What To Do: Get spicy at WC Chili Cookoff

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Now that crisp autumn weather has arrived, it’s a great time to enjoy outdoor events such fall festivals, historical celebrations, hayrides, wine festivals, mazes and scenic train rides. On October 8, West Chester will be the site of a special event to determine who can make “The Best Darn Chili in Chester County!” — the site of the West...

Hundreds gather at OUTFest to support the LGBTQIA+ community

Chester County History Center was filled with OUTFest Rally Attendees. WEST CHESTER — Hundreds of Chester County residents gathered Saturday at the Chester County History Center for a rally in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.  The event featured local elected officials, community leaders, and local advocates. The rally was held in response to the cancellation of a planned OUTFest street festival...

Everything you need to know about local Halloween events

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Chadds Ford Pumpkin Carve When October arrives each year, Halloween events are omnipresent. Some are kid-friendly, some are elaborate, and some are really scary. Some are one- or two-day events and some last as long as six or seven weeks. They come in all shapes and sizes — and they are everywhere. One of the most popular Halloween events in...

What To Do: Get outside for fun summer events

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Forget that we’re in the middle of a brutal heatwave. This is still the time of year to venture out and take advantage of the plethora of outdoor special events in the area. On August 13 from 6-8 p.m., the Chester County History Center (225 North High Street, West Chester, chestercohistorical.org) will present “Sick in the City: A Walking Tour...

What To Do: Fountains at Longwood, Willowdale Steeplechase and so much more for Mothers’ Day

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Longwood Gardens There are many annual events that are eagerly anticipated by visitors to Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, www.longwoodgardens.org) such as the Christmas display, the “Orchid Extravaganza” and the just-concluded “Spring Blooms.” But the one that attracts visitors more than any other is the annual “Festival of...

What To Do: May flowers bloom across the region

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Yellow Springs Art Show Spring weather seems to have really arrived now. That means it’s time for outdoor activities such as visiting horticultural sites, hiking, fishing, going to festivals and celebrating May Day and Arbor Day. The Yellow Springs Art Show got its start back in 1973 as a free event featuring a variety of artists displaying their...

County historical society gets $80K grant from state

WEST CHESTER — State Senator Andy Dinniman announced that the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) will receive $80,000 in state funding for facility and roofing repairs. “Chester County is home to a rich history dating back to the days of William Penn, and that history has been meticulously documented and preserved thanks to the efforts of so many patrons, supporters, staff members,...

Laurent selected as new Historical Society President

Elizabeth Laurent WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Historical Society has appointed Elizabeth M. Laurent to be its new president, effective July 25, 2016.  After a national search, her selection was unanimously approved by the board of Trustees in June, said Chairman George C. Zumbano, Esq. “We are delighted to have selected from a national field of candidates a history-museum leader with...

County Historical Society gets $400K grant from National Endowment for the Humanities

The Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) announced Tuesday that it had received an implementation grant of $400,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the upcoming exhibition Chester County: A Place in History. The grant program is extremely competitive. Of the 212 grants awarded nationally, CCHS was one of only ten to receive funding in the Museums, Libraries, and Cultural...

Chester County Historical Society mourns death of Lukens

Rob Lukens WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Historical Society announced Monday that its president, Rob Lukens, died Sunday, following a battle with cancer. The organization issued the following statement Monday morning: “It is with deep regret and a profound sadness that we inform you of the death of our President, Rob Lukens, PhD, August 1st, following a long fight with cancer.