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# Chadds Ford Historical Society

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Pages
- [Annual Appeal](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/annual-appeal/): Dear CFHS Friend,
- [Great Pumpkin Carve Artisans](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/great-pumpkin-carve-artisans/): Pennsylvania Distilling Companywww.penndistilling.com
- [Videos and Media Coverage](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/videos-and-media-coverage/): Videos and Media Coverage CALL NOW https://youtu.be/2XBLc75lFt8https://youtu.be/h1ocbJ7t3nohttps://youtu.be/7trjMrnugtchttps://youtu.be/6oArG8jLw0w
- [History of the Great Pumpkin Carve](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/history-of-the-great-pumpkin-carve/): Each year at the Great Pumpkin Carve, over 70 carvers gather to sculpt, saw and chisel giant pumpkins – some weighing up to 400 pounds – before crowds of enthusiastic onlookers. This unique Chadds Ford tradition began in the early 1970’s when Andrew Wyeth and his son, Jamie, were convinced to carve pumpkins for decorating the inside of the Chadds Ford Inn (today Brandywine Prime). Other Chadds Ford artists joined in the carving and, within a few years, the event spread from the Inn’s front porch all the way across the lawn of the Chadds Ford Gallery. As the Pumpkin Carve grew it moved to larger and larger venues, finally landing in the meadow behind the Chadds Ford Historical Society in 1992.
- [Great Pumpkin Carve Volunteers](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/great-pumpkin-carve-volunteers/): Our volunteers help to make the event as successful as it is and we couldn't do without them!  Sign up to help out and get in for free the day of your volunteer shift!
- [Raffle Donations](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/great-pumpkin-carve-raffle-donations/): Each year, the Great Pumpkin Carve features a variety of raffle items donated by the community. These might be baskets of goodies, coupons for services or restaurants, crafts / works of art or tickets to sports events. Thousands of visitors check out the prizes and take a chance to win their favorite choice(s). Its a great way for businesses to promote their product or service along with helping support the historical society. If you are interested in donating to the raffle, click the link below to download the donation form which contains instructions. Thank you!
- [Sponsorship Opportunities](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/great-pumpkin-carve-sponsorship-opportunities/): The Great Pumpkin Carve offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals. If you are a business looking for ways to enhance your public image and increase visibility in the community then this well attended and highly popular event is right for you. If you are an individual who likes to take part in this annual tradition, then sponsoring a pumpkin is a fun way to share the joy of Halloween.
- [Pumpkin Carver Registration](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/great-pumpkin-carve-carver-application/): Every year, 70+ carvers participate in our popular community event, The Great Pumpkin Carve! Carvers are registered on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to submit your form as soon as possible.
- [About the Pumpkins](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/great-pumpkin-carve-about-the-pumpkins/): When the Great Pumpkin Carve started in front of the old Chadds Ford Inn, the native pumpkins were provided by SIW Vegetables, a historical farm located right here in Chadds Ford. They weighed between 150 and 400 pounds. Most of them were of the variety “Prize-Winner,” a drought resistant pumpkin that tends to be bright orange. There were also a few “Atlantic Giants” which tend to be paler and sometimes a less regular shape.  In 2025, SIW Vegetables decided to retire from the farming business, so we had to venture into Lancaster County to find a farmer who started growing the pumpkins for the event in 2024.
- [Music](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/great-pumpkin-carve-music/): 2pm – 5:30pm "The Wayne Rangers" (Blue Grass)
- [Food & Beverages](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/great-pumpkin-carve-food-beverages/): Variety 
- [Chadds Ford Days History and Photos](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/battle-at-chadds-ford-history-and-photos/): In the late 1950s, local residents banded together to try and stop the installation of high-powered electric lines and towers along the Brandywine. They lost, but received a minor concession in that the towers would be painted green. The failed protest did bring the community together, neighbor meeting neighbor, resulting in the decision to organize a community day. The fair included people dressed in period costumes, a parade down Station Way Road led by village historian Chris Sanderson, an art exhibit (with original works by Andrew Wyeth, John McCoy and Peter Hurd) and a luncheon at the Chadds Ford Hotel. This would become our first Chadds Ford Day in 1958.
