Paoli, PA

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Sep

CeremonyFeatured

Paoli Massacre Anniversary Commemoration

Paoli Battlefield Historical Park & Paoli Massacre Monument, Malvern, PA

Annual ceremony held at the Paoli Battlefield on or near the September 20 anniversary of the 1777 night attack. The event typically includes wreath-laying at the mass grave and monument, musket salutes, remarks by historians, and participation by Revolutionary War reenactors in period uniforms. Organized by the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund and local heritage groups.

FreeHeld on or near September 20; sometimes shifted to the nearest Saturday. Contact the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund to confirm the exact date each year.More info →

May

Ceremony

Paoli Battlefield Memorial Day Observance

Paoli Massacre Monument and Mass Grave, Malvern, PA

A Memorial Day weekend ceremony at the Paoli Massacre monument and mass grave honoring the fallen Continental soldiers of the 1777 battle alongside all American veterans. The observance typically includes a flag ceremony, reading of the names of the soldiers buried in the mass grave, a musket volley, and community remarks. Organized in coordination with local veterans' organizations and the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund.

FreeHeld on or near Memorial Day (last Monday of May); contact Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund to confirm.

Sep

Reenactment

Paoli Battlefield Living History Day

Paoli Battlefield Historical Park, Malvern, PA

A living history program at Paoli Battlefield Historical Park featuring Revolutionary War reenactors demonstrating camp life, musket firing, bayonet drill, and surgical techniques of the period. Interpreters explain the British 'flintless order' and the night assault tactics used by General Grey's forces. Guided battlefield walks cover the American encampment, the routes of the British approach, and the aftermath of the massacre.

FreeTypically held on a Saturday in mid-to-late September near the anniversary; contact the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund to confirm dates.More info →

Oct

Guided Tour

Waynesborough Colonial Day and Open House

Waynesborough (Anthony Wayne Estate), Paoli, PA

The historic Waynesborough estate — home of General Anthony Wayne — hosts an annual open house with guided tours of the restored house, period craft demonstrations, and lectures on Wayne's military career from the Paoli disaster through his legendary bayonet assault at Stony Point. Costumed interpreters portray members of the Wayne household and Continental soldiers.

Free or small donation suggestedTypically held during a weekend in October; check with the Easttown Township Historical Commission or Waynesborough for scheduled dates.

Date

TBD

Lecture

Warren Tavern Heritage Lecture Series

Warren Tavern, Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA

The historic Warren Tavern, a landmark dating to 1745 that served as a gathering place during the Revolution, hosts periodic heritage lectures and programs in partnership with the Chester County Historical Society. Topics have included the Paoli Massacre, the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777, Anthony Wayne's court-martial, and tavern culture in Revolutionary America.

Varies; some events freeLectures are scheduled at various times throughout the year; contact the Chester County Historical Society or Warren Tavern to confirm upcoming programs.