Kennett Square-area residents will have a new way to celebrate Pride this month when the Brandywine Pride volunteer committee hosts its first Brandywine Pride Picnic on Saturday, May 30, at Anson B. Nixon Park.
The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is open to everyone, including LGBTQ community members, families, friends, neighbors, and allies. Organizers said the gathering is intended to give people a relaxed place to meet, connect, and celebrate the LGBTQ community in southern Chester County and northern Delaware.
Nicole Hilson, one of the Brandywine Pride volunteers, said she began thinking about the event in terms of what it could mean for her own family.
“I wanted him to have a place where he could see and meet other families like ours,” Hilson said of her son. “I wanted him to know that our family is part of a larger community.”
Planned activities include cornhole, frisbee, oversized board games, face painting, zine making, and relief printing on T-shirts. Representatives from local LGBTQ organizations will also attend. Guests who want to participate in the printing activity are encouraged to bring an old T-shirt. Live music will be provided by Frost & Fire, an acoustic duo featuring Amanda Mae Hall and Laura Leuter.
El Ranchero will sell tacos and other food from its pink truck, though families also may bring their own picnic. Organizers said guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for the music.
“For our first Brandywine Pride gathering, a picnic felt like the right place to begin,” said Daniel Embree, a Brandywine Pride volunteer and executive director of Kennett Collaborative. “There is a large and friendly community here, but we do not always have obvious places to gather. This picnic gives us a simple, joyful way to find one another.”
Organizers thanked Kennett Collaborative, the Chester County Community Foundation, the Theodore D. & Elizabeth A. Hadley Fund, and the CCCF Neil Joines Fund for supporting the event.
About Brandywine Pride
Brandywine Pride is an informal, volunteer-led community group working to create welcoming spaces for LGBTQ people, families, friends, and allies in southern Chester County and northern Delaware. Volunteers include local residents, LGBTQ community members and allies, and people connected to area nonprofits, small businesses, churches, and civic organizations.
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
Preserving Middletown’s Past, Inspiring Its Future: Historical Society Builds Community Through History
Volunteers, programs, and new initiatives are helping keep local stories alive for generations to come.
By John Riddle, Contributing Journalist, Delaware LIVE
In a fast-growing town like Middletown, Delaware, it can be easy for the past to fade into the background. The Middletown Historical Society is working to make sure that does not happen.
Founded in 1985, the Society was born out of a grassroots effort to save a historic structure known as Greenlawn. What began as a preservation campaign has grown into a long-standing community organization with a clear mission. Leaders say their goal is “to collect, preserve, educate, and encourage the development of Middletown’s history in order to foster historic awareness and pride in our community.”
Over the years, the Society has become a familiar presence in town. From popular house tours to engaging lectures, its programs bring local history to life in meaningful ways. One of its most beloved traditions is the annual Olde-Tyme Peach Festival, first launched in 1993, which continues to draw residents and visitors together to celebrate both history and community spirit.
At the heart of the organization’s success is a dedicated group of volunteers who make much of its work possible.
“Our volunteers are the backbone of our mission,” a Society representative shared. “Their enthusiasm and hard work help bring history to life and ensure our programs, events, and collections are managed with care and passion.”
Volunteers take on a wide range of responsibilities. Some help organize and staff events, while others assist with outreach, marketing, and social media efforts. Behind the scenes, volunteers also play a critical role in preserving historical artifacts and documents that tell the story of Middletown’s past.
That work is currently being strengthened through a partnership with students from the Winterthur Program in Material Culture. Esme Krohn and Fiona Owens are working to inventory and properly store clothing artifacts within the Society’s collection.
“Their efforts ensure that these valuable historical garments are preserved and properly documented,” the Society noted. “This makes them accessible for future research and exhibition.”
The impact of volunteer efforts extends well beyond individual projects. Their contributions help create engaging programs that connect residents with the people, places, and events that shaped the town.
“The creativity and dedication of our volunteers make our programs successful and engaging,” the Society added. “They draw the community into the stories that have shaped Middletown over the years.”
Looking ahead, the Middletown Historical Society is focused on growth and innovation. A new strategic plan outlines several key priorities designed to expand its reach and deepen community engagement.
Among those goals is increasing awareness through improved marketing, expanded volunteer recruitment, and a stronger membership program. Plans are also underway to enhance the organization’s digital presence by diversifying content across platforms like Facebook and Instagram and introducing an online membership portal.
Collaboration is another major focus. The Society is seeking partnerships with local organizations such as Volunteer Brewing Company, the Appoquinimink Library, and the Odessa Library to create new opportunities for programs, outreach, and community involvement.
