Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Grand opening of Marshallton Village Heritage Center set Oct. 18
WEST BRADFORD >> The Friends of Martin’s Tavern has announced the grand opening of the Marshallton Village Heritage Center in historic Marshallton. The event takes place at 11 a.m., Oct. 18, rain or shine, at the Heritage Center, 1300 West Strasburg Road. Refreshments will be provided. The public is invited.
The Heritage Center was created to provide an interpretive experience of the history that surrounds us, impart a greater knowledge of the Battle of Brandywine, and connect wayfarers to nearby natural, historic and scenic resources. Interactive displays, changing exhibits, and timely news will engage visitors of all ages. The adjacent Four Dogs Tavern and Marshallton Inn provide dining options as well as parking. Plans are to open the Heritage Center daily at 11:30 a.m.
It follows four years of planning, coordination, meetings and fundraising by many local organizations and individuals. Project partners include Friends of Martin’s Tavern, the William Penn Foundation, the Brandywine Conservancy, David Cox, the Marshalton Inn and Four Dogs Tavern, and David E. Davis III. Additional assistance was provided by the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, the Chester County Planning Commission, and the West Bradford Township Supervisors and Historical Commission.
Brief remarks will be made by state Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19, state Rep. Eric Roe, R-158, and Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline. Commissioners Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell plan to attend. A ribbon-cutting and reception will follow. Guests can tour the new Heritage Center.
In 2003, a group of Marshallton residents founded the nonprofit Friends of Martin’s Tavern (FOMT), dedicated to restoring the ruins of Martin’s Tavern. The Tavern dates from 1765 and was a crossroads inn as well as a lively meeting place at the time Washington’s troops fought in the nearby Battle of Brandywine. The group has since expanded, dedicating itself to identifying and maintaining local, historic treasures.
This latest project, the Marshallton Village Heritage Center, is another accomplishment for Marshallton. FOMT’s mission is to “Improve the historical and cultural heritage of the area through preservation, events and education.”