The 1724 Chester Courthouse was once the Courthouse for Chester and Delaware Counties and City Hall for Chester. Since the 1920s it has been open as a historic site. It is now owned by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) and leased by Delaware County. It is the oldest building in continuous public use in the country. Both PHMC and Delaware County are rehabilitating the building in anticipation of America250 in 2026. Follow the progress here.
LATEST NEWS
- On October 5, 2024, the County hosted Lafayette Day in Chester with boarded up windows but new LED lighting so the interior of the courtroom was not dark. See photos and learn more about the event here.
- If you have ideas for what to use the building for, let us know here. The County would love to see the building used by the public on a regular basis and now is the time to start planning for its future.
- On December 12, 2024 at 11 am, there was a Lafayette Trail Marker Dedication and a short celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Courthouse. It was held at the park opposite Chester City Hall at the corner of 4th Street and Avenue of the States, moving inside the Courthouse for the anniversary celebration. Watch the Lafayette Marker Dedication Ceremony and 300th Anniversary Celebration here and see photos here.
- The project was reposted on PennBid to invite contractors to bid on the construction portion of the project. Bids were due on October 15 and the project is expected to start in the near future. During the construction period, access to the building is limited and there will be a lot of changes happening.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
In 2021, PHMC signed a lease agreement with Delaware County for the County to take over the programming and maintenance at the Courthouse. As part of the agreement, PHMC will be doing the following improvements:
- Repair/repaint first floor windows, doors, and shutters
- Repair/replace first floor HVAC system
- Upgrade first floor lights
- Repair roof leaks and seal roof to last longer
- Selective first floor interior painting/plastering
In 2023, Delaware County was awarded a National Park Service Grant for the Rehabilitation of the Courthouse. See press release here.
The grant covers the following improvements:
- Exterior stone repairs/ repointing
- Repair/repaint cupola and second floor windows, shutters, eaves
- Upgrade electric, fire, alarm systems
- Repair plumbing/electric on second floor
- Remove carpet on second floor and refinish wood floors
- Interior painting/plastering on both floors
The County hired J&M Preservation to undertake the drawings, specifications, and construction management for the NPS grant project. They have regular meetings with Delaware County and PHMC staff about the project and coordination. The construction projects covered by the NPS grant have will be completed by May 2026.
Some of the work covered by PHMC has been completed or are underway, and progress can be seen by visitors:
| Completed | In Progress |
|---|---|
| Repair/repaint first floor shutters | Repair first floor HVAC |
| Repair first floor doors | Selective interior painting/plastering |
| Upgrade first floor lights | Repaint first floor doors |
| Repair roof leaks | |
| Repair/repaint first floor windows | |
| Seal roof | |
| Install first floor storm windows |
Keep checking back here for more progress about both projects.
PUBLIC USE OF THE COURTHOUSE
The Courthouse has the honor of being the oldest public building in continuous public use in the country. Apart from a few years in the 1780s between when Chester County moved the courthouse to West Chester and Delaware County was established, it has been in public ownership and use. While these construction projects are underway, public access is limited to a few times a year. Law Day, hosted by the Delaware County Bar Association, is on the first Friday in May each year. The Chester Historical Preservation Committee and Friends of the 1724 Chester Courthouse host the Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 each year in honor of when it was read at the Courthouse on July 8, 1776. 2024 marks the 300th anniversary of the Courthouse, but because there is no heat and no running water to the building, a small celebration was held on December 12, 2024. See the links above for details. The Delaware County Bar Association’s Law Day was held on May 2 as the last event inside the building before construction starts.
The Delaware County Planning Department is hoping for public input for programming at the Courthouse after the construction is completed in 2026. The first floor is a courtroom which can hold audiences for mock trials, speeches, lectures, small performances, etc. The second floor has two restrooms (not ADA accessible), a room for meetings, and a large room (former Grand Jury Room). This can be used as a museum for Chester and/or the Courthouse, a larger meeting room, or anything else. Delaware County Parks and Recreation will manage rental permits for the building (free/low cost for community groups and non-profits to have meetings/programs) in 2026 and beyond. Let us know what you think here.
Questions about the 1724 Chester Courthouse? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
To celebrate General Lafayette’s return to Chester during his bicentennial tour, Delaware County hosted an event at the 1724 Chester Courthouse and the Avenue of the States.
Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette was a French nobleman who volunteered to join the Continental Army under General Washington. On September 11, 1777, the Battle of Brandywine was fought on the fields of the Brandywine Valley at Chadds Ford, now in Chester and Delaware Counties. Although it was an American loss, the strategic retreat allowed General Washington to warn Congress of the British march on Philadelphia later that month. Lafayette was wounded in the leg on the field of battle, but he was able to retreat to Chester and prevent the British from entering the town. His wound was dressed in Chester and thus started his long-time connection to the town. Spilling his blood on American soil solidified his status as a hero. In 1824, Lafayette was invited by President James Monroe, who he had fought with during the Revolutionary War, to come visit the United States. He visited Chester on the night of October 5, 1824, arriving by boat from Philadelphia. He was greeted by the townspeople who lined the street from the docks with tall candles. He went to the place where his wound was dressed (location unconfirmed) and had dinner at 1 am in the Grand Jury Room of the Courthouse.
