• Coming to the Brandywine Museum of Art this fall, Rooted: Family and Nature in Contemporary Children’s Book Illustration will explore the enduring bonds of nature and family through a lively selection of original artwork created for eight illustrated children’s books. The exhibition will highlight illustrations featuring a diverse group of protagonists who in these books experience compelling moments in their everyday lives, whether it be finding appreciation for the wonders of nature or feeling joy in activities with family in the outdoors. Eight award-winning artists are represented in this major presentation, including Micha Archer, Sophie Blackall, Cozbi A. Cabrera, Joe Cepeda, Devon Holzwarth, Juana Martinez-Neal, Frank Morrison, and Qing Zhuang. On view Oct. 14, through Feb. 25, 2024.
• Hagley Museum’s Nation of Inventors exhibition is having its first birthday with a celebration that includes hands-on activities throughout the historic site on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one admission offer and be inspired to be innovative in their own lives. DuPont Volunteers will bring their Mobile Innovation Center to demonstrate how they tackle real-world problems from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activity carts inside the exhibition will spark ideas for future scientists and engineers. Tickets are $20 for adults, 16 for seniors and students, $10 for children 6-14. Admission is free for children under 6, active military, and Hagley members.
• The Kennett Symphony comes to Longwood Gardens on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an exploration of the themes of love and nature with this performance. Taking inspiration from Hindu poetry, Canadian composer Glenn Buhr wrote a lighter-than-air piece entitled Akasha; Sanskrit for Sky. Mendelssohn was inspired by the rugged islands off Scotland’s coast to write the Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave), whereas Sibelius captured in music the tragic love story of Pelleas and Melisande. Go here for ticket information.
• Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates are pleased to announce their Patriots Day event at Brandywine Battlefield Park scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn what life was like for soldiers and camp followers during the Revolutionary War from period reenactors. There will also be tours of the Ring House and Gilpin houses. Admission is $8 for adults; $7 for Seniors, AAA, and AARP; and $5 for youth, ages 3-11.
• Ready for some Dark Fairy Tales? The Chester County History Center’s fifth annual Halloween Ball in benefit of its educational programs and collection preservation, will take a peek into the original stories that sprinkled childhood with magic forests, witches, fairies, wolves, and villains. The event will bring a night of dark stories and fantastic dreams that will take you on a magical journey with surprise performances, great music, fine fare, a fabulous Silent Auction, and an opportunity to raise your paddle to support the History Center. The ball is 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28, at the History Center, 225 High Street in West Chester. The cost is $125 per person. Costumes are encouraged for this adults-only event. Buy tickets here.
• Delaware County Council and the County’s Department of Human Services and Community Support will hold a resource fair on Oct. 12 at the Media Borough Community Center for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Globally, grandparents often serve as surrogate parents for their grandchildren or great-grandchildren, usually in response to family crises including the mental health of parents, incarceration, substance abuse disorders, or death. The Resource Fair will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Media Borough Community Center at 301 N Jackson Street in Media. Free childcare will be provided. Registration is not required.
