John Chads' House

John Chads' House is a historic tourist attraction located on Route 100 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, United States. The institution offers tours of the John Chads House and the Barns-Brinton House by appointment only, as well as group tours for both youth and adult groups. The Research Library is also available by appointment, with materials prepared for viewing based on your areas of interest. The institution also offers meeting room rentals and group trips, with the option to rent the meeting room for business or individual use.

The Chadds Ford Historical Society Barn Visitors Center serves as the headquarters of the Historical Society, with offices, exhibit rooms, a library, meeting room, and museum shop. The building was designed to resemble an 18th century Pennsylvania bank barn and was constructed on the footprint of William Hoffman's dairy barn. The Visitors Center hosts most events and programs organized by the Historical Society.

John Chads owned the home from 1729 until his death in 1760, operating a ferry across Brandywine Creek from 1737 onwards. The location became known as Chad's ford, possibly inspiring the name Chadds Ford. The house has a rich history, with Elizabeth Chads remaining in the home during the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. The house eventually fell into disrepair but was saved by the community, leading to the formation of the Chadds Ford Historical Society.

The Barns-Brinton House, originally built by blacksmith William Barns in the early 1700s, served as both a home and a tavern. The property witnessed the Battle of Brandywine in 1777 and was later purchased by the Brinton Family, hence the name Barns-Brinton. The Chadds Ford Historical Society purchased and renovated the building in 1969, preserving much of the original interior woodwork.

For more information on these historic houses and to arrange tours or research appointments, contact John Chads' House at 610-388-7376 or via email at info@chaddsfordhistory.org.