The Chester County Historical Society offers visitors a unique view into life in Chester County; from its Colonial beginnings to present day, it is a museum dedicated to the people of Chester County.
Basics:
• Address: 225 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380
• Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Admissions: Members: FREE Adults: $8.00 Seniors: $6.00 Students with ID: $5.00 Ages 6 – 18: $4.00
• Website: http://www.chestercohistorical.org/
Know Before You Go:
• Stroller Friendly Facility
• Changing Stations in Women and Men Bathrooms
• Children’s’ Activity Room
Our Experience
On a rainy Saturday in August, we found ourselves in need of getting out of the house. Since all outdoor August activities were out the window, we found ourselves thinking about indoor places to take our infant. Almost immediately, we decided on the Chester County Historic Society (CCHS) in downtown West Chester. Having visited several years ago, we knew it would be an engaging trip for us and provide hours of interesting things to look at for our daughter.
We parked in the Chestnut Street Parking Garage, which is equipped with an elevator, so taking the stroller with us was a breeze. Hot tip: bring that parking stub with you as you pay at a kiosk at return!
Upon arrival at the beautiful building on High Street, we were pleased to find the addition of a ramp since our last visit, making ADA and stroller accessibility possible. Almost immediately our daughter needed to be changed, a moment of dread for any parent visiting a place for the first time and wondering what child facilities are offered. Happily we found that there are bathrooms on each floor and were relieved to note that there were changing stations in BOTH the women and men bathrooms so we split diaper duty (since, let’s be honest, there was absolutely more than one change during our trip).
The museum has a host of permanent and rotating exhibits. Families will find interesting stories and notable Chester County figures throughout each of the rooms in the museum. Artifacts including beautiful tea sets, red clay pottery made in the county, paintings from prominent artists, and stunning antique clocks assembled throughout the county are a few of the many interesting items on display. One exhibit we were particularly captivated by featured meticulously recreated displays of homes from the 18th and 19th centuries. CCHS created the exhibit by taking mantle pieces from several dilapidated homes around the county and lovingly refurbished them to the grandeur they once exhibited. Several are pictured below. As we walked around the museum, I could not help but feel proud to be a Chester County resident; the heritage and legacy of the many residents that came before me in this great county surrounded us. From courageous abolitionists that made Chester County a stop on the Underground Railroad, to the industrialists that made the county’s iron and steel resources into valuable industries, to the “every day person”, represented by their clothing, furniture, and the replications of their home and hearth; we felt the spirit of Chester County come alive in the museum!
As we made it through the remaining exhibits, I began to realize that at some point a child may grow weary of the formality of the museum’s exhibits (I, on the other hand could take them in for days). At that moment I noticed the “History Lab”, an interactive area within the museum for children. There so many activities, a family could spend hours of fun in this area alone. From children’s books and games to learning to build a chair or how one clever slave escaped to freedom in an interactive demonstration, this was a very cool space. While our baby was a bit too young, I can imagine all the fun we will have here on subsequent visits!
Overall, this was a great way to spend a rainy day. The museum offers enough content to provide hours of interactive learning, but it also can be a quick trip if you are looking to fill a few hours on the weekend. The displays are curated in such a way that both are equally entertaining and satisfying. There is also a very cute gift shop on the way out that features many Chester County made products.
CCHS is home to an events space and extensive Chester County historic library that we did not have the time to explore this trip.
Next time you have an indoor day, either a weekday or weekend, consider checking out CCHS!
Kidding Around in Chester County 