Settled by William Penn almost half a millennia ago, the Main Line area played a vital role in the founding of our nation. Check out these history museums to widen your perspective and learn about the past of both America and our local community. With topics from aviation history to the Revolutionary War, you’ll be enthralled by all there is to see.
Chester County History Center
225 N High St., West Chester
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Chester County History Center preserves and shares a diverse, noteworthy local history through photographs, collections, manuscripts and more.
Peter Wentz Farmstead
225 N High St., West Chester
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This 18th-century historical site offers a remarkable look into the past, with a fully furnished farmhouse and working farm in operation since 1744. The venue also offers public events demonstrating 18th-century basket weaving, spinning, woodworking and other crafts.Â
Pennsylvania Veterans Museum
12 E State St., Media
The Pennsylvania Veterans Museum honors our veterans while providing a look into the rich history of the nation’s conflicts. Featured exhibits include women in war, the Vietnam War, D-Day highlights and more. This hotspot is open Friday through Sunday, so be sure to plan your visits accordingly.
Brandywine River Museum of Art
1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford
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Renowned for its collection of local art, especially the works of the famed Andrew Wyeth, this museum rests quaintly on the bank of the Brandywine Creek With exhibitions updated several times a year, featuring historic and modern American art with an emphasis on the Brandywine Valley, there’s always a reason to plan a return visit.
Newtown Square Railroad Museum
4140 West Chester Pke., Newtown Square
The Newtown Square Railroad Museum commemorates the Newtown Square Freight Station constructed in 1895, offering a rich look into Pennsylvania’s railroad history. Visitors can view five different types of train cars, including the steam engine. Despite the fact that the museum is only open to the public on summer Saturdays, reservations can be booked throughout the year.
Visitor Center at Valley ForgeÂ
1400 N. Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia
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Before embarking on a hike across Valley Forge’s beautiful trails, stop by The Visitor Center at Valley Forge. Hosting exhibits and artifacts from the Continental Army’s winter encampment from 1777-1778 during the Revolutionary War, this is one of the most important historical sites anywhere in the nation.
Antique Ice Tool Museum
825 Sconnelltown Rd., West Chester
Located inside a renovated 19th-century bar, the antique Ice Tool Museum practically oozes history from its walls. With modern freezers and technology providing us all the ice we need during the hot summer months, it’s easy to forget how valuable this commodity was in a pre-industrial age. So take a look back to the past and follow the footsteps of icemen who built their livelihood on this now extinct trade.
American Helicopter Museum
 1220 American Blvd., West Chester
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Get to the chopper at this fascinating West Chester exhibition of our nation’s history in rotary flight. Marvel at the wonders of these antique flying crafts and get to experience an up-close and personal look at priceless wonders. The museum is open Thursday to Sunday.
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