West Chester residents can walk through two centuries of local crime, disaster and misadventure when the Chester County History Center's "Chilling West Chester" tours return in October.
The 90-minute outdoor walking tour covers roughly 1.25 miles through borough streets, starting at the History Center at 225 N. High St. The first date is Oct. 7 at 6 p.m., with additional tours scheduled Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. The CCHC calendar lists dates running through at least Oct. 28.
The tour draws on the center's archives to tell true stories spanning the borough's darker chapters. Stops touch on the Chester County Prison, killers tried at the courthouse, and explosions and other disasters that struck West Chester over the past 200 years. The History Center describes the material as true accounts of murder, mischief and misadventure, not ghost stories.
Tickets cost $20 per person.
CCHC members get a 20 percent discount with a member code. Tickets are non-refundable.
The content is not suitable for children, according to the History Center, which notes some material may be distressing. Questions about the tour's content can be directed to [email protected].
"Chilling West Chester" is part of the History Center's seasonal walking tour lineup. The Daily Local News reported in August that the center's Revolutionary West Chester tours ran that month, followed by Plagues and Pestilence tours through September. Jennifer Green, CCHC's Director of Education, and tour guide Erica Imparato led the summer walking tours.
Tours run rain or shine on sidewalks and terrain that may be uneven. Service dogs are welcome; pets are not. The full October schedule and tickets are available at mycchc.org.
Upcoming community events
- Oct. 7: Chilling West Chester dark history walking tour, 6 p.m., Chester County History Center, 225 N. High St. Tickets: $20 at mycchc.org.
- Through September: Plagues and Pestilence walking tours, Chester County History Center.
- Fall 2026: Free Chester County park programs; registration is open at chesco.org.
