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Chester County Archives and Records Services

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Chester County Archives and Records Services

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Created in 1982, the Chester County Archives was established to preserve and make available the historic records of Chester County.

09/24/2026

Born in West Vincent Township, Graceanna Lewis (1821-1912) was among the first female naturalists in the United States. As a student at the Kimberton Boarding School for Girls, Lewis was introduced to a range of subjects including, botany, astronomy, and zoology. In 1870, she was among the first women to be admitted as a member to the Academy of Natural Sciences. Throughout her extensive career, Lewis published the book, A Natural History of Birds, along with articles in the American Naturalist. Her illustrations of birds and plants were also displayed at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in New York.

09/17/2026

Chester County's abundant arable land, waterways, and natural resources made it a prime location for ambitious speculators and pioneers in the 18th century. Thomas Moore of Concord Township was one such man. In 1710 Moore embarked on a milling enterprise that helped lay the foundation for Chester County’s early economic success. While his ambition planted the seeds for the future development of four towns—Atglen, Coatesville, Downingtown, and Wagontown—it would ultimately cost his family everything. Explore Moore's story in the Archives' project, "Thomas Moore's Ambition": https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e7680383798048df935d1f7703cd081b

09/13/2026

Are you celebrating the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival this weekend? Then you may be interested in these fungi facts! The County has long been touted as the Mushroom Capital of the World. Among those who earned the region this acclaim is Edward H. Jacob (1872-1955), an Irish immigrant who founded the Brandywine Mushroom Company in West Chester in 1912. By the time the company was sold in 1929, it was one of the largest mushroom producers in the entire country, boasting over 100 mushroom houses and its own cannery!

09/10/2026

Yellow Springs, named for its iron-rich spring waters, emerged as a popular resort in the 18th century. Visitors, many of whom travelled from Philadelphia, enjoyed the medicinal qualities of its waters. In 1770, an article in the Pennsylvania Gazette reported that "the medicinal virtues of the Springs...for the cure of many disorders, inwardly and outwardly, are so well known to the publick, that it is thought unnecessary to mention them here." In fact, as early as 1750, Robert Pritchard established a Tavern at Yellow Springs. The village continued to welcome ailing visitors and far-flung travelers for well over a century.

09/06/2026

📍Our exhibit, “Forged in Freedom: Chester County at 250” is now on display at Warwick County Park until September 30th!

Stay up to date on the Archives’ America250 programs by visiting our events page: https://www.chesco.org/5383/Events

09/03/2026

On September 3rd, 1777, Continental and British forces clashed at the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge near Newark, Delaware, marking the opening of the Philadelphia Campaign. Throughout the Fall of 1777, General William Howe led the British Army north through Chester County towards Philadelphia. Residents caught in their path were not left unscathed. Properties were routinely plundered, damaged, and stripped of all valuables. James Miller, a Farmer New Garden Township, reported that the British stole his livestock, including 25 sheep, 3 work oxen, and 3 cows.

📖 You can read about other first-hand accounts of British plundering by exploring our Depredation Book here: https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=772103&repo=r-24f48cc6

08/31/2026

New Historic Markers Celebrate the History of the Sheeder-Hall Covered Bridge!

We’re pleased to share that two historic markers have been installed at the Sheeder-Hall Covered Bridge, recognizing and sharing the history of this important Chester County landmark.

Thanks to grants from the Pomeroy Foundation, two markers were fabricated and installed in July. Visitors will now find a National Register of Historic Places marker on the East Vincent side of the bridge and a Historic Transportation marker on the West Vincent side.

This project was truly a community effort. Gloria Smedley, President of the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of PA, Inc., spearheaded the marker project and helped coordinate the grant application. As part of the research and documentation, the West Vincent Township Historian used the Chester County Archives’ Bridge Records, with assistance from Archives staff. Property owners provided approval for the marker locations, and the East Vincent Roads Department installed the markers.

It’s wonderful to see the history of the Sheeder-Hall Covered Bridge now marked for residents and visitors to discover and appreciate for years to come!

08/26/2026

Though only established as a Park in 1973, Warwick County Park has a long and storied past stretching back centuries. Settlers in the 18th century, such as Samuel Nutt, an Ironmaster who founded the Coventry Forge, and William Branson, who later founded the Reading Furnace, were among the earliest landowners in the region. Want to learn more about the industrial history of Warwick County Park, and the people who shaped its landscape?

🔎 Check out the Warwick County Park Historical Atlas! Using this resource, you can quickly identify who owned land in the region now known as Warwick Park from the 1710s to the 1870s: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/63d213ea10b24e57a4f082d5f6a79d06
🗓️ Join us this Thursday, August 27th at 12pm for our virtual program, "Walking Warwick Park," where Park Ranger, Jay Herb, will delve into the fascinating history of the park. You can register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/chestercountyhistorycenter/2338225

08/24/2026

Don't miss your chance to explore Warwick County Park from the comfort of home!

Join Jay Erb, Chester County Park Ranger, on Thursday, August 27, at 12 p.m. for a fascinating virtual presentation about the park's history, landscapes, and recreational opportunities. Whether you're interested in local history, nature, or discovering new places to explore in Chester County, this program has something for everyone.

Can't join us live? Register anyway at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/chestercountyhistorycenter/2338225.
The presentation will be recorded, and you'll be able to watch it later at your convenience.

08/21/2026

The Chester County History Center (CCHC), in partnership with the County of Chester, seeks a dynamic, customer service-oriented Assistant Archivist to support the daily operations of the Chester County Archives and Records Services Department.

This entry-level position supports the daily operations of the Archives, including providing research assistance and reference services, collections processing, supporting digitization and indexing projects, and assisting with public programs and outreach.

For the full job description, qualifications, and application instructions, please visit the Chester County Archives and Records Services' website.

Address

601 Westtown Road, Suite 080
West Chester, PA
19380

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

+16103446760

Website

http://www.chesco.org/192/Archives-Records, https://www.instagram.com/chestercountyarchives/

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