Introduction From Our Outreach Associate

Everyone who was born and raised in Delaware County has the opportunity to be surrounded by history their entire life. From passing the Sandy Bank Burial Ground on their way into Media or walking past the Rose Tree Tavern while at the park, to admiring the houses in the Henry Albertson Subdivision. From one end of the county to the other, history is everywhere. The people of Delaware County can now better connect with this history through newly appointed, Outreach Associate, Paul Hewes, your gateway to DCHS.

It is an exciting time to be a part of such an important institution that serves our county. Our county’s history is not only important locally but is monumental to our nation’s history. DCHS is housed in Chester, the birthplace of Pennsylvania, the site of Penn’s Landing. This is where William Penn began his experiment for a new kind of society, one that collectivizes people from a wide variety of different cultures and backgrounds. An early precursor to what would formulate into American culture.

Next door to the historical society is the 1724 Chester Courthouse, the oldest continuously used courthouse in the United States. Within those walls ideals such being tried before a jury of your peers and other significant concepts of justice and equality were established. These would go on to have a resounding effect only fifty-two years later, when on July 8th, 1776, the bell of that courthouse rang to announce the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. The courthouse would serve as the county seat for the newly established Delaware County from 1790 to 1850, the first formative years of the United States.

As of this writing, the courthouse is undergoing a revitalization effort, to better preserve, protect and utilize the building. DCHS has been at the forefront of this effort, because we understand the importance of breathing life into this historically significant building. We hope that the resurrection of the courthouse can serve as a reflection of our role in this county. To better protect our shared history as residents of Delaware County, and the role this county played in our nation’s collective history.

As a new member of DCHS, the Outreach Associate looks forward to realizing our established mission statement from 1895. To collect, protect and preserve the history and culture of Delaware County and to promote history to our residents. We have an exciting opportunity ahead of us to better maintain and promote our collections to a whole new generation of Delaware County residents. The Outreach Associate is here to share our storied history with the people of Delaware County and to forging a new chapter for the next generation.