Welcome to the Chadds Ford Historical Society!
For 50 years the Chadds Ford Historical Society has been preserving history, providing education and serving the community. Our three 18th century houses are the central point for living history programs and education. Throughout the year we host a variety of programs including a Spring Lecture Series, Tavern Nights, Escape Brandywine and Plein Air artist Paint Out. Our family oriented events have become a community tradition. In 2019 we are pleased to host three events: Valley Jamboree, Chadds Ford Days and the Great Pumpkin Carve. The Society also offers educational programs, summer camps and group tours. We invite you to visit us at our Barn Visitors Center to view special exhibits and learn more about the Chadds Ford area.
Upcoming Events and Programs
A Bite of History
In conjunction with local restaurants, we are pleased to present a new community program. On the last Tuesday of alternating months, we will highlight a different establishment and encourage our members and friends to enjoy a meal there. In return, the establishment will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Society. This is a great opportunity to support local restaurants and the CFHS too! Why slave over the stove and wash dishes when you can relax to a meal prepared by someone else and meet one of our colonial reenactors for some lively conversation.
February 26, 5 pm - 10pm
"Located in beautiful Chester County, PA Sovana Bistro has evolved into a highly regarded dining destination as well as a staple in the community. Our food emerges European style cuisine with modern American flavors while drawing the attention to some of the great local resources in our region."
Our first partner, Sovana Bistro will share the proceeds on meals, drinks and take-outs during the dinner hours. Be sure to identify yourself as being with the CFHS. Please join us for a bite of history!
Escape Brandywine
Hannah Freeman aka “Indian Hannah”: Chester County’s Early “Celebrity” Resident, the Myth and the Reality
March 7, 2019
7pm
This is the first of our Spring Lecture Series. Catherine Quillman presents the real story of Hannah Freeman, the 19th century Native American popularly known as “Indian Hannah,” the “Last of Her Race.” For a time, Hannah lived in the area known today as Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. No images survive of “Indian Hannah” but artist Adrian Martinez’s unfinished portrait here was based on his extensive research of the woman called an important “link” between the native Lenape and early settlers of Chester County. Image courtesy of the artist. Click here to learn more.
11th Annual Plein Air Art Display
February 9 Through March 14, 2019
Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm
The Plein Air Art event was a great success. If you were unable to attend the reception, there is still plenty of time to stop by the Society to view the wonderful paintings by 28 artists. All artwork is available for purchase.
Liberty & Libations
March 22, 2019
7pm - 9pm
Join us for Tavern Nights: a Friday evening gathering (not a lecture!) exclusively for adults that focuses on unexplored aspects of early American history and culture. Held at our historic 18th century Barns-Brinton House, visitors get a real life experience of colonial tavern gatherings. Our March program highlights the unexplored history of home brewing in the Colonial era. Guests will have the opportunity to watch beer historian Rich Wagner create a "sixthel" and demonstrate aspects of Colonial brewing, play some Colonial drinking (libation) games, and sample craft beers from local breweries and more! Click here to learn more.
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