200 years later, the American Friends of Lafayette have organized a committee to commemorate this Farewell Tour of Lafayette to recreate his journey throughout the 13 months and 24 states he visited. More information about the Bicentennial tour is at lafayatte200.org.
On October 5, 2024, the Delaware County Planning Department, in partnership with other County departments, the City of Chester, American Friends of Lafayette, America250PADelco, and historical organizations, held an event to commemorate Lafayette’s return to Chester. He was greeted by visitors holding large ‘candles’, like they did in 1824, and several speeches were held in the Courthouse in his honor. Historical groups and vendors were along the street for the visitors to learn more about them or to purchase Lafayette-related memorabilia. County Council member Richard Womack, Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots, and other special guests were in attendance.
Questions about the 1724 Chester Courthouse? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
The Planning Department can assist in identifying zoning and regulatory information about specific parcels in Delaware County.
Most municipalities have zoning maps and district regulations on their individual websites or can provide copies to the public. Municipal officials will have the most current zoning information for their residents.
However, The Delaware County Data & Mapping Innovation Office provides the Delaware County Municipal Zoning application, an interactive map that provides zoning data from all 49 of its municipalities. It should be noted, overlay zoning districts must be turned on under the layers section to be viewed on the map. Lastly, documents may become outdated, as stated by the disclaimer page, it is always recommended to check with municipal officials.
Delaware County Planning Department provides the Delaware County Municipal Dashboard, which includes links to Municipal Plans, Zoning Ordinances, and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, as well as a brief overview of the municipality.
If you need to ensure you have the most recently adopted ordinance, we recommend you contact the municipality.
The Delaware County Real Estate Parcels & Tax Records System and Homestead Status is a great resource for finding a site’s owner, building information, and folio and map numbers.
Need assistance finding your parcel’s regulatory information? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Provider
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Application Deadline
Rolling Deadline
Summary
Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), a supporting organization of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the SWAG program with funding from the PA Fish and Boat Commission and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status 501(c)(3), municipalities, counties, and educational institutions. Non-profit organizations must submit proof of non-profit status and be registered with the PA Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations. Applicants can request up to $30,000 and project proposals must include a 1:1 match (cash, in-kind, or a combination).
Eligible projects must occur on lands owned by the project applicant, or where the applicant has a long-term lease or agreement on the site. Projects must remain open to the public and free of charge for 25 years (successful grantees will be required to sign a 25-year maintenance agreement).
Common Eligible Projects
Eligible projects include acquisition, design and engineering, construction, or upgrade and rehabilitation of non-motorized public access to Pennsylvania waterways. Priority will be given to projects that improve recreational access on rivers and streams as well as those that support and advance POWR’s mission, specifically the facilitation, stewardship, and enjoyment of Pennsylvania’s waterways.
More Information
Provider
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Application Deadline
May 1, 2026
Summary
All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) offers competitive funding to assist in the financing of capital projects to upgrade the accessibility of legacy rail fixed guideway public transportation systems for persons with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. The goal is to increase the number of existing stations or facilities for passenger use that meet or exceed the standards for new construction under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.), as incorporated into Appendix A of 49 CFR Part 37.
Legacy stations are defined as:
- Public transportation rail stations already constructed, or where construction began prior to January 25, 1992.
- Commuter rail stations already constructed, or where construction began prior to October 7, 1991.
- The stations were not identified as key stations (see 49 CFR § 37.47) and remain inaccessible to or unusable by persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users.
Common Eligible Projects
Eligible projects under ASAP include:
- Capital projects to repair, improve, modify, retrofit, or relocate infrastructure of stations or facilities for passenger use, including load-bearing members that are an essential part of the structural frame; or
- Planning projects to develop or modify a plan for pursuing public transportation accessibility projects, assessments of accessibility, or assessments of planned modifications to stations or facilities for passenger use projects or programs of projects in an eligible area.
More Information
Provider
PA Department of Community & Economic Development
Application Deadline
Rolling Application
Summary
The Pennsylvania First Program was established as a comprehensive funding tool to facilitate increased investment and job creation in the commonwealth and to enable the commonwealth to compete more effectively in the global economy. The Pennsylvania First Program may provide grants, loans and loan guarantees. Determination of the type of assistance shall be at the discretion of the Department based upon the financial needs of the individual projects. Except for businesses receiving assistance through WEDnet / the Guaranteed Free Training (GFT) Program, all businesses benefitting from Pennsylvania First Program assistance must meet the Private Investment and Employment requirements outlined here.
- Eligible Applicants include:
- Businesses – corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, limited liability companies or other for-profit entities. This term shall also include not-for-profit entities.
