Community Calendar

Share the joy of reading while cultivating children’s interest in and appreciation for nature. Kids ages 3–6 sit among the Story Stones to hear nature-based stories.
Included with admission. Free for children under 2. Members free. Story Time starts promptly at scheduled time and takes place the first and third Thursdays of the month, April–October.

June 1—The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

June 15—Zora’s Zucchini by Katherine Pryor

Art Stroll Kennett Square

https://historickennettsquare.com/

Art Loop Wilmington

http://artloopwilmington.org/

First Friday West Chester

http://www.downtownwestchester.com/view_program.php?id=468

8th Annual Inspirational Breakfast

Inspirational Breakfast

Brace yourselves for the ultimate celebration of beer, music, and good vibes as Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company (Neshaminy Creek) gears up to unleash an unforgettable 11th Anniversary Party at its Croydon Brewery & Taproom on Saturday, June 10, featuring live music, a beer release, food trucks, local artisan vendors, and loads of dog and family-friendly activities.

The Creek brewing team will commemorate more than a decade of creativity with a new double dry-hopped, hazy DIPA that goes beyond the pale, Cosmic Bull Shark. In addition to stalwarts like Simcoe and Nelson Sauvin, this 8.5% ABV beast is brewed with Phantasm, a powder compound derived from New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are rich in thiol precursors known for their extraordinary aromas of citrus, guava, and passionfruit. Cosmic Punch Ale yeast was specifically selected for enhancing those thiols and boosting the beer’s vibrant tropical flavors and bouquet. All of that combined creates a beer that is so dank and fruity, it might as well be from another planet. Following the release on June 10, Cosmic Bull Shark will be available at all three Neshaminy Creek taprooms with limited distribution throughout PA, NJ, and MD to follow.

Pairing great beer with music and entertainment, the anniversary party’s live music lineup features some of the brewery’s favorite bands, including Tigers Jaw, A Wilhelm Scream, The Homeless Gospel Choir, and Town Liar. In addition, several food trucks will be on-site to satisfy hungry appetites, including the brand-new Federal Donuts food truck, El Sabor Del Bajio, Lobster Rolls & More, Clean Plate Club, and Mr. Big Stuff Cookies, plus local vendors, including Yardley Tattoo, Fuzzrocious Pedals, Mermaid Spirits, Inspiring Synergy Jewelry, Dad’s Cartoons and Tapes from the Crypt as well as glitter tattoos, a kid’s corner with games and activities and photo booth.

Explore the estate on a leisurely guided stroll guided by one of our expert staff, who will share information about Winterthur’s history, garden design, and plants. Linger at a scenic tailgate spot for hors d’oeuvres along with a selection of hard and soft beverages. Registration required. $35; $30 for Members.

Register now.

Join us for a Walk Through Winterthur’s Waterways Tailgate Tour, August 10

Share the joy of reading while cultivating children’s interest in and appreciation for nature. Kids ages 3–6 sit among the Story Stones to hear nature-based stories.
Included with admission. Free for children under 2. Members free. Story Time starts promptly at scheduled time and takes place the first and third Thursdays of the month, April–October.

June 1—The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

June 15—Zora’s Zucchini by Katherine Pryor

Help support healthy waterways in our community with the “Race for the Watershed: 5K Trail Run & Duck Race,” taking place on Saturday, June 17^th at Newlin Grist Mill.

Held in partnership with Concord Township, this new event will be a fundraiser to raise money for restoring and preserving the watershed in the park. Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward the purchase and installation of water quality monitoring equipment along the waterways that run through Newlin Grist Mill.

The day will kick off at 8:30am with a 5K race on the trails, followed by duck races in the creek from 10am to 2pm. Hand-forged medals will be awarded to the top three finishers, and top finishers in each age group will receive gift cards for local businesses. Prizes for Duck Race will be cash prizes of up to $100 per heat, with the top finishers of each heat being entering into the championship heat with a first place prize of $1000.

In addition, there will be a balloon artist, face painting, and themed games for kids throughout the day. Local organizations, including Stroud Water Research Center, the DEP, Delaware County Conservation District, Bike Delco, Watershed Stewards, the EPA, and Wild Birds Unlimited (Glen Mills), will have displays and activities. Food and beverage vendors will also be onsite – visitors can purchase from Mr. Softee, Deer Creek Malthouse, Fast Eddie’s, Penn’s Woods Winery, Nick’s Roast Beef, and The Cow & the Curd.