There is also a renewed emphasis on public programming and education. Future plans include developing new exhibitions, launching a genealogy program, and creating traveling presentations that can be shared with schools, retirement communities, and 55-plus neighborhoods.
One upcoming initiative that has already generated excitement is a planned Underground Railroad exhibition, which aims to highlight an important chapter in the region’s history.
As Middletown continues to grow, the Historical Society remains committed to ensuring that its heritage remains a vital part of the community’s identity.
“We are deeply grateful for the time, effort, and dedication of our volunteers,” the Society said. “As we continue to grow and expand our programs, we welcome anyone with a passion for history to get involved. There is always a place for you here.”
For residents looking to connect with the past while helping shape the future, the Middletown Historical Society offers more than just a glimpse into history. It offers a chance to be part of it.
Delaware LIVE collaborates with a network of professional journalists to cover a diverse range of stories across various fields. Staff Writers include experienced journalists and young professionals. If you have questions, please feel free to contact editor@delawarelive.com or our publisher, George D. Rotsch at George@Delawarelive.com
An overview of the traffic plan submitted by Retail Sites. One access point is the driveway (above the red mark). Retail Sites has proposed a half signal allowing for only right-in, right out, but the Chadds Ford suggestion if for a full signal there, so that traffic exiting the site could go north or south.
Chadds Ford Township has provided a Highway Occupancy Permit comment letter regarding traffic changes suggested for the proposed shopping center at Route 202 and Ridge Road. The letter is to propose changes to the plan submitted by Retail Sites.
As has been reported, the proposed shopping center, The Shoppes at Concord, is controversial since the property itself is in Concord Township, but it abuts Chadds Ford Township. Retail Sites, the applicant, has been involved in zoning hearings in Concord, but there have been continuances since the last zoning hearing in January. Its next scheduled session is in July.
The letter Chadds Ford submitted is for comment only at this point and will not have any bearing on what happens unless the applicant agrees or unless PennDOT imposes the changes on the developer. Route 202 and Ridge Road are both state roadways and come under PennDOT purview.
Chadds Ford went to the firm of HRG, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic for its own traffic assessment. In a letter to PennDOT, Eric M. Kaufman, of HRG, wrote:
“Chadds Ford Township seeks to preserve Ridge Road’s function as a local roadway and is concerned that the extent and scale of the proposed improvements may encourage increased through‑traffic, fundamentally altering the roadway’s classification and operating character in a manner that is inconsistent with the roadway’s functional classification and accepted access management principles.”
Kaufman made a presentation to Chadds Ford supervisors during the board’s May 13 meeting. His remarks covered two areas: a proposed access point on Route 202 and an access point on Ridge Road, along with a change in the traffic pattern on that street.
The developer has proposed a partially signalized intersection on Route 202 just a few hundred feet south of Ridge Road, where the split on 202 ends. Retail Site’s plan also calls for Ridge Road to be widened with four eastbound lanes — one being a dedicated right turn lane, a straight through lane into Glen Eagle Square, and two left turn lanes.
Kaufman said the half signal toward the end of the split south of Ridge “would stop southbound to allow left turns to come into the site from 202. What we are requesting in our letter is that we make this a full signal to allow left turns to come out.”
He explained that the proposed half signal would only allow for a right turn out onto southbound Route 202.
“What we believe that [full signal] will do is negate the need to have one of these left turns coming out of Ridge…because half of the left turn movement would be coming out here [onto 202]. We feel that this will reduce the widening [on Ridge] by about 12 feet.”
That is one thing they want PennDOT to consider, instead of a right-in, right-out driveway.
During PennDOT talks with a previous developer that wanted to build a shopping center on the site, PennDOT rejected a left turn into the property from 202 because a traffic signal there would be too close to the signalized intersection at Ridge Road.
A view along Ridge Road. The proposal from Chadds Ford is the access point along Ridge, be right-in, right-out only. The driveway would also be moved farther west, toward the end of the property.
Another part of the proposal is to move the Ridge Road access driveway farther west, close to the end of the proposed center, but with no left turn allowed at that driveway intersection, it would be right-in, right-out only. In doing that, shoppers who want to head west on Ridge from the center would have to exit onto 202, make a left onto northbound 202, then make another left onto Ridge.
However, in doing so, the remaining left turn lane of eastbound Ridge could be lengthened.
Kaufman continued, saying, “The third thing we’re asking PennDOT to do is restrict the trucks from onto Ridge from 202…We’d like them to come from here [the Route 202 access point].”
Ridge already has signs for no trucks, but Kaufman said he’d like to see more signage “just to emphasize the point.”
Following Kaufman’s presentation, he fielded questions.
Township manager Lacey Faber asked Kaufman about the likelihood that PennDOT is going to say no to any type of access on Ridge Road.
