Landscapes3

Celebrating History in Coatesville

The W.C. Atkinson Memorial Community Service Center celebrated its 35th anniversary, in addition to a street dedication to honor the legacy and contributions of Dr. Whittier C. Atkinson, Chesco's first Black physician, on what would have been his 130th birthday on April 23, 2023. This active community center offers neighborhood revitalization, resources, referrals and housing for low-income families, as well as shelter for homeless men. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Appreciate Objective A, "Preserve historic resources in their context while supporting appropriate reuse as a vital part of our community infrastructure and character."

Chesco250 Update

In 2023, the America250 Chester County Commission continued to plan for and support the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration in 2026 by adopting a strategic plan and annual action plans, as well as updating the Commission's Bylaws. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 1, "Expand heritage tourism programs."

Annual Town Tours & Village Walks Program

The 2023 Town Tours and Village Walks program welcomed more than 1,500 individuals to explore Chester County's agricultural heritage through a series of presentations and tours. Each of the tours was widely attended with some seeing more than 200 (Historic Yellow Springs) and even 300 attendees (Spackman-Davis Farm). This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 4, "Expand preservation training."

Westtown War Militia Memorial

In May of 2023, the Westtown Historical Commission held a dedication ceremony to unveil a new Monument honoring Westtown's 5 Revolutionary War Militia soldiers buried in the Township. This was a collaborative effort between family descendants, Township officials, patriotic organizations, and area residents to create a lasting monument to local heroes. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 2, "Expand historic interpretation and education."

Passtown School Celebrates 100th Anniversary

In 2023 the Passtown Elementary School, located in the historic community of Hayti, Valley Township, celebrated its 100th anniversary. The school was built in 1923 as a two-room schoolhouse specifically for "Colored" students after the one room schoolhouse across the road became overcrowded. The school was integrated in 1957. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 6, "Enhance the historical record of the county."

West Grove History Center Exhibit

A history center in the heart of West Grove Borough opened featuring a unique connection, understanding, and preservation to an era of Chester County's past. Its collection was fostered by local historian, author, and West Grove native, R. Scott Steele, including hundreds of objects, manuscripts, and photographs collected over the last 45 years — coupled with an assortment of memories, emotions, and stories showcasing the borough's history. This initiative supports the Landscapes3 Appreciate Objective D, "Preserve the stories of our cultural heritage and connect them to our residents and our future."

New Historic Brandywine Battlefield Signs Installed

The Chester County Historic Preservation Network continued the installation of historic markers throughout the municipalities where the Battle of Brandywine took place. By the end of 2022, 12 of an intended 15 signs had been installed in Chester and Delaware counties. This initiative supports Landscapes3 Recommendation 6, "Enhance the historical record of the county."

Restoration of Longwood's Historic Orchid House

As part of Longwood Reimagined (a transformation of the gardens to open in 2024), Longwood Gardens announced the reopening of their historic Orchid House in February of 2022. The restoration of the space included a focus on many of the building's original features — such as aggregate concrete, windowpanes, and display cases. This initiative supports Landscapes3 Appreciate Objective A, "Preserve historic resources in their context while supporting appropriate reuse as a vital part of our community infrastructure and character."

West Chester Welcomes Gingko Arts Collaborative Workspace

In the spring of 2022, Gingko Arts opened at 21 South High Street in one of West Chester borough's historic Tudor-style structures constructed in 1900. This unique adaptively reused space brings together local artists to display their work and enrich the community. This supports the Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 7, "Promote adaptive reuse and compatible development."

Annual Town Tours & Village Walks Program

Chester County's Town Tours & Village Walks program wrapped up another great series of events in its 28th season highlighting the "Founding Mothers and Fathers" of Chester County's past in 2022. The tours welcomed 1,220 attendees. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendations 2, "Expand historic interpretation and education," and 4, "Expand preservation training."

America250 Chester County Commission Continues to Plan for the Nation's 250th

In 2022, the America250 Chester County Commission continued to plan for and support the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration in 2026 by setting up subcommittees, forming roles, and meeting on a regular basis. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Objective D, "Preserve the stories of our cultural heritage and connect them to our residents and our future."

