Widely respected as one of the state’s premier history museums and educational centers, the Chester County History Center inspires, informs, and builds community identity by preserving and sharing the remarkable story of Chester County and its people.

The CCHC has the following events on its calendar:

Folk Medicine to Modern Marvel: The Big History of Smallpox Vaccination
Wednesday, June 9 from 7-8 PM via Zoom

Smallpox transformed human history on a global scale by affecting billions of people, but its eradication came out of the difficult, deeply personal decisions of individuals. Dr. Brent Ruswick of West Chester University examines both the broader history of the development of inoculation and vaccination against smallpox and the specific details of some of the local struggles to control outbreaks and communicate the importance of vaccination.

Underground Railroad Walking Tour
Saturday, June 19 from 11 AM-12:30 PM and 1-2:30 PM
Wednesday, June 30 from 6:30-7:30 PM

The Underground Railroad was a network of people – African-American, as well as white – offering shelter and aid to enslaved people escaping from the South. This family-friendly walking tour will visit locations around downtown West Chester that played a part in these struggles toward freedom and equality. Admission fee is by donation; pay as you wish. The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles and lasts one hour.

Bayard Rustin: An Agitator for Justice
Wednesday, June 23 from 7-8 PM via Zoom

Rustin was a life-long activist for world peace and racial justice. Best known as the organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin was more responsible than anyone for introducing Gandhian non-violence into the heart of the Black freedom struggle. Author and historian John D’Emilio will provide an overview of his life from the 1930s-1960s and discuss how he continues to be relevant today.

Virtual Book Discussion
Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin
Thursday, July 15 from 10-11:30 AM via Zoom

One of the most important figures of the American civil rights movement, Rustin taught Martin Luther King Jr. the methods of Gandhi, spearheaded the 1963 March on Washington, and helped bring the struggle of African-Americans to the forefront of our nation’s consciousness. But despite his integral role in the movement, the openly gay Rustin is not the household name that many of his activist contemporaries are. In exploring history’s Lost Prophet, the author explains why Rustin’s influence was minimized by his peers and why his brilliant strategies were not followed or were followed by those he never meant to help.

Register for these events.