Civil War exhibit to highlight local conflict

In Chester County, residents’ divided loyalties fueled tensions  A new exhibit at the Chester County Historical Society will provide insight into the Civil War era. During the Civil War, Chester County found itself in the crosshairs of controversy with residents divided in their support for the Union or President Lincoln – conflict that spilled over into contentious public meetings and dueling...

Historical Society raising bar on heritage lessons

 Whip Tavern will host ‘History on Tap’ program on Oct. 23 The Whip Tavern will be the site of the next “History on Tap” program by the Chester County Historical Society. Engaging history will be brewing on Oct. 23 at the Whip Tavern in West Marlborough Township. The scenic venue is a fitting backdrop for the latest chapter of “History on Tap,” a traveling program presented...

Artist brings history alive for painting series

Reenactors create authentic tableaus with Marshallton, Newlin as backdrops By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Sarah Papenhausen (top left) and Mark Slouf help Adrian Martinez reattach his Indian hairpiece. The process proved painstaking: A Downingtown artist shaved his head and mustache, donned handcrafted American Indian garb, and then attempted to reattach some hair – a far more...

Words, deeds, and misdeeds make county history

Archives celebrating 30-year partnership that has assisted thousands of researchers By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Laurie A. Rofini, director of the Chester County Archives and Records Services, checks a document in the climate-controlled storage area. Confronting the likelihood he would not survive the Civil War, a Chester County native stationed near Hampton, Va., penned a  detailed...