WEST CHESTER, PA — History will come to life across Chester County this spring and summer as the popular Town Tours & Village Walks program returns with an expanded lineup tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Now in its 32nd season, the 2026 series kicks off Thursday, April 30, at the Chester County Historic Courthouse in West Chester, launching a months-long journey through the people, places, and stories that helped shape the United States.
This year’s theme, “13 Tours for 13 Colonies,” connects local landmarks to the broader story of America’s founding, offering residents a chance to explore Chester County’s role in the nation’s early history. The program includes 13 guided walking tours and three “Armchair Lectures,” all free and open to the public.
Each stop along the schedule highlights a different piece of the county’s past—from historic homes and textile collections to stories of women, minorities, and reform movements that left a lasting mark on the region. Tours will take visitors through sites like Hibernia Mansion, Historic Yellow Springs, and Primitive Hall, while lectures will dive into topics such as Pennsylvania ironmasters and how news of the Declaration of Independence first spread.
The kickoff event on April 30 invites attendees to step inside one of the county’s most iconic landmarks before heading out on a guided walking tour that sets the tone for the season ahead.
Throughout the summer and into fall, weekly tours will rotate through communities across Chester County, including Malvern, Caln Township, Oxford, and Kennett Square—each offering a fresh perspective on local history and its connection to the nation’s founding.
All tours are designed to be accessible and engaging, lasting about 50 minutes and starting at 5:30 p.m., with additional departures through 7:00 p.m. Lectures begin at 5:30 p.m. and include a question-and-answer session.
Event Details
- What: 2026 Town Tours & Village Walks Kickoff and Season Program
- When: Kickoff on Thursday, April 30, 2026; program runs through October 15, 2026
- Where: Chester County Historic Courthouse, 2 North High Street, West Chester, PA (kickoff location; additional sites countywide)
- Cost/Tickets: Free; no preregistration required
- More Info: https://chescoplanning.org/Historic/TownTours
As Chester County marks America’s 250th, the expanded tour series offers residents a chance to walk through history, connect with their communities, and see familiar places through a new lens.
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