The Chadds Ford Historical Society is hosting two big holiday events in 2016. The first event offers a non-traditional start to the shopping season, and the second is the traditional Candlelight Christmas Tour.
On Saturday, November 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. our museum store is open to holiday shoppers as part of the nationwide Small Business Saturday promotion. We’ll help kick off the holiday shopping season with a refreshing change from big box stores! Visit our revamped museum shop, freshly stocked with new and unique items – reflecting the heritage of Chadds Ford and the Brandywine Valley – that will be sure to make memorable holiday gifts. Some of our specialty items include: locally handmade soaps, books on local history subjects, historically-inspired treats like jams, chocolate, and beverages, vintage home décor, greeting cards by local artists…and much more!
Throughout the day, we’ll offer flash sales for a limited time on select items. Check our website, www.chaddsfordhistory.org, for a list of flash sales times. While you’re in Chadds Ford be sure to visit the other small businesses in the area – unique gift shops, museum shops, antique shops and restaurants. So make your holiday gifts ones to remember, and don’t forget to shop smart and Shop Small on Saturday, November 26 in Chadds Ford and at the Chadds Ford Historical Society!
On Saturday, December 3rd from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., get in the holiday mood by touring historic sites with us throughout Chadds Ford and Pennsbury Townships on our 31st annual Candlelight Christmas Tour. Candlelight Christmas truly ushers in the holiday season, and celebrates the history and scenic beauty of the Brandywine Valley by offering tours of historic sites as you’ve never seen them before.
This year’s tour is unique because it includes important sites related to the Battle of Brandywine in 1777 including Thornbury Farm, the Old Kennett Meetinghouse, Brandywine Baptist Church, the John Chads House and the Barns-Brinton House. At Thornbury Farm visitors can join in a Christmas sing-along with the SAI music sorority from Temple University accompanied on a restored 1926 Mudler Hunter pipe organ. At the Old Kennett Meetinghouse, the public will have a rare chance to see one of the most-authentic 18th century meetinghouses in the nation. Virtually untouched since the 18th century, the Old Kennett Meetinghouse does not even have heat or electricity.
Tours begin at the Historical Society’s Barn Visitors’ Center where guest may purchase tour tickets, and pick up tour programs. While here, guests will enjoy holiday refreshments, and visit the Historical Society’s new museum store to find the perfect historically inspired gift for the holidays!
Tickets for Candlelight Christmas tours are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Please visit our website at www.candlelightchristmasinchaddsford.com for additional information or to purchase tickets in advance. The Barn Visitors’ Center is at 1736 N. Creek Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317.
The Chadds Ford Historical Society is a non-profit organization in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to preserve the properties, records, and artifacts; to interpret the history; to educate the public concerning the way of life in the Chadds Ford area with emphasis on the eighteenth century. Our vision is to be the finest community historical society, preserving the history and interpreting the life and times of the Chadds Ford area.
The Society aspires to be known for providing excellent educational opportunities to visitors, schools and residents, as well as being an active supporter of and a focal point for community activities. We operate three historic buildings, the John Chads House, the Barns-Britons House, and the Chads Springhouse as well as the Barn Visitors Center. Proceeds from our events help support the Society’s educational programs and our ongoing research projects on the history of the Chadds Ford area.
