We are very pleased to inform you that on June 23rd Don McKay will be presented the Jane L.S. Davidson Historic Preservation Award. It is the highest honor bestowed by the Chester County Historic Preservation Network (CCHPN) to recognize an individual whose contributions demonstrate significant achievements and leadership in historic preservation in Chester County PA through increased public awareness, appreciation, and support.
Here are a few of Don’s immeasurable contributions:
Barnard Station of the Underground Railroad
- Extensive study on the main residence, outbuildings, Barnard family research, Pocopson’s free Black population and surrounding community research
- A skilled craftsman, knowledgeable of architecture including 19th century architecture, he has personally done a vast amount of the restoration/renovation work on the Barnard House (which is eligible for the National Register) in coordination with the Preservation Plan.
- One of three Administrators on Barnard Station Facebook Page, where he frequently posts local research and progress of the Barnard House restoration. This is then shared with numerous other Facebook pages to interested audiences.
- Instrumental in obtaining grants
- The primary coordinator for events/tours at Barnard Station including Open Houses, 2025 Chester County Day, 2021, 2025 & 2026 Chester County Town Tours & Village Walks & private tours.
Pocopson Township Historical Committee Chair since 2018, member since 2015
- Locust Grove Schoolhouse was dedicated and opened on June 4, 2022. Don led the restoration/renovation work & research to completion.
- Coordinated the funding, creation, fabrication, and installation of two historical markers within Pocopson Township: Locust Grove School and Crown Forces Flanking March.
- Local history expert on Pocopson and surrounding townships. He frequently collaborates on extensive research, often with his father Ray McKay, to preserve the area’s heritage including the topographies, roads, structures, community growth activities and family histories.
Rediscovering Rural Unionville Chadds Ford Facebook page, created by Don in October 2017
- Today it has over 7,300 members
- Don authors interesting and engaging posts
- This page has become a great resource for sharing insightful information and Don is a highly regarded recognizable resource for people to make inquiries.
Spearheaded numerous committees/projects and individual initiatives on varying topics.
Don is one of a handful of people in Chester County who is a known resource for questions about southern Chester County – particularly Pocopson. In addition to his work within the township, he has given several presentations in the area on local history.
- One-room township schoolhouses before 1923 Unionville Joint Consolidated School (bus tour)
- Unionville Village Walking Tour
- Trolley Line presentation coordinated with his father Ray McKay.
- Local early family ancestry research, including many of his own
- Identification of notable locations, structures & their significance
- Battle of Brandywine
- Abolition Activism
- Pocopson Township including, Chester County Historic Resource Atlas Project – survey and mapping of historic resources in Pocopson Township. One of the project leaders.
- Pennsbury African Union Church & Cemetery
- Pocopson Free Black population and research on individuals.
- Collaboration and consultation with others to share his insight & extensive research and knowledge.