For 123 years, Delaware County Historical Society has been the steward of the county’s most priceless treasures and the legacy preserved because of the ties the artifacts hold.

For decades, the public has enjoyed samples of these treasures through our exhibits, such as the current one “A Glimpse of Delaware County’s History.”

There is a full array of artifacts in the collection, from authentic pre-historic tools to, an original official William Penn indenture bearing the William Penn seal, which indicated the closure of a land transfer; to a Benjamin West print from the 18th century.

An 1861 parade banner that was used by Abraham Lincoln as he campaigned through Delaware County’s town of Media is housed here, waiting for restoration. Its rarity lies in that it displays Lincoln without a beard, an image not often seen on propaganda.

There are plates from an elaborate banquet held for Gen. Marquis de Lafayette on his return to Chester after the victory of the American Revolution, a mortar ball from World War I, and a French stagecoach from the 1939 World Fair.

Visitors have also searched our stacks for yearbooks, genealogical information and family Bibles to reconstruct their personal histories not found anywhere else.

Through DCHS’s Passport to History® program, thousands of students have been exposed to the significant historical role Delaware County has played and hundreds of families have explored parts of the county they did not even know existed.

Over time, the community has come to truly appreciate Delaware County’s place throughout all the critical and vital parts of American history through the treasures Delaware County Historical Society has tirelessly collected, preserved and protected.

It is up to all of us in Delaware County and beyond to preserve our rich history. Be a friend by visiting www.padelcohistory.org or by sending a donation to DCHS, 408 Avenue of the States, Chester, PA 19013.

Everyone is welcome to visit the home of Delaware County Historical Society, located at 408 Avenue of the States in Chester. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Parking is free in lot behind the building or across the street in the city’s municipal lot.

For more information or ways to get involved or if you want to be a major donor or to give a bequest, please contact Laurie J. Grant at 610-359-0832.

The Lincoln banner is only one of many treasures preserved and maintained at Delaware County Historical Society.