Barnard Station

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Barnard Station's logo was designed by illustrator Ann Bedrick. Click here to learn more about Ann.

You can help by making a donation toward the new Heritage Center.

Barnard Station - Home of Eusebius and Sarah Barnard

This historic farm in rural Chester County, Pennsylvania was once the home of Eusebius and Sarah Barnard in the 1800s. As Quakers they upheld the ideals of simplicity, truth, equality, and community. As abolitionists, the Barnard family opened their home to freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. Eusebius Barnard, a progressive community leader, was involved in the founding of Longwood Progressive Meeting as well as a signer of the petition for the formation of Pocopson Township.

Friends of Barnard Station is excited to begin the journey of creating a new Heritage Center at the Barnard House. This Heritage Center, while preserving the integrity of the house, will focus on the abolitionist movement and local history. Our goal is to foster a greater appreciation of the role Pocopson Township played in American History. It is a story of heroism in a time of national strife.

UPDATE - 2025 PHMC Grant Award
We have been awarded a Keystone Construction Grant by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) to refurbish the plaster in the c. 1841 Gathering Room at Barnard Station. As with any original material, movement of the structure and moisture intrusion has decayed the plaster system over the past 184 years. The causes of these problems have been addressed so the time has come to repair the internal finishes. The contractor will employ both traditional and modern methods to prepare the walls and ceiling for layers of a wet plaster system. The room was initially plastered in 1841 and has at least one subsequent layer applied to the walls. The bond between those layers has been compromised and the finish has started to break off. Friends of Barnard Station (FOBS) will be financing the costs of this restoration project with a 50% match from PHMC. A fundraising campaign is already underway, but additional funds are needed to meet our goal of $12,500. If you are interested in contributing to this important preservation project, information can be found on our Donate page.

UPDATE - 2025 Open House Schedule
Barnard Station will be open to the public on the 3rd Sunday of each month from May through October at 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Dates are May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21 and October 19.

In addition, there will be two special events hosted at Barnard Station in 2025.
1. Town Tours and Village Walks sponsored by the Chester County Planning Commission (download brochure). Part of this series of events will be held at the Pocopson Township campus on Thursday July 31st between 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Guided tours through parts of the township campus, including Barnard Station will be led by FOBS and the Pocopson Township Historical Committee. The event is open to the public and free of charge. For more information visit Town Tours and Village Walks.
2. 84th annual Chester County Day House Tour. On Saturday October 4th, both Barnard Station and the Locust Grove Schoolhouse will be open for visitation. This annual event benefits the Chester County Hospital Foundation and tickets are required. More information can be found at Chester County Day.

UPDATE - 2025 Projects Planned
During the rest of the year work will continue on the dining room, kitchen and hall, specifically installing the chair rail molding, sanding the woodwork and painting.

UPDATE - 2025 Projects Completed
The 1829 parlor has been painted using original colors identified in the Preservation Plan and furnished in period furniture and accessories. The missing ceiling in the dining room was replaced and the plaster repaired. An enclosure has been built where the original servants staircase was located in the kitchen, restoring the 1850s look of the area. Plaster was also repaired in the kitchen and hall. Electrical wiring was upgraded on the first floor providing electrical service to all rooms. For details on restoration work click 2025 Projects Completed.

During metal detecting around the old dairy barn foundation, several volunteers decided to clear away some of the overgrowth. This led to a full blown clean-up project with the help of the township maintenance crew. What an amazing difference! We have decided to make the inside of the foundation a flower garden.