- [Sponsorship Opportunities](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/battle-at-chadds-ford-sponsorship-opportunities/): We'd like to invite both individuals and businesses to become a sponsor of this long-standing community tradition! This historic/educational event was so well received by the public in September 2021, its first year in the making, that we are continuing in that tradition. There are a variety of sponsorship levels to fit any budget. Whether you're a local business looking to connect to the community or a family who wants to support this annual tradition, we have many levels for which you can support the event.   
- [Volunteer](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/battle-at-chadds-ford-volunteer-opportunities/): We are always in need of VOLUNTEERS and would love for you to join us for this two-day event to celebrate Chadds Ford History.  Thank You!
- [Music](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/battle-at-chadds-ford-music/): You probably know Kenny Thompson from at least one of his countless gigs: with David Bromberg’s superb original 4W5 Sessions, The Benders with Steve Black and Marc Moss, Marlboro Music Fest finalists Cross Fork, on the Media Blues and Roots Rambles schedules, encouraging players of all levels at his open stages, or sitting in with Sin City and other local favorites throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware during the past three decades. He is a masterful pianist, guitarist, singer and occasional songwriter whose strength is Americana and Country-tinged Blues.
- [Food & Beverages](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/battle-at-chadds-ford-food-beverages/): Comming Soon!
- [Reenactors, Demonstrators & Regiments](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/battle-at-chadds-ford-reenactors-demonstrators-regiments/): For Reenactors, Demonstrators, and Regiments wishing to be a part of this outdoor event, please see the attachments below:
- [Battle at Chadds Ford Application for Authors & Artisans](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/battle-at-chadds-ford-authors-artisans/): For Authors and Artisans wishing to be a part of this outdoor event, please see the appropriate form below:
- [Schedule of Activities on the Main Field](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/battle-at-chadds-ford-schedule-of-activities-sights-to-see/): 10:00am: Event Begins – Artillery Firing11:30am: Battle12:30pm: Continental Line Drill1:00pm: 1 st DE Childrens Drill1:30pm: Artillery Drill2:30pm: Crown Forces Drill3:30pm: Battle
- [John Chads House](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/our-houses/john-chads-house/): John Chads, heir to his father’s 500-acre plantation along the Brandywine, commissioned John Wyeth, Jr. (no relation to the Wyeth family of artists) to build a house on the banks of the creek. The two men probably stayed in the Springhouse and slept in its loft while the house on the hill was being built. The style and appointments of the house, as we know it today suggest moderate wealth. Its simplicity reflects Chads’ Quaker heritage.
- [Barns-Brinton House](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/our-houses/barns-brinton-house/): If you have driven past the Barns-Brinton House recently, you may have noticed the rapidly deteriorating condition of the roof. To ensure the building’s long-term preservation, replacement of the roof and pent roofs is urgently needed.
- [Internships](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/internships/): Throughout the year we offer various types of internships. While we may offer specific internships at times, we also can develop student-specific internships or projects to meet their interests and goals. Professional and academic development is important to us and we would like to help influence our future professionals by providing real, hands-on and useful experience.
- [Volunteer](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/volunteer/): The Society's mission is to preserve and interpret the history of the Chadds Ford area, provide quality education, and serve our community. Help us meet those needs while volunteering with us!
- [Donations](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/donations/)
- [Support](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/support/)
- [Adult Bread Baking Classes](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/adult-bread-baking-classes/)
- [Adult Programs & Group Tours](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/education/adult-programs-group-tours/): Schedule house tours or special workshop opportunities for your adult group today!
- [School and Youth Programs](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/education/school-and-youth-programs/): Join us at the Chadds Ford Historical Society for an 18th century day of exploration and fun! We offer several curriculum-based school field trip programs for K-6th grade students.
