WHAT TO DO: The play’s the thing

Also: New WC brewery debuts, new exhibit at historical society By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times With outside temperatures hovering in single digits and wind chill factors dipping into the sub-zero range locally, there have been a lot of days that fall into the “good day to stay at home” category. But, for active people and parents with active kids, there is also a need to get out of the...

CC Historical Society awarded grant for marketing

Funds from William Penn Foundation to be used to look at name, other issues WEST CHESTER —  The Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) announced Monday it received a grant award from the William Penn Foundation focusing on marketing. Specifically, the grant-funded project will examine the “Chester County Historical Society” name, as well as the names of its buildings and other spaces,...

Nearly 50 dealers lined up for annual Antiques Show

Chester County Historical Society’s popular fund-raiser to be held April 4-6  The 32nd Annual Chester County Antiques Show, a major fund-raiser for the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS), will be held from April 4 to April 6 at the Phelps School in Malvern. The event, sponsored by PECO, will feature more than 48 renowned dealers from throughout the country, making it a must-see for anyone...

19th-century civil-rights pioneer in spotlight

Authors of Octavius Catto book to speak at Chester County Historical Society Daniel R. Biddle and Murray Dubin, authors of the acclaimed biography of 19th-century Philadelphia civil rights pioneer Octavius Catto – Tasting Freedom: Octavius Catto and the Battle for Equality in Civil War America – will discuss Catto’s life, legacy, and milieu on Friday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at the Chester...

Program to explore ‘reverse Underground Railroad’

Chesco Historical Society bringing ‘History on Tap’ to Kennett Square  “History on Tap,” a program of the Chester County Historical Society that combines insight and discussion with food and drink, is coming to Kennett Square. On Monday, Feb. 24, at 6:30 p.m., Chris Densmore will present “The Kidnapping of Thomas Mitchell, 1849″ at the Half Moon Restaurant. Mitchell, an escaped slave...

Time to raid attic for mystery historic photos

Library program will focus on ways to date them accurately The Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) is partnering with the Chester County Library for a special presentation, “How Old is that Photograph?” The program, which will help explain how genealogists research photos from their family collections and date them, will be held Thursday, Feb. 13, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Exton library’s...

State to fund four county development projects

WEST CHESTER — Despite it being a time when state economic development funding has become sparse, Chester County has been awarded funds for four projects to create local jobs and boost the county’s economy. County Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello announced Tuesday that $5.25 million in Pennsylvania Economic Growth Initiative funds had been awarded by Gov. Tom Corbett for four Chester County...

Progress seen in plan to end homelessness

County officials applaud collaborative Decades to Doorways initiative By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell (right) discusses the Decades to Doorways initiative, with its administrator, Michael Hackman. Born in South Carolina,  Juanita moved to Coatesville with three young children. Hoping to find a better life, instead she encountered hardship...

Chesco Historical Society to address clothing

Grant will help implement upcoming fashion exhibition The Chester County Historical Society will open an exhibit on 19th-century clothing in November. For the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS), a new gift could be considered the perfect fashion accessory. A $35,000 grant from the Coby Foundation, a New York group that funds projects in the textile and needle arts field, will help implement...

Insightful look at county’s Civil War heritage

Historical Society exhibit highlights artifacts and stories behind them By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Jeff Stafford (left) and Richard Neff greeted visitors at the opening of the Chester County Historical Society’s new Civil War exhibit. Setting the tone for the Chester County Historical Society on Thursday night was a three-inch ordnance rifle, aimed portentously as visitors...