Following Up: 2022 Town Tours and Village Walks Program
Posted September 16, 2022
Chester County's Town Tours & Village Walks program wrapped up another great series of events in its 28th year, highlighting the "Founding Mothers and Fathers" of Chester County's past.
Unlike the past two years which featured hybrid events due to COVID-19, this year's program took place completely in-person on Thursday evenings June 9 - August 18. A kickoff event was held at the Chester County History Center on June 9, celebrating the 300th birthday of Chester County native Humphry Marshall with more than 200 in attendance.
"In addition to Humphry Marshall, this year's tours honor many important residents from Chester County's past," noted Commissioner Marian Moskowitz during the kickoff celebration. "The programs highlight the heritage of these individuals and how they played a role in shaping our communities and still have impacts today."
The 2022 program consisted of nine walking tours, with each one highlighting a different location to both inform and increase awareness of Chester County's rich heritage and historic landscape. Following the kickoff event, tours included: Founding Families of the African American Community in Kennett Square; Eagle Village; Willistown Township — Acres of Quakers, Native Americans, and Conservationists; Rebecca Lukens; Jones Log Barn, Tredyffrin Township; Celebrating 300 Years of the Springs at Historic Yellow Springs; Malvern Borough c. 1889 — From Crossroads to Powerhouse; and Humphry Marshall and the Village of Marshallton.
"The County honors our heritage through heritage preservation efforts like the Town Tours and Village Walks, implementation of Landscapes3 — the county's Comprehensive Plan, and the newly-assembled America250PA Chester County Commission," added Commissioner Josh Maxwell. "The Landscapes3 Appreciate goal aims to build a connection between today and our cultural heritage to inspire the future through tangible connections to our shared past."
With the weather cooperating (for the most part), the county saw a great turnout at each of the 2022 tours with a total of 1,220 attendees. Many familiar faces return from year to year, but new faces are always popping up as well.
"We urge you to continue to explore the county, get involved in your communities, and discover the heritage of these great places and people," said Commissioner Michelle Kichline. "The Town Tours and Village Walks cannot happen without support from the many volunteers that donate their time to planning, writing scripts, and coordinating routes. We'd also like to give a special thanks to the organizations that support the program, including the Chester County History Center, Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, Chester County Historic Preservation Network, Chester County Planning Commission — and of course, the Town Tours wouldn't happen without the enthusiasm and support of everyone in attendance."
Learn more about the 2022 Town Tours & Village Walks and be sure to stay on the lookout for next year's program!