Penn State Great Valley

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The sounds of swing filled the Conference Center at Penn State Great Valley as Josh Lee and the Extended Family delivered an energetic performance that transported the audience to the Big Band era. Featuring timeless classics by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Fletcher Henderson, the ensemble showcased powerful brass arrangements, lively rhythms, and masterful improvisation.

Penn State Great Valley is currently hosting the Chester County Archives America 250 exhibit, "Forged In Freedom: The Land, The People, and the Promise That Shaped a Nation." This seven-panel exhibit provides a thematic overview of the people and events that shaped Chester County following our nation's independence in 1776. Themes addressed include the Network to Freedom, Iron and Steel, the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign, Parks and Preservation, and more. The exhibit will travel to various libraries, county parks, and heritage sites throughout 2026.

To mark Earth Day and the 50th anniversary of Jenkins Arboretum and Valley Forge Park Alliance, Penn State Great Valley hosted a lecture by ecologist and conservation biologist Roger Latham. Drawing on his research on wildland conservation, Latham explored Southeastern Pennsylvania’s geology and ecology and discussed the long-term stewardship of these landscapes.

Bring Our Children to Work Day was not your typical Wednesday at Penn State Great Valley. This action-packed day was filled with excitement and hands-on fun, featuring a scavenger hunt, ping-pong, video games, VR experiences, and a tower-building contest that sparked creativity and teamwork. Children also enjoyed a fascinating demonstration on roller coaster construction, offering a glimpse into the science and engineering behind the thrills. The day concluded on a sweet note with Berkey Creamery ice cream for everyone. A special thank you to all the parents, faculty members, and staff who participated, and to the Penn State Nittany Lion for making a memorable guest appearance.

Thursday night’s Fierce Desires: Variation, Conflict, and Pleasure in the History of America program sparked thoughtful conversation and fresh perspectives on how desire has shaped the American experience. We loved seeing such an engaged community come together to explore history through a new lens. Thank you to everyone who attended. Your curiosity and participation made the evening a standout moment in our Spring 2026 arts and culture series. Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to learn, connect, and think boldly with us.

“Special Delivery” by ARTsisters features artwork made from recycled mail materials like envelopes, stamps, and packaging. Through collage, sculpture, and mixed media, the artists transform discarded paper into powerful explorations of communication and sustainability. This exhibit, which runs through May 15, is hosted by Penn State Great Valley's Henry Gallery.

Learn more about this and upcoming exhibits at the Henry Gallery via the link in comments.

What an inspiring evening with Jenny Rose Carey! Her presentation on women in horticulture from 1900–1940 was a masterclass in storytelling—rich with illuminating photos, well‑researched history, and the kind of engaging commentary that brings forgotten pioneers back into the light. These remarkable women shaped the landscapes we know today, and Jenny made their stories feel vivid and alive. Grateful to everyone who joined us and helped celebrate this important history.

⛳ Join us for our 14th annual Penn State Great Valley Golf Outing at the beautiful Applecross Country Club in Downingtown on May 19!

Sponsorship opportunities, foursome and individual golfer registration, and dinner-only tickets are available.

Enjoy a day out on the course, plus delicious food and cocktails, a silent auction, and lots of fun! All proceeds support student scholarships at Penn State Great Valley, helping promising students reach their dreams through a high-quality graduate and professional education. ⛳

Learn more, become a sponsor, and register to attend via link in comments!🏌‍♀️