There is a $35 per runner entry fee for the 5K (includes a race t-shirt). Racing ducks can be purchased for $20 per duck or $50 for 3 duck. Each purchase includes entry into 3 heats per duck. Register for the 5K at https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/GlenMills/RacefortheWatershed. Purchase ducks and additional t-shirts at https://newlingristmill.org/race-for-the-watershed/.

This event is sponsored by Opdenaker Trash & Recycling Services with additional support from Amerihealth Caritas, Brinker Simpson, MOR Construction, and Pescatore’s Restaurant.

Storytellers, musicians, and dancers will fill Enchanted Woods with performances enriched by and deeply rooted in African American arts and culture. The day will also include a World Marketplace. Included with general admission.

Don’t miss the Whitney Project’s “A Celebration of Black Joy” by the Wilmington Ballet’s musical director Jonathan Whitney. Performances take place at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. There is a separate fee for the performance. 

We are hosting our first-ever brew fest event on June 17th, from 5-8 PM. Come enjoy samples from various breweries, food, and live music.

At the Brandywine Battlefield Park's Brews at the Battlefield, you’ll get to taste different beers from local and regional breweries. Brews at the Battlefield is hosted by and benefits the non-profit Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. Every dollar collected helps us educate the public and promote the historic events that took place in Chadds Ford during the 1777 Philadelphia campaign.

For our first-ever brew fest, this isn’t your typical parking lot brewfest—instead, you’ll enjoy a beautiful outdoor setting at our historic Gideon Gilpin Homestead, listening to music, enjoying beer, and eating food from Burgers by Wildwich.

For breweries, we have Sly Fox Brewing Co., Braeloch Brewing, Artillery Brewing Co., Tired Hands Brewing Co,. Four Fingers Brewing Co., Fat Lady Brewing, and Wilmington Brew Works

Thornbury Farm Market hosts Thursday’s Town Tours & Village Walks -
Family fun and healthy food available all year

“This year’s topic for the free summer strolls is Our Agricultural Heritage,” said Randell
Spackman of Thornbury Farm Market. “Our farm is an example of the long-standing agricultural
contributions to the community. Thornbury Farm Market is an excellent family destination all
times of the year.”

Historic Thornbury Farm was established in 1709. This farm has a rich history and
provides opportunities for community education. Visitors see what past and current efforts make
this family farm still viable today. The farm was central in the Revolutionary War Battle of
Brandywine and the family strives to continue to protect these resources.”
On Thursday, June 22 the Town Tours & Village Walks event begins at 5:30 p.m. with
the last tour taking place at 7:00 p.m. Thornbury Farm Market is located at 1256 Thornbury
Road, West Chester. The sponsor is the Thornbury Township Historic Preservation Commission.
The program is administered by the Chester County Planning Commission.

The tour features:
 Thornbury Farm Market and CSA
 1709 main farmhouse and c. 1740 barn
 Horse Angels equine rescue
 Historic pipe organ
 General Stephen's Stand historical marker beside Thornbury Rd.
 Blacksmithing demonstration
 Native plants display
 Refreshments and light music

Thornbury Farms offers a great selection of delicious fresh produce, fruits, specialty items,
breakfast foods, jellies, condiments, sauces, treats, and other goodies. We also have meats that
are 100% free from any added hormones or antibiotics, a super extra virgin olive oil that won a
gold medal in Europe for quality, local cheeses, honey, jellies, and, of course, superior veggies
and fruits. Ice cream is served.

For the family, Daisy the donkey, Rue the mini pony, the goats, plus Clover the pet pig are
on the grounds.  The farm can also be rented for weddings, business gatherings and other events. “The farm
has a beautiful setting,” Spackman said. “We’ve hosted a variety of events at the farm. Our
garden area is lovely for dinners, weddings, baby showers and other events. We feature a large
wooden pergola with roof with a very large stone Bee-Hive oven, walk in cooler, wash and prep
area, tours of the gardens, night time lighting effects and ample parking. We also work with
several local restaurants to help make your evening in our gardens perfect.”
The farm has ample parking for guests.

