WEST CHESTER, PA
The Chester County Commissioners — Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe — introduced the eagerly awaited 2025 Town Tours & Village Walks initiative, scheduled to start on Thursday, June 12, in West Chester.
In its 31st year, the program embraces the theme “Untold Stories,” illuminating the lives of ordinary residents who have shaped Chester County’s extensive history. This initiative highlights individuals involved in the Underground Railroad, veterans from the Revolutionary War, local farmers, and teachers, aiming to forge connections between participants and the varied cultural legacy of the area.
The summer series consists of 10 publicly accessible events taking place between June 12 and August 21. No registration is needed; participants can simply go to the specified start points to take part in these activities.
2025 Town Tours and Village Walks Calendar:
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June 12
: The kickoff will be held at Church of the Holy Trinity in West Chester Borough. During these tours, you’ll hear stories about Marquis de Lafayette’s visits to West Chester, “Buffalo Bill,” illegal lily trading, the history of the Shadd family, and connections to “The Invisible Man,” along with many more intriguing narratives. -
June 19
Juneteenth celebrations across Chester County will take place throughout the holiday week (note that some events might require a fee). -
June 26
Lukens Executive Building, Coatesville. Commemorating 100 years of the Art Deco movement through distinctive narratives and prominent architectural features from the area. -
July 10
Warwick County Park, located within Warwick Township. An investigation into the park’s significance in the iron industry along with the recognition of less prominent historical individuals associated with it. -
July 26
: Lafayette Day, Thornbury Farm (Morning Session) and West Chester Borough (Evening Session). Features an early stroll up to Birmingham Hill followed by a Lafayette commemorative procession later in the day. -
July 31
Barnard Station, located within Pocopson Township, was central to 19th-century abolitionist activities aimed at abolishing slavery and fostering freedom and communal ideals. -
August 7
Take a self-directed driving tour around the Oxford area. Explore historical villages like Homeville, Russellville, and Hopewell, renowned for their rich farming traditions. -
August 14
Hopewell Furnace, located in Warwick Township. Uncover the stories of the often-overlooked workers and drovers who were crucial to the furnace’s achievements. -
August 21
Historic Yellow Springs, located in West Pikeland Township, stands out due to its use of springwater treatments for Revolutionary War soldiers and its link to Burt Bacharach’s work on “The Blob.”
“Untold Stories” offers a distinctive viewpoint on the region’s past, highlighting tales from both well-known and lesser-celebrated individuals who contributed to Chester County’s heritage.
To get more information about the 2025 Town Tours & Village Walks, please visit
www.chesco.org/towntours
.
The lineup this year promises an engaging journey through history for people of all ages who have an interest in the subject, providing profound understanding of the county’s heritage and encouraging interaction with significant cultural events.
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