Lower Merion Historical Society

The Lower Merion Historical Society

Lower Merion History

The
Lower Merion Historical Society

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Upcoming Events

Tintype Portrait Day

January 19, 2025    
10:00 AM
Step back in time with the Lower Merion Historical Society's Tintype Portrait Day! On Sunday, January 19th, experience the magic of authentic Victorian photography at the historic Lower Merion Academy. From 10AM to 5PM, you can have your portrait taken using the fascinating tintype process by Victorian Photography Studio of Gettysburg. While you're there, explore the Society's remarkable collection of early photographic prints. Transform your family photo album with a unique piece of history - book your time slot now at 506 Bryn Mawr Ave, Bala Cynwyd!

Past Events

Lower Merion Cemeteries Open House

October 13, 2024    
1:00 PM
Sunday, October 13: Tours 1:00–4:00 PM | Reception 4:00–5:00 PM Please register HERE. All registrants will receive detailed event information by email prior to the event. The Lower Merion Historical Society is sponsoring an open house featuring four of the township’s earliest cemeteries. Though small in size, these cemeteries remain active burial sites and reflect diverse burial traditions and monument styles. Registrants will receive historical information and directions to each cemetery. Representatives from each cemetery will be available during the open house to greet visitors and answer questions. Points of interest will be marked, but we encourage you to explore and discover what piques your curiosity. Cemeteries featured:
  • Merion Friends Meeting House Burying Ground (1682) 615 Montgomery Avenue, Merion Station
  • Harriton Family Cemetery (1719) Off Caversham Road, Bryn Mawr
  • Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery (1765) 415 E. Athens Avenue, Ardmore
  • Lower Merion Baptist Church Cemetery (1811) 911 New Gulph Road, Bryn Mawr
After the tours, visitors are invited to the Lower Merion Academy for light refreshments and an opportunity to discuss what you saw. Reception & Light Refreshments: Lower Merion Academy 4:00–5:00 PM 506 Bryn Mawr Ave, Bala Cynwyd

You may view the information packet for the event HERE.

Minerva Parker Nichols Book Talk & Neighborhood Walk

October 5, 2024    
3:00 PM
Join us on Saturday, October 5, for a special collaborative event about early female architect Minerva Parker Nichols. The Lower Merion Historical Society is co-sponsoring this book talk and neighborhood walk with Narberth Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) and Lower Merion Conservancy. This event is free, but an RSVP is required HERE. More information is available HERE.

Women of Idenlea Estate: State Historical Marker Dedication

September 15, 2024    
2:00 PM
In the late 19th and early 20th century, Bala Cynwyd was home to a family of remarkable women whose contributions to the causes of abolition of slavery, women's rights, suffrage, and women in medicine deserve long overdue recognition. All are welcome to join the dedication ceremony for a Pennsylvania historical marker honoring these women, featuring remarks by public officials and historians. It's been over 20 years since a state historical marker was unveiled in Lower Merion, so this is an occasion not to be missed. Occurring during the 2nd Annual Bala Avenue Art Walk, this dedication event is free, but please RSVP HERE.

Program may be viewed HEREVideo of the marker dedication may be viewed HERE.

Native Son: The Legacy of Paul B. Moses & Black History in Ardmore

September 14, 2024    
1:00 PM
Join the Society and Neighbors Helping Neighbors on the Main Line for an afternoon of learning and sharing the legacy of trailblazing art historian and painter Paul B. Moses (1929 - 1966) who was raised on W Spring Ave in Ardmore and graduated at the top of his class from Lower Merion High School. Mike Moses will share his father's story, welcoming discussion followed by a walking tour of the neighborhood and light refreshments. This event is free and open to the public.

Program may be viewed HERE.

Lower Merion Historical Society’s 75th Anniversary Potluck Picnic!

June 2, 2024    
11:00 AM
Please join us as we celebrate 75 YEARS of the Lower Merion Historical Society! Click here to register.

The History of Public School Buildings in Lower Merion, 1812 – Present

May 19, 2024    
2:00 PM
Ted Goldsborough, Lower Merion High School class of 1957, is President Emeritus of the Lower Merion History Society. A lifelong Lower Merion resident, he was born and raised in Narberth and taught English for 28 years in the Lower Merion School District. Ted was the host of LMTV's Living History with Ted Goldsborough.
 
Ted will present his decades of research on the history of the public school buildings in Lower Merion, going back to its first schools in the early 1800s. His presentation will last about 90 minutes, with time for questions and discussion. Ted's research is freely available here. This presentation is free, but preregistration is required. Please register here.