- [Youth Summer Camps](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/education/youth-summer-camps/): Now offering four weeks!
- [EDUCATION](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/education/)
- [Attractions](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/attractions/)
- [Useful Links](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/useful-links/)
- [Collections](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/collections/)
- [Oral History & Videos](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/oral-history-videos/)
- [Brandywine Battlefield Task Force](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/brandywine-battlefield-task-force/): The Brandywine Battlefield National Historic Landmark was dedicated on January 20, 1961. Today, it is part of the municipalities of Birmingham, Kennett, Pennsbury, Thornbury, and Westtown, Chester County, and Chadds Ford Township, Delaware County. The Brandywine Battlefield Task Force (BBTF) was formed in 1993 as a volunteer group of municipal, state, and federal representatives along with non-profit institutions.
- [Battle of Brandywine](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/battle-of-brandywine/): The Battle of Brandywine occurred on September 11, 1777 between Continental (American) forces under General George Washington and Crown (British) forces under General William Howe. The battle occurred in and around Chadds Ford, and lasted 11 hours - longer than any other battle during the American War for Independence (AWI). It also involved more troops than any other Revolutionary War battle with around 29,000 soldiers involved. 
- [History](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/history/): The land around Chadds Ford was inhabited by the Lenni Lenape Indians centuries before the Europeans arrived. In 1638, the first European explorers, the Swedes, discovered the Brandywine and by 1700, English Quakers made up most of the population in the area.
- [Private Rentals & Professional Photography Use](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/private-rentals-professional-photography-use/): The Meeting Room at the Barn Visitors Center is available for rental to the public for individual, business or organizational use. The room  is 23 feet by 32 feet and can be configured for your needs.  Parking is available in the rear of the building for your guests.
- [Exhibit](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/exhibit/): We are excited to present a new exhibit beginning April 5, 2019 and available through the end of the year.  Using a blend of artifacts and photos, learn the story of two popular attractions in the Chadds Ford area which closed in the 1980s. There will be an Exhibit Opening Reception on April 5th from 6pm - 8pm. The reception and exhibit are free to the public. 
- [House Tours](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/house-tours/): $40 for a private tour, 1 house up to 4 people(The John Chads House & Springhouse are shown together)
- [Our Houses](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/our-houses/): The Chadds Ford Historical Society Barn Visitors Center is the headquarters of the Historical Society. Erected in 1991, the building was designed to look like an 18th century Pennsylvania bank barn. The structure is built on the footprint of William Hoffman's dairy barn. In keeping with the c. 1725 John Chads House and Springhouse, the building's facade is local fieldstone and frame. The barn-like structure was designed by John Milner Architects, Inc., a nationally known historic preservation architectural firm located in Chadds Ford. It was John Milner who, early in his career, directed the restoration and preservation of both the John Chads House and the Barns-Brinton House.
- [Visit Us](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/visit-us/): The Barn Visitors Center is the home of the Chadds Ford Historical Society. The facility houses our staff offices, meeting room, museum store and public exhibits. Please stop by during normal business hours and we will be happy to help. You can also make an appointment to utilize our research library or rent our meeting room. For appointments, please call 610-388-7376 or email info@chaddsfordhistory.org.  
- [Annual Meeting](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/annual-meeting/): Current CFHS Members are invited to join us at the Annual Meeting of the Chadds Ford Historical Society. We'll review the Society's 2025 financials, plans for the 2025 year and go over proposed changes to the current ByLaws. Presentation given by Bruce Mowday titled "Lafayette Returns to Brandywine, 1825."  Event Details
- [Employment & Internships](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/employment-internships/): Please submit a resume, cover letter (include your interested area) and three references to our Education Manager at education@chaddsfordhistory.org.
