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!

A colorful ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 23, at 9 AM to dedicate a new pair of historic markers on the site of a Civil War military base that once overlooked the Schuylkill River in Gladwyne.

The base, known as Camp Discharge, was established by the Union Army in 1864 to help hundreds of citizen-soldiers return from the battlefront and transition back to civilian life.

Dozens of uniformed Civil War re-enactors will assemble for the dedication, including a military band performing period music. As their regimental flags fly, the re-enactors will fire a musket salute to honor the veterans who spent time at Camp Discharge. Remarks will be made by Jim Remsen and Brad Upp, co-authors of Back from Battle, a 2021 book about Camp Discharge, as well as by Capt. Bridget Wilby, an Iraq War veteran who assisted in the book's early research.

The dedication ceremony will take place at a corner of the club’s Centennial Course, best accessed from Lafayette Road and Martin’s Lane. Please park along Martin's Lane or Lafayette Road and follow the signs up the wooded hill from the bend in Martin's Lane. Note that no restrooms will be available, and the terrain leading to the event will be uneven.

The general public is invited. Please note that the ceremony will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

The Philadelphia Country Club owns the Camp Discharge site and has promoted the camp’s history, including by underwriting the cost of the two historic markers.

The markers will be permanently accessible to the public via the Sid Thayer Trail section of the Bridlewild Trail Network.

For further information, contact Jim Remsen at (610) 291-7707.

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.

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.

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 HERE. Video of the marker dedication may be viewed HERE.

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.

Please join us as we celebrate 75 YEARS of the Lower Merion Historical Society! Click here to register.