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...

Digging up facts about native Lenape in region

Archaeology expert to present “History on Tap” program  The Marshalton Inn will host a “History on Tap” program Monday night from the Chester County Historical Society. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by learning about the life and ways of the native Lenape in the Brandywine Valley through archaeological discoveries, courtesy of the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS). CCHS’s...

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...

Invitation extended to celebrate Black History Month

CCHS exhibits offer insight into local African Americans’ past The Chester County Historical Society is inviting residents to celebrate Black History Month by visiting its exhibits, several of which highlight the county’s African American community. The Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) would like to invite residents to celebrate Black History Month by visiting its present exhibits, which...

Tapping into thirst for music and history

Chester County Historical Society continuing free series The Chester County Historical Society’s “History on Tap” series offers history in an informal pub or restaurant setting. The Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) is betting that a slice of history added to music and dill pickles will create a sweet and savory experience for the public. CCHS will present the latest installment of...

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 Thursday night of “On the Edge of Battle: Chester County and the Civil War” at the Chester County Historical Society in West Chester. Setting the tone for the Chester County Historical Society on Thursday...

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...

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...

Public invited to become part of history

Chester County Historical Society is seeking input through focus group The Chester County Historical Society is seeking input from the public for an expansive exhibit. Whether you are a long-time resident or a newcomer to Chester County, the Chester County Historical Society wants to position itself as the go-to place to learn about the county’s past and to envision its future. Toward that end, the...