2023 Town Tours and Village Walks
Posted September 20, 2023
This year's Town Tours and Village Walks program welcomed more than 1,500 individuals to explore Chester County's agricultural heritage through a series of presentations and tours this past June through August. As always, it was a great series of events which could not have happened without our wonderful partners and volunteers!
The program kicked off at the West Chester United Methodist Church on June 8, highlighting the transition from Chester County's colonial farms to neighborhoods and agri-businesses. Due to poor air quality from a series of forest fires, this event had to be moved indoors for the safety of those involved. Thankfully, attendees were still able to enjoy presentations on the historic resources that would have otherwise been highlighted along the tour.
One attendee shared her experience, noting, "It went well and was very interesting! I was with a party of five and we all enjoyed the presentations. Looking forward to future evenings and hoping for improved air quality."
Following the kickoff event, additional tours included the Westtown School; Thornbury Farm; Kennett Square Borough; Spackman-Davis Farm; Grove United Methodist Church; Historic Farms in Upper Uwchlan Township; Yeager's Farm & Market; and Historic Yellow Springs. Each of the tours was widely attended, with some seeing more than 200 (Historic Yellow Springs) and even 300 attendees (Spackman-Davis Farm).
The Town Tours provide a glimpse into Chester County's past through an overarching historic theme each year. This year's theme of "Our Agricultural Heritage" supports the Appreciate goal in Landscapes3 as it helps to "preserve the historic resources and landscapes that define our cultural heritage to inspire the future through tangible connections to our shared past."
This year marked the 29th year of the county's Town Tours and Village Walks program. Stay on the lookout for information about next year's program — celebrating 30 years!