Learn about the latest from Delaware County Historical Society!

Planning for DCHS' Future

It's been a busy winter at Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS)! Our staff continues to undergo an inventory and vetting of its entire collection, which dates back to the organization's founding in 1895. This standard practice ensures that all items are accounted for, in a stable preservation state, and accurately reflect Delaware County history.

As many of you are aware, in August last year, the DCHS board voted unanimously to sell the current building that the organization occupies in Chester, due to insurmountable costs of maintaining the building and unsafe conditions. DCHS is actively in the process of seeking a new location, with support from the County, that is better suited and more centrally located to provide improved access to the collection.

DCHS is nearly 75% of the way through the collection and is preparing items for the eventual move. Experts in library and archival sciences have been consulted through the process to ensure that everything is done by the highest of standards. The goal is to protect these rare items and make them more easily accessible to the public.

Incredible historical finds have come to light in the process of conducting the inventory. For example, rediscovered within our collection includes an issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette published in December 1763 by Benjamin Franklin, and John Broomall’s book of Latin Syntax, published in 1819.

This year will be a significant period of change for DCHS, as we move to a new location and focus on the organization's future as a hub for local historical preservation, research and education. A primary goal in the future is to improve accessibility through digitization of our collection. DCHS plans to maintain rotating artifact displays and develop programming and events in the near future.

Thank you to all of our supporters who are bringing DCHS into a new era and protecting our legacy. Together, we are looking forward to a bright future for Delco history.

Please consider making a donation towards our work! Visit padelcohistory.org for more information or click the link below.

- Paul Hewes, Interim Director -

DCHS is still open by appointment! Those who wish to visit or conduct research can email research@padelcohistory.org or call 610-359-0832 to schedule an appointment.

Unique Discoveries in the DCHS Library

DCHS houses a comprehensive collection of books relating to the history and culture of Delaware County. With books going back to the 1800s, the bookshelves have a limited chromatic look, which is why upon scanning a particular shelf, a book with a shiny cover entitled, “Jack’s life: A Biography of Jack Nicholson,” caught my eye. My immediate impression was that it must be there by mistake. What could this book on the famous actor have to do with Delaware County history?

Upon opening the cover, 3 small sticky notes answered my question. It appears that work done by Helen Imburgia, Delaware County genealogist and historian, revealed that Jack Nicholson’s grandmother, Ethel Mae Rhoads, was born and raised in Chester, PA - 720 Upland Street to be exact. Ethel May married John Nicholson in 1912 and raised a family that included Jack's mother June.

Another book in the DCHS collection details the genealogy of the Wilkinson and Rhoads families and shows the marriage of Ethel Mae Rhoads and John Nicholson in Neptune, NJ, where Jack grew up - another little piece of Delaware County history. As they say, never judge a book by its cover.

- Christine Gaydos, Research Manager -

Celebrating Black History Month

DCHS continues to make our collections more inclusive by strengthening partnerships with community leaders to share resources on Black history in Delaware County.

One of the local leaders in Black history preservation is Twyla Simpkins of the YES Center in Chester, PA. Her newly launched website in honor of Ruth Bennett's legacy covers the importance of knowing history for current social justice efforts.

Ruth Bennett's lasting achievement was the founding of the Ruth L. Bennett “Home for Colored Women & Girls” in 1917, which provided accommodations and safety for newly arrived Black women and children in Chester. The site will officially launch on Friday, February 24, which marks the 76th anniversary of her death.

Learn more about Ruth Bennett's legacy, and explore other videos on Black history in Delaware County at the link below!

DELCO A TO Z

Discover Delaware County history through the alphabet! Check out our social campaign Delco A to Z on Facebook, Instagram or at padelcohistory.org.

Coming Up in March

 On March 10, DCHS will also attend the America 250 at Penn: Local Archive and the Semi-quincentennial, where we will meet and discuss with other local archives about the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

On March 13, DCHS will participate in a repatriation ceremony at the Museum of the American Revolution. We have been informed that several guns which were stolen from the collection in the 1970’s will be returned. DCHS will be one of 19 different institutions participating in this ceremony. We're certainly happy to have these items returned and will plan a future display.

PROTECT THE FUTURE OF DELCO HISTORY!

Special thanks to all our donors, volunteers and supporters!

The future of our mission relies on the support of our neighbors, friends and businesses - and all those who recognize the importance of preserving

the unique cultural heritage of Delaware County, Pennsylvania.