(Chadds Ford, PA) – The Chadds Ford Historical Society begins its summer schedule of historic 18^th century house tours on May 7.

House Tours of 18^th Century John Chads House and Barns-Brinton House

Tours led by guides dressed in colonial costume cover architectural features of the houses and life in 18^th century Chadds Ford.

Hours and Admission: Open weekends 1 to 5 p.m. The John Chads House will be open through September 25 and the Barns-Brinton House will be open through September 4. Both houses are open from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission $5 includes both houses, $2 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under.

Exhibit in the Barn: “Changing Times: Chadds Ford People & Places,” an exhibit of vintage photographs continues at the Historical Society. Free admission.

Location: The John Chads House is opposite the Chadds Ford Historical Society on Route 100, ¼ mile north of U.S. Route 1. The Barns-Brinton House is located on Route 1, two miles west of Route 100, next to the Chaddsford Winery.

 Historical Background 

The John Chads House: This simple stone dwelling (c.1725) and springhouse was built for John Chads, the ferryman who is Chadds Ford’s namesake. Small in size, the house is a great example of the Quaker simplicity and solid building skills. Don’t miss breadbaking in the beehive oven in the cellar kitchen!  In fair weather, visitors can walk along the scenic River Trail from the Brandywine River Museum to reach the Chads house. 

Barns-Brinton House:  This handsome brick building was used as a tavern in the early 1700s serving travelers on the road from Philadelphia to Baltimore.

EDITORS: For further information, call the Historical Society office at 610-388-7376, email us at info@chaddsfordhistory.org. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Digital photos or prints available upon request.

Recipes for foods baked in the beehive oven or cooked on the hearth are also available.