Chesco historical society receives money

WEST CHESTER The Chester County Historical Society received a $72,000 award from the county commissioners last week.

The society, which houses more than 500,000 manuscripts and 25,000 printed volumes relating to Chester County history, will use the funds for its community outreach and educational programming, said Laurie Rofini, director of archives and records services.

The society provides programs for about 10,000 students each year, George Zumbano, chair of the society's board of trustees, said in a statement.

"These funds will contribute greatly to the school and youth programs that the Historical Society offers, programs that spark curiosity, teach the power of historic objects, and keep young people engaged in their local history," he said.

At the same meeting, the county commissioners formally recognized March as Women's History Month.

"The money is not targeted specifically for women's history, although the historical society certainly incorporates women in Chester County into all of our programming," Rofini said.

The society's current exhibition focuses on 1960s pop culture. One of its themes is the role and representation of women in movies, she said. - Justine McDaniel