- [Our History](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/our-history/): The formation of the Chadds Ford Historical Society in 1968 could not have been accomplished without the driving force of Virginia Peters Morgan, affectionately called "Pete.” A newcomer to Chadds Ford in the 1950’s, she quickly became an integral member of the village. She attended the first Chadds Ford Days in 1958, which started as a way to get the neighbors together in order to get to know one another better while sharing their interests in preserving the beauty and history of the countryside. Pete described the event this way: “The neighbors came in period dress. Chris Sanderson, as Town Crier, led them in a parade. They sang. They enjoyed the local country store and the local houses on back country roads readied for their visits with colonial decor. Howard Pyle and Wyeth family art was exhibited.” Chadds Ford Days later became a yearly event, held on the date nearest to the anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine, one of the key military engagements of the American Revolution.
- [Our Mission](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/our-mission/): To preserve the properties, records, and artifacts; to interpret the history; to educate the public concerning the way of life in the Chadds Ford area with emphasis on the eighteenth century.
- [Board of Directors and Staff](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/board-of-directors-and-staff/): Randell Spackman President, email: president@chaddsfordhistory.org  (Historical 106 reviews & Letteres of Recommendation)
- [Sponsorships](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/sponsorships/): Thank you for considering CFHS' Sponsorship Opportunities!   Sponsorships with Chadds Ford Historical Society are a great way to gain brand exposure and community awareness.  With levels for every budget. Our 2025 sponsorship opportunites are listed below and we hope to see you at one of our events
- [Membership](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/membership/): In addition to supporting the Society, members receive a variety of benefits including free admission to Battle at Chadds Ford (Historic Chadds Ford Days) and the Great Pumpkin Carve. Members can get discounts on select programs and museum store purchases. View our member levels and benefits below to decide which level is right for you.
- [Events/Programs](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/events-programs/)
- [About Us](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/about-us/): The Chadds Ford Historical Society is a non-profit 501c3 community-based organization. We own and preserve three pre-Revolutionary buildings which are open to the public as house museums. The Society was founded in 1968 as part of an effort to save the dilapidated John Chads House (c.1725) which had come up for sale and was rumored to be destroyed. For $25,000, the Society purchased the house and four acres of land. As the Chads House was being restored, the abandoned Barns-Brinton House (1714) came available and the Society purchased this property too. Money was raised for renovations.
- [Chadds Ford Historical Society](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/): Chadds Ford Historical Society – 2026 Evening Programs

## Venues
- [February 6, March 6, April 3](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/venue/february-6-march-6-april-3/)
- [June 16-20, July 14-18, August 4-8 (9am-3pm)](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/venue/june-16-20-july-14-18-august-4-8-9am-3pm/)
- [October 16(2-9pm) , October 17(2-10pm) , October 18(12-10pm)](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/venue/october-162-9pm-october-172-10pm-october-1812-10pm/)
- [September 13 (10am–5pm) Tavern Night in the Grove: 6pm-9pm, September 14 (10am-4pm)](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/venue/september-13-10am-5pm-september-14-10am-4pm/)
- [September 13 (10am–5pm) , September 14(10am-4pm)](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/venue/september-13-10am-5pm-september-1410am-4pm/)
- [Barn Visitors Center](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/venue/barn-visitors-center/)
- [1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/venue/1736-creek-road-chadds-ford-pa-19317/)
- [Chadds Ford Historical Society](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/venue/chadds-ford-historical-society/)

## Events
- [Battle at Chadds Ford ~ Historic Chadds Ford Days Saturday, September 19, 2026](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/events-programs/battle-at-chadds-ford/): Battle at Chadds Ford: 10am – 5pm
- [The Great Pumpkin Carve 2026 | October 15-17, 2026](https://chaddsfordhistory.org/events-programs/great-pumpkin-carve/): Join us for a three day ‘Chadds Ford tradition’ where over 70 giant pumpkins are carved & lit by local artists on Thursday night and will be lit and displayed on Friday & Saturday. All three nights enjoy a 'Haunted Display', raffle prizes and live music from “Kenny Thompson & Friends”.  Food, local craft beer and wine are available for purchase.