Historic Tredyffrin Barn

The Historic Tredyffrin Barn and Jones Log Barn Living History Center showcases farm life in the 18th-century in Chester County, as well as Tredyffrin's role in the Revolutionary war and the process of preserving a historic barn. The barn was dismantled, relocated, and restored as part of the Living History Center at Duportail — a project which began back in 2001. The preservation of this barn helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Objective D, "Preserve the stories of our cultural heritage and connect them to our residents and our future," as well as Preserve Recommendation 5, "Enhance protection of cultural resources."

Adaptively Reused Buildings: Strodes Mill Barn, Former Greenback School, & Frick's Lock

During 2021, restoration progressed at the Strodes Mill Historic site in East Bradford Township. In December, the Brandywine Conservancy announced a $5,000 mini-grant award for the design of formal restoration plans for the exterior of the historic Barn. Additionally, the former Greenback School in Upper Uwchlan Township began conversion into residential units. This site is listed in the Historic Resources Inventory. Construction continued at the Frick's Lock Village historic Site in 2021 as well. This site is a trailhead for the County Shuylkill River Trail, which is along a section of canal that included a double lock located about 250 feet west of the buildings, hence the name "Frick's Lock." These initiatives help to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 7, "Promote adaptive reuse and compatible redevelopment."

Expanding the County's Historical Record

During 2021, historic markers celebrating aviation pioneer George Alexander Spratt (1870-1934), the musician James Joseph "Jim" Croce (1943-1973), and the Battle of Brandywine were erected throughout Chester County. Sites submitted for listing on the Natural Register of Historic Places in 2021 included Lincoln University; Passtown Elementary School; and the Brooklawn estate farmstead. These initiatives help to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 6, "Enhance the historical record of the county."

Opening of the Kennett Heritage Center

In 2021, the Kennett Heritage Center opened at the historic Dr. Isaac D. Johnson House on North Union Street in Kennett Square. This rehabilitated house features the history of the Kennett Area community with rooms showcasing what life was like in Kennett Square during the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s through displays, storytelling, and artifacts from the past. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 2, "Expand historic interpretation and education."

London Britain Historic Atlas

In the spring of 2021, a Historic Atlas was completed for London Britain Township. The Atlas identifies historic resources that are 50 years and older and follows National Register of Historic Places criteria. Such Atlases are being completed throughout the county on a municipal basis. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendations 2, 3, and 4, "Expand historic preservation and education; update historic resource inventories; and expand preservation training."

Red Rose Rent Day Returns to Penn Township

The Red Rose Inn welcomed visitors for the first time in more than a decade on September 25, 2021 as Penn Township officially unveiled the historically important building. The township also revived Red Rose Rent Day — on the 290th anniversary that this interesting day began. This project allowed the township to ensure that a treasured part of their history would be preserved, as well as make improvements to the intersection at Route 796 and Baltimore Pike. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Objective B, "Protect historic town centers and villages for continued prominence in our future growth and sense of place."

The origin of the Inn dates back to the 1700s, when 5,000 acres was deeded to William Penn, III. The property was leased at a cost of one red rose per year. The deed specifically stating "his heirs and assigns forever pay one Red Rose, on the 24th day of June, if same be demanded." Thus how the name "Red Rose Inn" eventually came about.

Town Tours: Journeying to Freedom

During 2021, the annual Town Tours & Village Walks program focused on "Journeying to Freedom," addressing African American history. Seven programs were held online, live, or hybrid throughout the course of June through September. Subjects included William Still and the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, Quaker abolitionists & the Barnard House, the Parker Sister's, the Lewis Fussell story, and the 20th Century Civil Rights movement. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendations 2, "Expand historic interpretation and education," and 4, "Expand preservation training."

Juneteenth Celebrations

Multiple programs were held during the week of Juneteenth, which is June 19th, marking the first coordinated countywide Juneteenth celebration in Chester County. Some of the key participants were Voices Underground and the Chester County History Center. These events focused on efforts to better realize racial justice in Chester County from historic times up to the present day. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Objective D, "Preserve the stories of our cultural heritage and connect them to our residents and our future."

