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+16106924800

Website

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