- Municipalities – boroughs, townships, towns, cities, home rule municipalities
- Municipal Authorities
- Redevelopment Authorities
- Industrial Development Authorities or Corporations
- Local Development Districts
Common Eligible Projects
All costs financed through the Pennsylvania First Program must be necessary for the operation of an eligible business or businesses at a project site(s) in the commonwealth. Specifically, funds may be used for:
- Job training for direct, full-time, commonwealth resident employees of the applicant or business
- Acquisition of land, buildings, or rights-of-way
- Construction or rehabilitation of buildings
- Construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure necessary for the operation of an eligible business or businesses at a project site, not to include tap-in fees
- Purchase or upgrade of machinery and equipment
- Working capital
- Project site preparation, including demolition and clearance
- Environmental assessments
- Remediation of hazardous material
- Architectural and engineering fees, not to exceed 10% of the total Pennsylvania First Program award
More Information
https://dced.pa.gov/programs/pennsylvania-first-program-pa-first/
Provider
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
Application Deadline
Rolling
Summary
These grant programs fund projects that help municipalities, counties, multi-municipal partnerships, and council of governments to increase local capacity for recreation, parks, and conservation. The Peer program funds projects that, through a collaborative process, focus on a specific need identified by the grantee and its partners. The Circuit Rider program aids in the hiring of a full-time park, recreation, or conservation professional whose services are shared by the members of a formal partnership, commission, or authority.
Common Eligible Projects
Peer grants are awarded to help municipalities improve their park, recreation and conservation services through a collaborative process. Projects are accomplished through contracts with experienced park, recreation and conservation professionals from nearby communities who will work closely with local leaders. Examples may include projects that form new intergovernmental recreation and park agencies (which is a high priority for DCNR); improving management of a specific facility like a community center, trail or pool; conducting an overall management assessment of an agency’s park and recreation services; park and recreation board training and development, etc.
Circuit Rider grants are awarded to initiate new programs and services for county(ies), Council of Governments and/or multi-municipal entities, that individually do not have the financial resources to hire a professional full-time staff person. The Circuit Rider’s purpose is to initiate new programs and services in the designated service area. The intended result of this project is to increase the ability of grantee to more efficiently and effectively meet their recreation, park, greenway, open space and/or natural resource conservation needs. The grantee will be responsible for the long-term financial commitment and maintenance of this professional position. Circuit rider applications are accepted at any time. The application must come from a county, one municipality (representing multiple municipalities), a council of governments, an authority or an official agency created under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Law. In most situations, the Bureau will require a peer review under our Peer-to-Peer grants before approving an application for Circuit Rider funding.
More Information
https://apps.dcnr.pa.gov/grants/Default.aspx?rtn=CRM365/CRMHelp.aspx?Tag=Opportunities.Peer
Provider
William G. Pomeroy Foundation
Application Deadline
Depending on the program, either rolling or twice-yearly
Summary
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation administers multiple historical marker sign programs which highlight subjects spanning everything from food history to folklore. These signs commemorate people, places, things, events, and stories with historical significance. Applicants must provide primary source documentation to substantiate the historical accuracy of the proposed signage.
Common Eligible Projects
Current sign programs include:
- Hungry for History® Marker Grant Program
- Hometown Heritage® Marker Grant Program
- Historic Transportation Marker Grant Program
- National Register Signage Grant Program
- Legends & Lore® Marker Grant Program
More Information
Provider
PA Department of Community and Economic Development
Application Deadline
May 31, 2026
Summary
Through the Watershed Restoration & Protection Program (WRPP), PA DCED supports the restoration and maintenance of restored stream reaches impaired by the uncontrolled discharge of nonpoint source polluted runoff. The goal of this program is to remove these restored streams from the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Impaired Waters list.
- $300,000 maximum award
- 15% local cash (or cash equivalent) match
Common Eligible Projects
The following is a breakdown of eligible projects:
- Watershed restoration/protection projects implementing runoff control or runoff reduction of Best Management Practices (BMPs) on agricultural operations negatively impacting local or regional stream quality;
- Watershed restoration/protection projects implementing runoff control or runoff reduction of BMPs addressing urban or residential areas negatively impacting local or regional stream quality;
- Watershed projects that refurbish, restore, or create stream bank or stream channel stabilization using bio-engineering techniques;
- Repair and maintenance of existing watershed protection BMPs addressing agricultural, urban/residential, and degraded stream areas; and
- Monitoring water quality to track or continue to track nonpoint source (NPS) load reductions resulting from watershed protection BMP implementation projects.
More Information
https://dced.pa.gov/programs/watershed-restoration-protection-program-wrpp/
Provider
Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED)
Application Deadline
May 31, 2026
Summary
Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for statewide initiatives for complying with the act of January 24, 1966 (1965 P.L.1535, No. 537), known as the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.
- Maximum grant amount for planning projects is $100,000.
- Local match requirement of 50%
- Commencement of work prior to receiving Authority approval will result in the project being ineligible for funding consideration
Common Eligible Projects
Sewage Facilities Planning projects to complete a new or make changes to an existing Act 537 plan. The Task/Activity Report for this project must be submitted and approved by DEP prior to submission of the grant application.