About the Chadds Ford Historical Society

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. As the mission and staff of the Society grew, a new Visitors Center was built in 1992 on part of the Chads House four acre property. In addition to maintaining all historic structures, the Society hosts several community events annually along with providing Living History education programs for youth and adults. Our Visitors Center hosts a Spring Lecture Series, Exhibits and provides a research library for the public.

Vision and Mission

Our Vision is to serve as the gateway between Chadds Ford’s past and present.  Through preservation, education and celebration, we work to bring Chadds Ford to life in a way that promotes our unique history, protects our natural beauty and sustains our community into the future.  

Through the support and generosity of our members, visitors and the community at large, we will deliver our Vision by:

• Preserving and broadening access to our properties and resources
• Interpreting, recording and cataloging Chadds Ford’s unique history
• Educating residents and visitors alike about Chadds Ford’s past and present
• Hosting community gatherings that promote and celebrate the spirit, beauty and history of Chadds Ford
• Collaborating with local organizations to prepare Chadds Ford for the future.

The Society has many ways for the community to join us in our mission. We wecome everyone to become a member and enjoy free admission to events along with discounted prices to select programs. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer, whether at our events or in the office. As we do not receive any government assistance, we rely in the generousity of the community. Corporate and individual sponsorships help us to carry out our mission while providing an important service to the community.