EVENTS:
Summer History Camp:
Registration is Open: January 18th, 2025
Revolutionary Speaker Series: Aaron McWilliams
Saturday, February 22nd, 2025
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Researching Pennsylvania’s Revolutionary War Veterans focuses on how to research and document the military service of Revolutionary War veterans of the Pennsylvania Line, Militia, and Navy. The lecture will cover the principal types of records, what information they contain, and how to interpret them. It will also cover some basic research strategies and where to find the records.
Aaron McWilliams is head of the Public Services Section at the Pennsylvania State Archives. He is responsible for handling research inquiries at the Archives and frequently represents the agency at genealogical events. His areas of expertise include Pennsylvania state land records, Pennsylvania’s Revolutionary War militia, and genealogy. He has appeared on WITF’s Radio Smart Talk and contributed to both “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Finding Your Roots.” Prior to joining the Pennsylvania State Archives, Aaron worked as a reference archivist at the Maryland State Archives and as a professional genealogist.
Remembrance Day
Wednesday, September 11th, 2024
6 – 7 pm
Join us for an evening of commemoration at our annual Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM at Brandywine Battlefield Park.
The occasion will honor the Battle of Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day battle of the American Revolution, involving approximately 30,000 combatants. Despite the American defeat, General Washington’s after-action report to John Hancock expressed optimism for future successes and commended the troops’ morale despite the day’s misfortunes, stating “Notwithstanding the misfortune of the day, I am happy to find the troops in good spirits; and I hope another time we shall compensate for the losses now sustained…”
This free event will provide attendees with the opportunity to listen to our guest speakers and the Happy Bagpiper, Thom Moore, paying tribute to the nearly 400 American, British, and Hessian (German) soldiers who lost their lives during the battle, marking its 247th anniversary. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or a blanket. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be relocated to the park’s Visitor Center.
Rally the Troops
Saturday, August 3rd, 2024
10:00AM – 3:00PM
Get ready to be transported back in time at our thrilling event, Rally the Troops! Join us on August 3rd from 10 am to 3 pm for a day filled with adventure. Step into the world of a Patriot encampment and experience what life was like for soldiers at Washington’s encampment at Brandywine Battlefield Park. Meet soldiers, militiamen, and colonial men and women who will bring history to life. Get hands-on and have a blast with kids’ musket drills, musket firing demonstrations, and even recruitment activities for the Continental Army. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in history!
Tours of our two historic houses are available as well. The Benjamin Ring House Tours (Washington’s Headquarters): 10:30AM & 1:30PM. Gideon Gilpin House Tours: 11:30AM and 2:30PM.
Photo credit: Howard Pyle (1853-1911), The Nation Makers, ca. 1902, oil on canvas. 40 ¼ x 26 in. Brandywine Museum of Art, Purchased through a grant from the Mabel Pew Myrin Trust, 1984.
- Seniors/AAA/AARP: $7
- Adults: $8
- Youth 3-11: $5
- Active Duty & Immediate Family: Free
Preserving Our Past at Brandywine Battlefield Park
Saturday, April 27th, 2024
10:00AM – 3:00PM
Join in our newest event, Preserving Our Past at Brandywine Battlefield Park. This year, we will have several demonstrations and presenters. You can also learn more about our and other local efforts to preserve the park and surrounding areas of the Brandywine Valley.
Tours of our two historic houses are available as well. The Benjamin Ring House Tours (Washington’s Headquarters): 10:30AM & 1:30PM. Gideon Gilpin House Tours: 11:30AM and 2:30PM.
- Seniors/AAA/AARP: $7
- Adults: $8
- Youth 3-11: $5
- Active Duty & Immediate Family: Free
Brews at the Battlefield 2024
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Brandywine Battlefield Park on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (EDT).
At Brews at the Battlefield, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a wide selection of craft beers from local breweries.
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you mingle with fellow beer enthusiasts and engage in conversations with the passionate brewers behind these exceptional beverages. Learn about the brewing process, discover unique flavors, and gain insights into the world of craft beer.
Our iconic location holds significant historical importance, making it the perfect backdrop for an evening of great beer and good company. Brews at the Battlefield is hosted by and benefits the non-profit Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. Every dollar collected helps us educate the public and promote the historic events that took place in Chadds Ford during the 1777 Philadelphia campaign.
- Parking is first-come, first-serve.
- We recommend bringing lawn chairs and blankets.
- Ticket sales end at 4 PM on 06/15/2024.
- Food is not included in ticket sales.
- The event will be held rain or shine. A tent is provided.
- Adults 21 and older with current photo ID.
- Infants, toddlers, or children are not permitted. Thank you!
- You may bring:
- Lawn chairs
- Purses
- Umbrellas and rain jackets
- Not Bring:
- Tents
- Outside glassware, drinks, or food.
- Coolers
- Large bags
- Weapons or firearms
- Pets (service animals only)
Brews at the Battlefield Sponsors:
https://elitetherapysolutions.net/
www.teamtoyotaglenmills.com 
https://locations.wsfsbank.com/pa/paoli/wsfs-bank-paoli.html
Son, Brother, Friend, Volunteer and Director of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates, Board of Directors
“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” – George Washington
In Honor of Bryan Thorpe
Our lifelong friend Bryan Thorpe passed away suddenly on September 5, 2020. Bryan was a dedicated volunteer and served multiple terms as a director on the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates’ Board. Bryan was the loving son of George and Judy Thorpe, Chadds Ford. We will miss his energy, compassion and steadfast abilities. Bryan’s amazing laugh echoes in our hearts.
Please help us to honor Bryan’s life. Bryan’s Beautification Project, at Brandywine Battlefield Park, will celebrate Bryan’s life. The Project will replant trees and plant life that were lost at the Park due to recent storms. This project includes, but is not limited to, Historical tree planting, installation of paths to improve mobility and benches where we can rest and reflect.