The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art offers a unique way to appreciate art and the environment. Immerse yourself in our story by exploring below.
Begin Experience Initiate homepage scrolling experienceFounder of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art
The Brandywine Conservancy was founded by a group of local residents who, appreciating the need for rapid action, purchased land in Chadds Ford to protect the area from industrial development.
The Conservancy opened the Brandywine River Museum—now known as the Brandywine Museum of Art. Part of the Conservancy's first preservation effort was renovating Hoffman's Mill, a former gristmill built in 1864, which became the home of the Museum of Art.
Through the leadership of the Brandywine Conservancy, the Laurels Preserve is established when a limited partnership purchased the 5,367-acre Buck & Doe Run Valley Farms property from the Texas-based King Ranch cattle operation. This was the largest conservation project in Pennsylvania at this time.
The Brandywine Museum of Art opens the N. C. Wyeth House & Studio to the public. The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art acquired the house and studio as a gift from N. C. Wyeth's five children in 1982.
Waterloo Mills Preserve is established when Mr. and Mrs. John C. Haas donate 170 spectacular acres to the Brandywine Conservancy. On the Waterloo Mills Preserve, one can find an 18th-century village, mill race remnants, wildflower meadows, fertile marshes, mature woods and over a mile of meandering creek.
The Brandywine Museum of Art opens the Kuerner Farm to the public. The farm was originally acquired by Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art in 1999 due in large part to the philanthropic spirit of Karl Kuerner, Jr., and his family.
The Brandywine Conservancy was one of the first conservation organizations awarded accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The award is an affirmation of careful management and effective environmental programs.
The Brandywine Museum of Art opens Andrew Wyeth’s Studio to the public. The studio was given to the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art by the artist's wife Betsy James Wyeth, in 2010 and underwent careful restoration to preserve its appearance when it was used by the late artist.
The Brandywine Conservancy holds more than 500 conservation easements and protects over 70,000 acres throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Brandywine Museum of Art is internationally recognized for its unparalleled collection and dedication to presenting Wyeth and American art. Nearly 300 special exhibitions have been shown in the museum's six galleries.
The Brandywine is made stronger through the dedication and hard work of our members and donors.