The Museum

Museum Collections

More than 300 years of Chester County history come to life in the museum collection that contains over 60,000 objects. It is the most comprehensive resource for documenting and understanding the history and people of Chester County and the Delaware Valley. The breadth of this collection, from European settlement in the late 1600s to the present, has been assembled since 1893. Many of the objects were donated by area residents who sought their long-term preservation.

The objects document the diversity of the county and reflect the traditions of settlers to the area and their gradual assimilation into American society. Many of the earliest settlers were English Quakers, whose commitment to simplicity was often manifested in a distinctive plain style of dress well-represented in the extensive clothing and bonnet collection. Regional wainscot furniture from the early 1700s also reflects the English influence and line-and-berry inlay on drawers and document boxes reveal designs brought by the Welsh. There are also numerous examples of signed furniture by Chester County cabinetmakers and clockmakers through the 1800s.

Women of Chester County are evident through the quilts that they created, many from the 1800s, and in samplers and other needlework dating from as early as the late 1700s. In addition women's clothing and accessories beyond the Quaker community abound in a wide array of styles from early 1800s shortgowns and pockets to 1970s platform shoes.

There are many artifacts used by earlier generations to meet their daily needs. Agricultural equipment, medical and scientific tools, such as surveying compasses, an orrery by Aaron Willard, Jr., and Civil War medical kits are just a few examples. Signs and flags of all sorts advertised local businesses and showed patriotic fervor. Silver (flatware and hollowware) and pewter graced the tables of many local homes. Ceramics of both utilitarian and decorative function form one of the largest collections of nineteenth century redware made by Chester County potters. Ceramics also include Tucker porcelain made in Philadelphia from kaolin quarried in southern Chester County and Phoenixville majolica manufactured in the late 1800s. Many nineteenth century children's toys, games and dolls provide a view of childhood before X–box ^TM. Of special interest is the extensive collection of paper toys and dolls from Europe and the United States.

Paintings and works of art on paper are another important part of the Chester County story. The collection comprises images by local artists and of local subjects. Landscapes and portraits by Bass Otis of Philadelphia (1784 - 1861) are juxtaposed with works by renowned West Chester artist Horace Pippin (1888 - 1946). Fraktur, decorated birth and marriage certificates, are colorful evidence of the early German influence in the area and hundreds of silhouettes, many produced at the Peale Museum in Philadelphia, add a visual dimension to genealogical research.

Individual artifacts, placed in their historical contexts, represent aspects of the lives of earlier county residents. Collectively, these objects illustrate the tastes, means and occupations of a cross-section of the county's population throughout the past three centuries. This extensive and far-reaching collection provides vivid three-dimensional illustrations of the county's history and enables CCHS to fulfill its mission, to preserve and promote knowledge about Chester County history.

Special Projects

Chester County Quilt Documentation Project

In 2002 and 2003, the Chester County Historical Society conducted a quilt documentation project to preserve the county's quilted heritage in perpetuity. Members of the community brought quilts and quilted items to one of nine documentation days located throughout Chester County. Teams of more than 40 volunteers transcribed information about the maker and a physical description about the quilts. Items of any condition and level of completion were primarily made in Chester County by quilters who were born before 1930. This information is presently being turned into an electronic database. In addition, overall and detailed photographs were taken of each item.

If you have questions about this project, would like to access this archive or are interested in having your Chester County quilt documented, please contact museum@chestercohistorical.org. Owner confidentiality is assured.

The project was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. The Center for Material Culture Studies, University of Delaware, was a project partner.

Access to Collections and Photo Reproductions

Access to Museum Collections

The majority of the collection is available for research during regular business hours. If the items you are interested in studying are not on public view, you may make an appointment to see them. Please contact the curatorial department at 610-692-4800 or museum@chestercohistorical.org. We will provide an Access to Collections form that outlines our policies and fees. In order to make your visit as productive as possible, the form includes space for a description of what you are interested in seeing. Please be as specific as possible.

Photographs of Collections

Photography of objects in the museum collection is arranged by the curatorial staff. They can be reached at 610-692-4800 or museum@chestercohistorical.org for a photographic reproduction quote. Prices vary according to changes in vendor fees and whether or not new photography is required. Reproduction and publication request forms are available upon request.

FAQs

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• Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC) provides referrals based on the members listed in their directory. They are listed by geographic region and area of specialty. They can be reached on the internet by using the search term: American Institute for Conservation.
• Conservation On Line (CoOL) is a project of the Preservation Department of Stanford University Libraries. Their address is http://palimpsest.stanford.edu. In addition to information they provide, there are also links to other sites and information of interest to the general public.
• www.Art-Care.com is a source that provides referrals to conservators, appraisers and other art-related needs.

Q.

A.

• Check the telephone directory yellow pages or the internet for Appraisers or Auctioneers. If you have an object related to a specific region, try to find an appraiser in that area. Antiques dealers and local auctioneers may also be of assistance.
• There are several appraisal organizations that may provide assistance in locating an appraiser:
  
  • American Society of Appraisers
  • International Society of Appraisers
  • www.Art-Care.com
• If you want a general idea about the object's value, check Kovel's, Warman's or other guides to antiques and collectibles. These books can be found in public libraries and are published annually. Maine Antiques Digest is one of several internet resources. Be aware that information in any of these guides reflects specific pieces that may have condition, provenance or other factors that could differ from your item.

General Resources

If you are looking for more information. . .

• The Official Museum Directory (American Association of Museums) is available at public libraries. It lists museums by state and has a subject index. It is helpful for locating information about museums that specialize in subjects, areas of history, art or science, or if you are interested in finding out if, for example, an historical society exists in a specific geographic location.
• Maloney's Antiques and Collectibles Resource Directory is divided by subjects, such as Dolls or Civil War. Each subject includes contact information for dealers, museums and publications. This is especially helpful in directing your search to specialists for information about specific items.