Chadds Ford in the New York Times!

+ 🗝️ Museum Key + 🎨 Art Festival + ✨ a little glow up + more

Bucolic little Chadds Ford made an appearance in the Big City’s big-time newspaper. Remember when we talked about Painter’s Folly, its connection to the Wyeth family and their iconic American art, and how it’s kind of a BFD? It turns out the New York Times thinks this Wyeth family art and art history is a BFD, too.

Photo of round barn at Point Lookout Farm, where the mural will hang, via New York Times article

After years in storage, N.C. Wyeth’s “Apotheosis of the Family,” a 60-foot-wide mural, is coming out of hiding and into the spotlight at Jamie Wyeth’s Point Lookout Farm. Tours will be available to see the massive mural on display through the Brandywine Museum of Art this fall. In the meantime, you can check out the NYT article (it’s a gift link so that you can read it without a subscription. you’re welcome. 💃🏼)

Not only does the article share the story of the mural and its return to glory, but the author divulges some juicy family secrets from the promiscuous past (that probably aren’t so secret anymore but gossip-worthy nonetheless). Who knows? Painter’s Folly might have some of its own luscious stories to tell about those artist family days, too.

What's the big whoop about Painter's Folly?

🗝️ Unlock doors to more Chadds Ford art and beauty

Want in on a little secret? There’s a magic key that gets you (and three others!) free admission to the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art, where, among other things, you can learn more about all those Wyeths. Can you handle this sensitive information?

Grab your keys and head to 687 Smithbridge Rd. It’s the blue building right next to the big, fancy playground. You’ll see a sign on the building that says Rachel Kohl Community Library.

If it’s been windy, you might notice a few missing shingles. The building needs a new roof. Please pass along the names of anyone you think might want to fund such an investment. Like the Wyeths, keeping a roof over all those books is kind of a BFD.

Back to our treasure hunt... When you enter the building that still (mostly) has a roof, head to the front desk to borrow the free museum pass. If someone hasn’t beaten you to it, it’s all yours for three days.

But wait. It gets even better.

The Delaware County library system started a new program called Museum Key, which allows you to borrow museum passes from other libraries in the system without leaving your house. You can choose a pass, pick a date, and you’re golden. You’ll need to print the pass (I know… so 2010s). 🫠

If you choose to accept this mission, you’ll unlock a free visit to the Brandywine Museum of Art or one of many other museums in the collection, all from the comfort of your couch. Are you game?

Still more art, but for you!

Yep! This art you’re allowed to touch! Kennett Arts Festival is coming up September 20-21. The whole event benefits Kennett Area Community Service so they can provide food and emergency housing services to our most vulnerable, hard-working neighbors. They’ve got over 100 artists, live music, children’s activities, and a selection of local food vendors, including beer and wine.

Check out more details and add it to your calendar to support one of the vital organizations in our community. Is it too early to start holiday shopping? I’ll be there volunteering on Saturday afternoon. Be there or be (Kennett) Square. 😉

Who’s got the crispiest crunch of them all?

Mirror, mirror on the wall. Did you know Pennsylvania is known as the “Potato Chip Capital of the World?” I’m not sure who declares that title. Probably someone who lives in Pennsylvania, but that’s neither here nor there. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Because we have Herr’s. And Zerbe’s. And Good’s. And Dieffenbach (Uglies), Martin’s, Utz, Middleswarth, Hartley’s, Rap Snack, Gibble’s, and Snyder of Berlin.

Check out more about our localish crispy crunchies, part of the state’s empire of snack food and confectionery brands. We visited the Herr’s factory with cousins last year. It was a fun trip and not far from Chadds Ford (about a 30 - 40 minute drive). The warm, fresh potato chips straight from the production floor at the end of the tour are 😘.

🎒 Pack up the backpacks to go back to school

It’s that time of year. Parents are (c)rushed to put the kiddos on the bus next week. Here are a few back-to-school links to get your blood flowing for the early wake-up call on Monday. 🎶 (insert Rocky song) 🎶

• School calendars: Unionville Chadds-Ford, Garnet Valley, West Chester

• UCF Nutrition Department and other school departments are hiring

• Reminder from PA State Police about bus safety rules for drivers

• Donate school supplies for kids in need at The Garage Youth Center in Kennett (links here to Amazon wishlist and School Supply wishlist). I reached out, and they especially need calculators (which you can find on the Amazon wishlist).

