CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A historic courthouse in Delaware County will get much needed repairs thanks to a large federal grant.
The 1724 Chester Courthouse served as the county courthouse for both Delaware and Chester Counties, as well as the city hall for Chester. Now, the nearly 300-year-old building is getting an early birthday present.
“We received a $522,000 grant to renovate the courthouse,” said Delaware County Council vice chair Elaine Schaefer. She says the money will help that piece of history live on for years to come as it educates future generations.
“This is an absolute gem of a historical asset we have here, the oldest continuously occupied building for public use in the United States,” she said.
“Chester and Delaware counties have such a central role in the history of our nation. To be able to put this courthouse back together in a way that people will be able to enjoy is truly an honor, and it’s very exciting,” said U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, who was on hand for the grant announcement.
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Renovations to the courthouse will include the restoration of the exterior stonework, updating building systems and bathrooms and the installation of a kitchenette. Much of the work is expected to be completed next year, in time for the building’s 300th anniversary.
“We’ll be able to open it up to the public as a museum and a place to visit all of the time,” Schaefer shared. “Up until now in the recent past, it’s only been open a few times a year for special occasions and it’s really such an important asset.”
She also hopes naturalization ceremonies will be among some of the new programs they’ll have at the courthouse.
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