Thornbury Farm is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm where members receive
fresh fruit and vegetables. Thornbury’s fresh vegetables and herbs are grown using natural
practices without the use of harmful substances such as pesticides and herbicides. No chemical
sprays, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically engineered seed are used.
Also, local breads and baked goods are available along with Swarmbusin’ Honey and Golden
Valley Coffee.

Thornbury Farm is in the process of restoring a 1926 Mudler Hunter pipe organ. The organ
contains 2,300 pipes with a Haskell Swell Division and a Mollier Choir Division. The main
blower is more than 100 years old and weighs in excess of 2,000 pounds. The farm is raising
money for replacement parts, new leather seals and to update the electrical work.
Spackman said, “It is the hope of Thornbury Farm to host several concerts and lectures each
year to serve the community. Our goal is to preserve an instrument of great music but also
educate others on history and art.”

Thornbury Farm was founded in 1709 with a stone house. The “main house” is the first
quarried home in Pennsylvania and was built using the property’s own quarry. On this location,
there stood a log cabin that was built in the 1600’s. The original owner was a blacksmith who
used the abundant lime stone to make flux in an old lime kiln.

The house has been added to approximately every 80 years. The serpentine addition with its
main stair case was used as the first public library in Chester County. In the mid-1800’s, a
kitchen was added with a beehive oven. The oven doors still exist and this room eventually
became a dining room. Finally, a modern kitchen was added in the 1940’s.
Over the years, other buildings were added including a large stone spring house, a bank barn
in 1740 and another farm house in 1812. The 1812 house and the main house were later used as
stops on the Underground Railroad.

The farm was the site of the final troop engagement of the Battle of Brandywine, the largest
land battle of the American Revolution. It was during this battle that our flag was displayed and
fired upon by the British for the first time.
During the battle, soldiers from the Continental Army ran up the farm’s stream to avoid a
crushing pincer movement by the German Hessian soldiers. Instead, the Americans became
trapped between the Hessians on South New Street and the English on the other side of the
stream. So many Americans were shot and bayoneted, it was said the blood flowed over two
miles to the Brandywine.

The barn and large deep spring house were used to hold prisoners and the main house was
used as a hospital. During the gruesome surgery practices of that time, limbs of hurt soldiers
were thrown out the window. Two mass burial sites on the property were used to dispose of the
dead.

There is so much unrest on the property that Duke University performed para-psychological
research in the early 1980’s. Duke used EVP readings and multiple mediums that were spaced 2
hours apart over a 24-hour time period. The mediums did not have any contact with each other
and their notes were compared. During their investigation, they learned of 9 separate identities –
8 in the house and one in the spring house. The barn was reviewed and found a little girl looking
for her doll near one of the covered wells; a young boy solider atop of the hay mow overlooking
the battle, as he had left his post and was afraid.

The house has the ghost of the original owner who hung himself over a now covered hand dug
well in the basement. There is also a ghost of a man who froze to death in what was a window
well of the earlier building. A soldier blocks the back stair case next to a coffin style door. Also
found were a ghost in the master bedroom and a young girl crying in the next room. One old
grumpy man was found to haunt the spring house.

In 2009, the farm was investigated by members of The Atlantic Paranormal Society.
TAPS had similar findings and the episode aired on the SyFy Channel.

Happy hour is even happier at Winterthur! Experience the estate in a whole new way with a seasonally inspired cocktail, small bites, live music, and a surprise setting. Enjoy a tram tour on your way to the secret location, which is sure to be a splash. $25 (includes one featured cocktail, live music, and general admission); $15 designated driver and student (includes one non-alcoholic beverage, live music, and garden access); $10 admission only (includes access to the event and garden only, does not include any food or beverage). Additional food and drink available for purchase. Register by June 19. Rain date, June 24. 

West Chester, PA – The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center (AHMEC) offers a day of fun during its FamilyFest on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The annual event loaded with activities galore aims to delight visitors of all ages.