Last but not least, check out this major glow-up of the Chadds Ford Elementary teachers’ lounge completed by the Chadds Ford Elementary PTO. They replaced questionable floors, old tables and chairs, and dated decor with new flooring, a window ledge seating area, soft seating (couches and chairs), an updated coffee and snack bar, and a long dining table for meetings and lunchtime.

The old tile was… a thing. 😬 Now they have this!

New CFE PTO teachers’ lounge, photo courtesy of PTO Co-President, Jess Eldridge

A well-cared-for teaching staff takes better care of our children and creates a healthier learning environment for students. Attendance at events like the annual PTO fundraising dinner (coming in April 2026) and financial donations to the PTO support tons of projects for the students and, occasionally, gems like this to make our school a lovelier place for the entire school community. Thanks to our teachers who have more than earned this upgrade!

👣 Hike of the Week 🥾

Send in your recs and photos! (details below)

Concord Township Park

📍Concord Township Park, 701 Smithbridge Rd, Glen Mills (Google Maps)

👣 Paved, very well-maintained (walking more than hiking)

💚 This short path is my go-to when I want to take a quick walk while listening to an audiobook, chatting on the phone with a friend, or just getting in some extra steps (because we know the Chadds Ford roads are not especially conducive to leisurely jaunts). 🫣 It’s excellent for any time of year, near the playground and the dog park, and has plenty of parking!

Details to send in your recommendations and photos!

I’d love to get your recommendations and see photos of your hikes around the Brandywine Valley (or anything within about 60 minutes or so of Chadds Ford). If you’re willing to share your ideas and/or photos, reply to this newsletter to email them to me (jen@honestlymodern.com). If you send along photos, I’ll assume you’re ok with me sharing them in this newsletter unless you say otherwise. Thank you!!

Looking ahead

Here are a few other events you might want to add to your calendar. Several require registration in advance. Double-check dates and times in case they’ve changed since I shared.

Weekend Plans

• BINGO Night | Fri. Aug 22 at 7 pm at St. Cornelius Catholic Church

• 🍑 Concord Township Farmers’ Market | Suns. from 9 am - noon at Concord Township Park (every Sunday through August 31)

Mark Your Calendars

A few more exciting and important events to put on your calendar now so you don’t miss this!

• St John’s Episcopal Church Blood Drive | Tuesday, Aug 26, from 2 pm – 7 pm in the Parish Hall

• Labor Day Soirée | Sat + Sun, Aug 30 - 31 at Chadds Ford Winery

• Concord Community Day & Fireworks | Sat. Sept 6 from 4 pm - dusk at Concord Township Park

• Chadds Ford Elementary Blood Drive | Sat. Sept 6 from 9 am - 2 pm

• Chadds Ford Community Plant and Seed Swap | Sat. Sept 6 from 10 am - 1 pm at the Chadds Ford Township Building (10 Ring Rd)

• Remembrance Day | Thurs. Sept 11 at 6 pm at Brandywine Battlefield Park

• Brandywine Polo Club Fundraiser Event | Fri. Sept 12 at 4 pm at 232 Polo Rd, Toughkenamon, PA (benefits UCFSD Crew Club)

• Chadds Ford Days | Sat. and Sun. Sept 13 - 14 at Chadds Ford Historical Society (artisans, food vendors, reenactors, demonstrators, and more)

• Shred Event | Sat. Sept 13 from 9 am - 12 pm at WSFS Glem Mills Banking Office

• Bike the Brandywine | Sat. Sept 20 starts at Chadds Ford Historical Society

• Kennett Arts Festival | Sat. and Sun. Sept 20-21 at 600 South Broad Street, Kennett Square

• Sound Bath (meditation/relaxation) | Fri. Sept 26 from 5:30 - 7 pm at The Yoga Space

• Fluid Motion: Yoga & Art | Fri. Oct 3 from 5 - 7 pm at The Yoga Space

• The Great Pumpkin Carve | Thurs - Sat. Oct 16 - 18 at Chadds Ford Historical Society

Check out full event calendars for some of our best event hosts in the community.

• Rachel Kohl Community Library

• Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art

• Chadds Ford Winery

• Penns Wood Winery

Other events to add?

In the comments, feel free to share any other events happening in and around Chadds Ford that you think our neighbors will enjoy!