Kim Collison will become president of the Chester County History Center (CCHC) on Sept. 21. She spent the past decade at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in Delaware, most recently as Curator of Exhibitions.
The CCHC announced the appointment on Tuesday, Sept. 8, capping a national search that began after former President Conor Hepp left in June to lead the Da Vinci Science Center, according to an earlier CCHC announcement. Collison, a Chadds Ford resident, brings more than 20 years of experience in museum leadership, grant development, collections stewardship and public outreach.
Two exhibitions stand out on her record. In 2023, she led the development of Winterthur's Ann Lowe: American Couturier exhibition, which displayed 40 gowns by one of America's trailblazing Black designers. The museum called it the largest display of Lowe's designs to date.
In 2019, Collison helped produce Costuming The Crown, a two-year planning effort that featured dozens of costumes from the Netflix series and placed them in historical context.
Holly Stoviak, chair of the CCHC Board of Trustees, said Collison's background made her the right fit. "Her understanding of public history, curatorial execution, and contextual storytelling make her the ideal person to build upon our strong foundation and guide our future growth," Stoviak said in the announcement.
Collison said the role aligns with her personal ties to the region. She will oversee a collection that includes more than 100,000 photographs, more than 75,000 objects and more than 750,000 documents and manuscripts at the center's 225 N. High St. headquarters.
During Hepp's six years as president, the organization reported record visitation, membership and event attendance. The board launched a national search after his departure.
Collison arrives as the 133-year-old institution prepares for a busy fall. CCHC plans to unveil a Revolutionary War cannon display in downtown West Chester, timed to the 250th anniversary of American independence, with an opening expected later this autumn.
Upcoming at CCHC
- Revolutionary War cannon display — Downtown West Chester, opening fall 2026. No specific date announced.
- Architectural history walking tour of West Chester — Aug. 26 has passed; check mycchc.org for future tour dates.
- Kim Collison's first day as president — Monday, Sept. 21.
