Spring Lecture Series 2026

Tom Thurber – Reenactor/History Teacher/Marine Corps Gunnery Sargent

The History of Grog

Join us for the evening with historian Tom Thurber as he explores the fascinating history of Grog, and its relationship with George Washington.

Samples will also be provided!

Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling groggy? Did you ever stop to think where that word, groggy, came from? And . . . what does groggy, or grog, have to do with George Washington? As with most “sea stories”, there is a good yarn to be told here.

So, come one, come all and learn the history of grog at the Chadds Ford Historical Society presented by Tom Thurber, the Grog Master. The Master will also ensure you will get your proper ration of grog that evening.

Tom Thurber is a retired schoolteacher from New Jersey. He taught U.S. History for twenty-five years at Camden County Technical Schools, Pennsauken Campus. Tom earned his history degree and teacher’s certificate from Glassboro State College, now Rowan University in New Jersey. He is also a retired Gunnery Sergeant from the United States Marine Corps.

Tom has been a Revolutionary War reenactor since 1988. His specialty in the Rev War community is the naval aspect of the conflict. His unit is Lt. Trevett’s Co. of Marines, which served during that conflict. He is well read in all aspects of Continental Navy and Marines histories during the American Revolution.

March 5, 2026           7:00 pm

Mary Warner DeNadai, FAIA-Nationally recognized Architect

Architecture 101

Have you ever thought of what differentiates good architecture from all the rest? Together we will consider the characteristics of buildings that are helpful in evaluating the quality of their design and construction. Welcome to “Architecture 101!

Mary Werner DeNadai, FAIA is a nationally recognized architect with more than 50 years experience, 45 of which have been in association with John D. Milner, FAIA. Mary has focused her architectural career on the field of Historic preservation at the local, state, national and international levels.

Ms. DeNadai’s organizational and leadership skills have also enhanced her contributions to non-profit and quasi-public organizations where she has been a visible steward. She has chaired the boards of Preservation Pennsylvania, The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, The Historic Preservation Board of The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and is a Trustee Emerita of The National Trust for Historic Preservation.

April 2, 2026          7:00 pm 

Rob King – Owner of Chadds Ford Tree

What’s under your canopy? Tree talks from roots to crown

Have you ever wondered how forests are re-established?  Join us as Rob King of Chadds Ford Tree Service discusses forest succession and tree physiology.  Rob will also discuss our historic specimens, such the London Grove and Dilworthtown Oaks.

Chadds Ford Tree Service Founder Robert King grew up in Chadds Ford, just a stone’s throw from where the family home and business are located off Route 1 near Brandywine Battlefield Park. Rob found his calling as a young scout earning the Forestry Merit Badge in Boy Scouts.  His first job as a teenager was cleaning out trees that were blown down during storms and recycling them into firewood. Rob’s love of the area and its rich forests led to his enrolling in Penn State’s forestry program. Upon graduation, and after working for the Natural Lands Trust, Rob founded Chadds Ford Tree Service in 1979.

Lecture Hours:

7pm – 8:30pm

Location:

Barn Visitor Center

1736 Creek Road

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Admission:

Admission is $10 per person at the door, members are free.

Parking and Entry:

The Visitors Center parking lot is located behind the building.

Visitors shall follow the handicap ramp located on the left to the front door entry facing Creek Road.