Kennett Heritage Center

Throughout 2020, planning and design was undertaken for the Kennett Heritage Center in Kennett Square Borough. The Center will encourage visitors to engage in the area's historic landscape through tours, special events, and an educational kiosk. The Center will include displays of the area's history from the 1700s to the 1900s. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 2, "Expand historic interpretation and education."

Chester County Historical Preservation Network Workshops

In February 2020, the Chester County Historical Preservation Network held the Preservation Leadership Luncheon, and in March they held their Spring Workshop. Presentations addressed demolition review issues, historic resource criteria standards, identifying historic architectural details, and defining historic resources. This training helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 4, "Expand preservation training."

Master Plan for Birmingham Hill

In May 2020, a town hall meeting was held regarding the master plan for the 113-acre Birmingham Hill preserve in Birmingham Township. The plan addresses historical interpretation for the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. Proposed improvements include trails, parking, a viewing terrace, and a commemorative monument. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 2, "Expand historic interpretation and education."

2020 Town Tours and Village Walks Virtual Summer Series

In September 2020, the Town Tours and Village Walks program celebrated its 26th year of providing tours to historic sites. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 season consisted of six "Live at Five" virtual events which focused on Phoenixville, Historic Sugartown, Hibernia Mansion, West Chester, Yellow Springs, and Kennett Square. This series helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 2, "Expand historic interpretation and education."

Brandywine Battlefield Interactive Map

In September 2020, the Chester County Archives and Records Services released an interactive online tool called the 1777 Chester County Property Atlas. This webpage lists who lived on certain properties in Chester County in September off 1777, which was when the Battle of Brandywine occurred along the Brandywine Creek. This mapping resource helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 6, "Enhance the historical record of the county."

Lincoln University Receives Grant for Historic Preservation

In April 2020, Lincoln University received a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service's African American Civil Rights Grant Program to renovate their "Amos House" and turn it into a historic Heritage Center. The Heritage Center will promote the preservation and continued study of Lincoln University's rich cultural heritage and legacy, and helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 2, "Expand historic interpretation and education."

The Rebranded Chester County History Center

In June 2020, the former Chester County Historical Society in West Chester rebranded itself as the Chester County History Center, while at the same time changing its core exhibits. The changes to the displays required that the exhibit space be closed, which happened to coincide with pandemic restrictions. When COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, the new Center facilities will open to the public. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 2, "Expand interpretation and education."

Planning tools for Historic Resources

During 2020, the Planning Commission posted historic resource related eTools on its municipal assistance web page. Guidance on municipal standards for the protection of historic buildings, structures, neighborhoods, and landscapes have been updated as well as guidance for municipalities to identify policies and measures to achieve cultural and historic resource preservation goals. These tools help to implement Landscapes3 Appreciate Recommendation 4, "Expand preservation training."

Town Tours and Village Walks Celebrates 25th Anniversary

In 2019, more than 2,000 people attended the 25th anniversary of the Town Tours & Village Walks program. These walking tours, held on summer evenings, wind through historic neighborhoods, hamlets, villages, and historic sites and districts. They help the county's historical commissions and societies to showcase local history, particularly new historical research. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Expand heritage tourism programs."

National Register Historic Resources Interactive Map

In 2019, the Planning Commission produced a web based interactive map listing all properties that are either listed, or eligible to be listed, on the National Register of Historic Places. The county ranks second in the state for the number of individually-listed properties and districts in the National Register for Historic Places. The map features approximately 635 properties. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Expand historic interpretation and education."

Municipal Historic Atlas Maps

In 2019, Municipal Historic Atlas maps were initiated by nine of Chester County's municipalities. These maps are compiled by municipal historical commission members and interested volunteers, to identify historic resources (buildings, structures, sites, and objects) that are at least 50 years old, as a starting point to follow the guidelines of the National Register of Historic Places. This initiative helps to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Update historic resource inventories."

Be Here Brewing in Avondale and the Historic Bull Tavern in Schuylkill Townsip

In 2019, there were two developments that typified adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Avondale's first brewpub, Be Here Brewing, opened in the restored National Bank of Avondale which was built in 1895. Also, the Valley Veterinary Hospital moved their practices to what was once the historic Bull Tavern (built in 1734) located in Schuylkill Township. These initiatives help to implement Landscapes3 recommendation, "Promote adaptive reuse and compatible development."