Kaufman replied, saying, “I don’t think it’s possible that there will be no access on Ridge. I think there’s definitely going to be some access. I think our job is to limit that access as best we can.”
Karen Jiohnson, who lives in the Ridings, questioned the removal of one of the left turn lanes since traffic can back up heavily on a Sunday when St. Cornelius lets out from Mass.
Kaufman said they could have a special timing for the traffic light at Ridge and 202 that would extend the green time for that eastbound traffic on Ridge.
The conversation about having some access on Ridge, including questions from resident Hank Somer, made Supervisors’ Chairman Timotha Trigg comment, “I think the understanding is that PennDOT is going to require access from Ridge Road to some extent. Just saying no isn’t gonna work. They’ll just ignore that. We tried that. And that was a non-starter…If we just say no, then we just took our voice out of the conversation. [PennDOT] will ignore what we say.”
Toward the end of the presentation, Kaufman reiterated, “We’re just trying to offer up an alternative improvement plan that does not widen Ridge as much as is currently being shown.”
He added, “We are only able to write a letter to PennDOT requesting that they consider these things, because the fact of the matter is, Ridge and 202 are both state roads, so they own them.”
That said, another suggestion brought up by residents and township solicitor Mike Maddren is for a more robust traffic study to be done.
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
•Limited tickets are now on sale for the fifth annual Kennett Summerfest to be held on Sunday, June 14, from 2–6 p.m. on South Broad Street in the heart of downtown Kennett Square. Admission includes unlimited tastings from a lineup of carefully curated wineries plus artisan vendors, live music, hands-on art projects, and more. Regular admission is $65 plus a $1.95 fee. Get tickets here. This event is for persons over 21 years of age only. ID will be required for admittance.
•Mt. Cuba Center is holding a Botanical Bazaar Art Show & Festival on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stroll through the marketplace of local botanical artists and those inspired by nature while local musicians perform. Purchase local food truck fare, beer, and wine. No outside alcohol permitted. General admission tickets are $20 and available here.
An adults-only Fearless Improv show comes to the Wilmington Brew Works on Thursday, May 21.
•There’s an adults-only Fearless Improv show courtesy of City Theater Company at Wilmington Brew Works, 3129 Miller Road, Wilmington, on Thursday, May 21. Fearless creates fast-paced improv comedy with the help of the audience — no script, no safety net, no two shows ever the same. Doors open at 7:30 pm; the show runs approximately 70-90 minutes. Audiences are welcome to purchase concessions from WBW during the show. Advance tickets are $20 (plus fees); at-door tickets are $25. Get tickets here.
Tickets for this summer’s Fireworks & Fountains Shows at Longwood Gardens go on sale on June 3.
•Tickets go on sale on June 3 at 10 a.m. for Longwood Gardens 2026 Fireworks & Fountains Shows. The displays get started on July 2 at 9:15 p.m. with Great American Composers. Celebrate America 250 with jaw-dropping fireworks set to a dynamic soundscape of American music featuring iconic works that span classical brilliance, jazz innovation, and contemporary favorites from some of the nation’s most influential composers. Other nights are July 18, Aug. 8 and 22, and on Sept. 6 and 26.
A documentary, The Librians, comes to the Kennett Library on June 7. The film deals with book banning and First Amendment guarantees..
•The Kennett Library has announced a special screening of the acclaimed documentary The Librarians on June 7 at 2 p.m. Directed by Kim A. Snyder with executive producer Sarah Jessica Parker, this timely film spotlights the courageous librarians who stand as first responders in the fight for democracy and the protection of First Amendment rights. The Librarians takes viewers behind the scenes of high-stakes school board meetings and legislative showdowns, chronicling the experiences of those who refuse to be silenced by censorship efforts. The documentary reveals how librarians are on the frontlines, safeguarding intellectual freedom and confronting harassment and legal threats, demonstrating that access to ideas shapes the future of our communities. Tickets are $30, with all proceeds benefiting Kennett Library’s mission to strengthen communities, cultivate knowledge, and ignite imagination. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, please visit: https://app.betterunite.com/kennettlibrary-thelibrariansscreeningandpaneldiscussion
•Westtown Township is offering its residents a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card in the township’s Celebrate America photo contest. This is the fourth year for the contest, and this year is Celebrate America. The township wants to be shown in one image what America’s birthday means. What picture embodies this milestone? Photos may be taken anywhere in the USA. Capture a special moment on a family vacation, or over some hot dogs at a BBQ, or during a walk in a state park- the possibilities are endless. The submission window runs through Aug. 31. Winners will be announced on Oct. 4, Westtown Township Day. Please see the full contest details here.
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
