Chester County Night School

Science, History & culture


John Kennedy's Assassination Discussion

Roger Arthur, instructor

This is a discussion of the people, places and events of John Kennedy's assassination. We will discuss who did it and why; various theories of the crime; why these questions linger, and what, if any, conclusions and lessons can be drawn from this memorable event.

SC1202    Peirce M.S.......................... 4 sessions

Tues, 7 to 9 pm, 3/16-4/13.............................. $80

No class: 3/30


History of West Chester, Part II

Tom Walsh, instructor

Following in the tradition of the late local historian Paul Rodebaugh, this is the second in a series of courses to explore the history of West Chester and surrounding areas.  It will cover from 1800 to 1900 and will include a field trip (date and time TBA).  Note:  each course is self-contained and can be taken in any order.

SC1207    Peirce M.S.......................... 8 sessions

Tues, 7 to 8:30 pm, 3/16-5/11......................... $90

No class: 3/30


A Pre-Memorial Day Cemetery Tour

Tom Walsh, instructor

We will focus on the Civil War and the original meaning of Memorial Day during this special guided walking tour of the Oaklands, St. Agnes and Chestnut Grove cemeteries. Learn the fascinating stories of the Union Army officers, Civil War Congressmen, Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, and other local wartime figures who are buried here. Meet by the garage at the lower level of Oaklands Cemetery on Cemetery Hill on Route 100 in West Chester.

SC1209    Oaklands Cemetery............. 1 session

Sat, 9 am to 12:30 pm, 5/29.......................... $25


A History of Chester County Baseball

Tom Walsh, instructor

Tom Walsh will cover local baseball from its earliest days to the present.  Find out about "Reindeer Bill," "The Squire of Kennett," and the coach who batted in front of Babe Ruth.  Fans, "hot stovers" and collectors are welcome.  There will be a local field trip (details TBA).

SC1211    Fugett M.S........................ 3 sessions

Wed, 7 to 9 pm, 3/17-4/7................................ $50

No class: 3/31


Mansions and Manor Homes of the Delaware Valley/Lecture and Tour

Lesley Wood, instructor

Journey back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries and to the stately homes of the Delaware Valley:  Springton Manor, Hibernia Mansion, Nolde Park Mansion, St. Mary's of Providence, and Rockwood Mansion.  We will have lively discussions about each home's distinct architecture, family hierarchy and ancestry, the lifestyles - "upstairs" and "downstairs," and social standing within the community. You will tour one of these homes as part of the course, as well as enjoy a Victorian Tea at Rockwood Mansion or other local tea room.  (Note:  House Tour/Tea room fee separate and payable to the instructor - dates TBD by class interest).

SC1212    Fugett M.S......................... 3 sessions

Wed, 6 to 7:30 pm, 3/17-4/7........................... $50

No class: 3/31


The Sky's the Limit: Astronomy for Beginners

Peter Kellermann, instructor

With the aid of star charts (provided), telescopes and the naked eye, we’ll locate and identify constellations, stars, planets, galaxies and nebulae visible from our latitude. Classes will be held outdoors, sky and weather permitting.

SC1213    Peirce M.S......................... 6 sessions

Tues, 7:30 to 9 pm, 3/16-4/27........................ $90

No class: 3/30


History in our Backyard: The Revolutionary War

Brendan Magarelli, instructor

During the Revolutionary War, the Delaware Valley was the political  heart of the rebellious American colonies; but this region was more than just home to our fledgling nation's de facto capital and the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence.  Critical battles raged across its rolling landscape. While providing an overview of the American Revolution the class will focus on local revolutionary history and the military and political impact of local events on the wider conflict.  One book will be recommended but not required for the course (it will be printed on your confirmation).

SC1219    Peirce M.S.......................... 6 sessions

Thurs, 6 to 8  pm, 3/18-5/6............................. $90

No class: 4/1, 4/22


America's Forgotten Wars

Brendan Magarelli, instructor

War occupies a special place in Americans’ historical memories, yet not all wars are remembered equally. Aside from the Star Spangled Banner, what do we remember about our second war with Great Britain? We remember the Alamo, but do we remember the war with Mexico fought a decade later? The goal of this course is to analyze the causes, events and repercussions of the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Spanish-American War.

SC1218    Fugett M.S......................... 6 sessions

Mon, 6 to 8 pm, 3/15-4/26............................. $90

No class: 3/29


Assassins on the Run: A Field Trip

Roger Arthur, instructor

Follow the events and people involved in Lincoln's assassination with noted Civil War Historian and lecturer, Roger Arthur. This popular and intriguing tour begins at the Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C., at its newly renovated museum, the Peterson House (where Lincoln died). Then we will follow the escape route of the assassins to the Surrett Tavern in Clinton, MD followed by a visit to the house of Dr. Mudd, one of the co-conspirators. The trip will end on the Potomac River for dinner near Booth's crossing point. We'll discuss Booth's escape and capture, the trial of the other conspirators and their hangings. The fee includes the bus, admission to the theater, the Surratt Tavern, the Mudd House and your knowledgeable and entertaining guide.

CLICK HERE for full agenda.

Please register NO LATER than March 16th.


TT1504     Patton M.S. .............................. 1 session

Sat, 6 am to 8:30 pm, 4/17 .............................. $90


Historic Tour of Martin's Tavern and Lunch at Four Dogs Tavern

Alma Lyng, facilitator

Our adventure will begin with lunch at Four Dogs Tavern, an 1800's inn that served as a refuge for travelers and locals as well as a militia meeting place in Marshallton. Then a short walk will take us to Martin's Tavern where tour guides will tell the story of the tavern and how it connects to the history of Chester County. Lunch is included in the fee.

TT1530    Four Dogs Tavern .............................. 1 session

Sat, noon to 2:30 pm, 5/15 .............................. $35