Highlighting FamilyFest will be a presentation and demonstration by Torque, a Belgian Malinois who holds the world’s record as “The Dog with the Most Flights in a Huey Helicopter.” The hour-long talk by Torque’s personal assistant will begin at noon and include the history of dogs in helicopters, information about K-9 Torque, Torque’s world-record achievement, the training and equipment involved, and a book reading and signing of her new children’s book. Paul Kahan, AHMEC’s Executive Director, will present Torque with a plaque honoring her accomplishments.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this extraordinary animal to our museum. She flies with the Huey Vets in the San Francisco Bay Area and works with various charitable organizations, including the Tug McGraw Foundation,” explained Kahan. “Additionally, she is a highly regarded crime fighter, so come and meet Torque and hear her incredible story.”

FamilyFest will also feature food trucks like Mobile Mess Hall and Shimpy’s BBQ, desserts by Kona Ice and Sinfully Delicious, and adult beverages from Locust Lane Brewery and Grace Winery. Vendors will include Craft Kate’s Creations, Chester County Beekeepers Association, Operation Homefront, K9 Partners for Life, Paws for People Therapy Dogs, Chester County Seeing Eye Puppies, Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue, the Goshen Fire Company, and many more will. Music will be provided by Mark Shepperd Productions, and Kirk’s Martial Arts will demonstrate their skills at 1 p.m. And, of course, AHMEC will host its annual classic car and motorcycle show.

Helicopter rides will be available and cost an additional $100.00 per person for non-museum members and $85.00 for museum members. Rides will be first-come, first-served beginning at 12:30 until 3 p.m. Visitors must be on site and checked in by 2:45 p.m. to guarantee a flight.

“There will be so much here to see and do that you won’t know where to start!” Kahan continued. “We truly have something for everyone.”

Admission is $20.00 per person. Children under age five and museum members are free.

AHMEC wishes to thank its FamilyFest sponsors: A Storage Depot, Brandywine Aviation and Maintenance, Brandywine Regional Airport, Brandywine Valley Heating and Air Conditioning, First Bank, First Resource Bank, Fastener Systems, Inc., Greg A. Vietri, Inc., MBA Advisors, Metro Aviation, Pillar Real Estate Advisors, Team Toyota, and the Vertical Flight Society.

Contact AHMEC at 610-436-9600 or see the website at www.americanhelicopter.museum for more information.

The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, located at 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, is the nation’s premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. Established in 1996, the nonprofit organization collects, restores, and displays rotary-wing aircraft, including over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogyros, and convertiplanes.

Join Rebecca Parmer, director of the Library, for a hands-on exploration of objects from the John and Carolyn Grossman Collection of Ephemera and the Maxine Waldron Collection of Children’s Books and Paper Toys. Free. Reservations required; limited to 15 participants.

Art Stroll Kennett Square

https://historickennettsquare.com/

Art Loop Wilmington

http://artloopwilmington.org/

First Friday West Chester

http://www.downtownwestchester.com/view_program.php?id=468

Special KALMAR NYCKEL Sail

Saturday, July 8 from 10:00-11:30 am

Start Capt. Kidd's Day early with a 1.5-hour cruise on KALMAR NYCKEL, The Tall Ship of Delaware from the same location! Haul lines, set sails, and hear tales from the crew, or simply relax and enjoy the ship.

Kids will enjoy a scavenger hunt and pirate story (costumes welcome).

• Purchase sail tickets online or call 302.429.7447.

When school's out, summer days are best spent exploring the outdoors. Budding naturalists can get a special look at Longwood Gardens while exploring the beauty of the natural world and discovering hidden interests with a uniquely Longwood Youth Workshop this year. Workshops run rain or shine.

Plant Propagation
Monday, July 10, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Learn how to turn one plant into many through propagation techniques. Find out how to grow a clone of your favorite houseplant from a cutting and how to collect and sow seeds from a favorite garden plant. Discover what care new plants need to grow to mature size. Bring home a mini greenhouse to practice your new skills. For ages 10-16.

Sketching in the Gardens
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Find a new way to enjoy—and capture—nature through sketching. In this outdoor workshop suitable for all experience levels, learn to focus on the details of color and texture found in a garden, a landscape, or even a fountain. Explore different styles and color-mixing strategies to capture the intricacies of the natural world. Oil pastels and sketch pad provided. For ages 10-16.

Pollinator Power
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Delve into the world of pollinators while exploring Longwood’s gardens and pollinator habitats. Identify ways to support and protect the massive diversity of species and learn about the importance of pollinators to the environment and to our lives. Bring home a bee hotel and plant to encourage pollinators to visit your garden spaces. All materials included. For ages 8-12.

