Robert D. Lukens, 42, president of Chester County Historical Society

Robert D. Lukens, 42, of West Chester, president of the Chester County Historical Society and a distant relative of the 19th century iron-mill owner Charles Lukens, died Sunday, Aug. 2, of cancer at his home.

Mr. Lukens was a graduate of Delaware County Christian School, and received his bachelor's degree and doctorate in history from Temple University. He also held a master's degree from the University of Tennessee, in American history.

Mr. Lukens began his work with the historical society in 1993 as a museum volunteer while an undergraduate. He returned as an intern five years later and eventually became collections manager.

In 2003, Mr. Lukens left the society, becoming the head of collections at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. He also worked at Historic Yellow Springs in Chester Springs, and at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center he was responsible for exhibits annually visited by millions.

But Mr. Lukens eventually ended up back at the helm of the institution where he had developed a passion for county history, taking on the presidency of the Chester County society in 2011.

"There was no subject that he didn't find to be interesting in some way," said Ellen Endslow, director of collections for the society and Mr. Lukens' friend for more than 20 years.

Society employees credited Mr. Lukens with helping to generate state grants that were spent on beautifying society buildings and on much-needed enhancements.

He wrote a regular column in the West Chester Daily Local News about local historical happenings; and hosted the History on Tap series and a weekly radio show on WCHE, a Chester County community station.

"Rob Lukens made an indelible mark on the Chester County Historical Society. . . . His enthusiasm for our region's history was contagious," George Zumbano, chairman of the society board of trustees, said in a statement.

Throughout his two-year battle with the disease, Mr. Lukens rarely complained and fought hard to "show strength and courage for his kids," his wife of 13 years, Rebecca Gadsby Lukens, said.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Lukens is survived by daughter Abbie and son Finley; his mother; and a brother.

The family will receive guests from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, and during a funeral service at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Calvary Chapel, 500 Brandywine Dr., Chadds Ford. The Chester County Historical Society will host a reception following the service. Burial will be private.

Donations may be made to the Chester County Historical Society, 225 N. High St., West Chester, Pa. 19380, or to educational funds established for Abbie and Finley Lukens through DNB Investments & Insurance at 484-359-3583.