Becoming America in West Chester
May 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027
Step back in time to experience the history and development of West Chester, Pennsylvania—a quintessential American town whose growth mirrors that of the United States itself. Housed inside a faithful reconstruction of the Turk’s Head Tavern, the center of our town during Revolutionary times, this immersive exhibition tells the story of how West Chester became the vibrant borough we know today. More than a display, this groundbreaking exhibition is a fully realized environment—where history, storytelling, and hands-on learning converge to spark curiosity and connection across generations. A highlight of WCU’s America 250 celebrations, “Becoming America in West Chester” introduces the history of West Chester through the people and cultures who have changed it over the centuries: from the first contact with the Lenape, the original custodians of the land; to the spirit of the founding of America; through the industrialization and fight for freedom of the 1800s; and finally to the wars and activism of the 1900s. These stories are told through authentic archaeological and historical artifacts spanning the centuries—transforming how you experience the origins of our town, and the nation itself.
Exhibition Sponsored By
Credits
Curators: David Blackburn, Heritage Preservation Coordinator, Chester County Planning Commission; Thomas Haughey, Associate Professor of Theater and Exhibits Designer, Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology
Graduate Assistant Curator: Grace Welsh, MA Candidate in History
Student Co-Curators: William Babitts, Patrick Baker-Evens, Chloe Balcer, Roman Budd, Grace Carson, Gemma Cohen, Bobby Cosgrove, Violet Curran, Jack Dupee, Sam Mairone, Luke Mammartino, Emily Nammavong, Justin Rittwage, Roman Straub, Avery White, Marguerite Xuereb
Exhibit Design: Thomas Haughey, Associate Professor of Theater; Exhibits Designer, Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology
Tavern Reconstruction and Art: Maria Monachino, Scenery Workshop Coordinator
Graphic Design: Stephanie Thompson, Publications Assistant, WCU Graphics and Printing
Virtual Exhibition: Hannah Glatt, PA Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks; and Tom Pantazes, WCU Teaching and Learning Center
Consultants: Susan Bachor, National Parks Service; Michael A. Di Giovine, Director, Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology; Barbara Silber, Adjunct Professor of Archaeology
Special thanks: William Brankowitz, Chester County History Center, Chester County Planning Commission, Marissa Di Giovine, Hartenberger World Music Collection, Historic Yellow Springs Museum
Funding provided by grants from: Campus Philly; Chester County Community Foundation
Exhibition sponsored by: Belfor Property Restoration