DIY Succulent Shadow Box
Thursday, July 20, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Connect with nature and draw inspiration from the muted colors of the desert plants in our Silver Garden to create your own plant décor. Get an exclusive private tour of the Conservatory to spark your creativity before designing a hanging succulent shadow box with instructor guidance. All materials included. For ages 10-16.

Intro to Perspective Drawing
Thursday, July 27, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Be inspired by the Italian Water Garden to become aware of how lines and shapes recede into the distance. Applying concepts of one- and two-point linear perspective, students will practice using horizon lines, vanishing points, and converging parallel lines to create the illusion of 3D in their drawings. These skills will then be applied to draw various architectural features throughout the Gardens. All materials included. For ages 10-16.

When school's out, summer days are best spent exploring the outdoors. Budding naturalists can get a special look at Longwood Gardens while exploring the beauty of the natural world and discovering hidden interests with a uniquely Longwood Youth Workshop this year. Workshops run rain or shine.

Sketching in the Gardens
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Find a new way to enjoy—and capture—nature through sketching. In this outdoor workshop suitable for all experience levels, learn to focus on the details of color and texture found in a garden, a landscape, or even a fountain. Explore different styles and color-mixing strategies to capture the intricacies of the natural world. Oil pastels and sketch pad provided. For ages 10-16.

Pollinator Power
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Delve into the world of pollinators while exploring Longwood’s gardens and pollinator habitats. Identify ways to support and protect the massive diversity of species and learn about the importance of pollinators to the environment and to our lives. Bring home a bee hotel and plant to encourage pollinators to visit your garden spaces. All materials included. For ages 8-12.

DIY Succulent Shadow Box
Thursday, July 20, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Connect with nature and draw inspiration from the muted colors of the desert plants in our Silver Garden to create your own plant décor. Get an exclusive private tour of the Conservatory to spark your creativity before designing a hanging succulent shadow box with instructor guidance. All materials included. For ages 10-16.

Intro to Perspective Drawing
Thursday, July 27, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Be inspired by the Italian Water Garden to become aware of how lines and shapes recede into the distance. Applying concepts of one- and two-point linear perspective, students will practice using horizon lines, vanishing points, and converging parallel lines to create the illusion of 3D in their drawings. These skills will then be applied to draw various architectural features throughout the Gardens. All materials included. For ages 10-16.

More than 100 of the region’s most talented craftspeople will present their outstanding wares, including antiques and collectibles, furniture and home décor, upcycled items and architectural salvage, high-quality handmade crafts, vintage clothing and jewelry, artisanal and small-batch gourmet goods, original art in a variety of media, garden items, and much more!

More than 100 of the region’s most talented craftspeople will present their outstanding wares, including antiques and collectibles, furniture and home décor, upcycled items and architectural salvage, high-quality handmade crafts, vintage clothing and jewelry, artisanal and small-batch gourmet goods, original art in a variety of media, garden items, and much more!

When school's out, summer days are best spent exploring the outdoors. Budding naturalists can get a special look at Longwood Gardens while exploring the beauty of the natural world and discovering hidden interests with a uniquely Longwood Youth Workshop this year. Workshops run rain or shine.

Pollinator Power
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Delve into the world of pollinators while exploring Longwood’s gardens and pollinator habitats. Identify ways to support and protect the massive diversity of species and learn about the importance of pollinators to the environment and to our lives. Bring home a bee hotel and plant to encourage pollinators to visit your garden spaces. All materials included. For ages 8-12.

DIY Succulent Shadow Box
Thursday, July 20, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Connect with nature and draw inspiration from the muted colors of the desert plants in our Silver Garden to create your own plant décor. Get an exclusive private tour of the Conservatory to spark your creativity before designing a hanging succulent shadow box with instructor guidance. All materials included. For ages 10-16.

Intro to Perspective Drawing
Thursday, July 27, 2023
9:00 am–12:00 pm
$60.00
Be inspired by the Italian Water Garden to become aware of how lines and shapes recede into the distance. Applying concepts of one- and two-point linear perspective, students will practice using horizon lines, vanishing points, and converging parallel lines to create the illusion of 3D in their drawings. These skills will then be applied to draw various architectural features throughout the Gardens. All materials included. For ages 10-16.