What We Have
Looking for a place to acquaint friends or yourself to Chester County? Explore our galleries filled with outstanding examples from our 70,000 strong, nationally recognized 18th and 19th century decorative arts collections. Learn about Chester County’s past and gain insights into our world today by experiencing our permanent and changing exhibits. Our seven galleries tell the story of daily life and work in our region from the 1600’s to the present.
Always on view in our Signature Exhibits:
Introductory Gallery: Chester County, a View of the Past
This gallery offers a glimpse into the history of the people who settled this region. It interprets the customs, traditions and some of the remarkable natural resources that shaped their lives. Learn about a few early residents including Rebecca Pennock Lukens, the first woman ironmaster who operated the forge that eventually became Lukens Steel, and noted African-American writer Langston Hughes, a graduate of Chester County’s Lincoln University. Notice the dramatic hand-forged, banner “Protect Home Industry" made in Charlestown Township for Henry Clay supporters during the 1844 presidential campaign. Find out about Chester County’s quickly disappearing agricultural past.
Decorative Arts Gallery: Chester County Craftsmanship
The decorative arts gallery features distinctive regional furniture made in Chester County from its European settlement in the 1680s to the 1820s. The alcoves, uniquely defined with architectural woodwork from several area houses, hold the country’s finest examples of spice boxes, desks and wainscot chairs. The alcoves also highlight furniture decorated with the regionally unique line and berry inlay attributed to the Welsh artisans who settled here in the 1700s. Outstanding tallcase clocks made in the county are a particular attraction for anyone intrigued by technology and local craft traditions.
Looking for a place to acquaint friends or yourself to Chester County? Explore our galleries filled with outstanding examples from our 70,000 strong, nationally recognized 18th and 19th century decorative arts collections. Learn about Chester County’s past and gain insights into our world today by experiencing our permanent and changing exhibits. Our seven galleries tell the story of daily life and work in our region from the 1600’s to the present.
Always on view in our Signature Exhibits:
Introductory Gallery: Chester County, a View of the Past
This gallery offers a glimpse into the history of the people who settled this region. It interprets the customs, traditions and some of the remarkable natural resources that shaped their lives. Learn about a few early residents including Rebecca Pennock Lukens, the first woman ironmaster who operated the forge that eventually became Lukens Steel, and noted African-American writer Langston Hughes, a graduate of Chester County’s Lincoln University. Notice the dramatic hand-forged, banner “Protect Home Industry" made in Charlestown Township for Henry Clay supporters during the 1844 presidential campaign. Find out about Chester County’s quickly disappearing agricultural past.
Decorative Arts Gallery: Chester County Craftsmanship
The decorative arts gallery features distinctive regional furniture made in Chester County from its European settlement in the 1680s to the 1820s. The alcoves, uniquely defined with architectural woodwork from several area houses, hold the country’s finest examples of spice boxes, desks and wainscot chairs. The alcoves also highlight furniture decorated with the regionally unique line and berry inlay attributed to the Welsh artisans who settled here in the 1700s. Outstanding tallcase clocks made in the county are a particular attraction for anyone intrigued by technology and local craft traditions.
