By LMHS Staff

The Lower Merion Historical Society is one of many organizations dedicated to the history of our region. From Harriton House’s educational and cultural programs to the Lower Merion Library System’s special collections, you’ll find a wealth of information—familiar and surprising—everywhere you turn!

Below is a brief list of some of our local peer organizations. 

Friends of Narberth History – Formed in 2015, Friends of Narberth History maintains an endlessly rich and engaging website as it seeks to connect the community and build identity by preserving and sharing the story of Narberth and its people. 

Harriton House – The Harriton Association maintains the historic 1704 Harriton House in Bryn Mawr and sponsors educational and cultural programs for youth and adults focused on American History since colonial times and the story of the home’s most famous occupant, Charles Thomson (1729-1824), Secretary to the Continental and Confederation Congresses. 

Lower Merion Conservancy – Formed in 1995, The Lower Merion Conservancy protects and enhances our community’s character and quality of life, recognizing that the sustainable management of our environmental and historic resources is inextricably intertwined with both conservation and change. The Conservancy advocates for policies, programs, and projects that support its vision for the community and builds an informed constituency that can actively support this vision.

Lower Merion Historical Architectural Review Board – The Lower Merion Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) is a public advisory body created to help protect the distinctive and historic character of Lower Merion Township by considering the effects of proposed changes to buildings and properties within historic districts and on the Historic Properties List and by ruling on their appropriateness.

Lower Merion Historical Commission – The Lower Merion Historical Commission recommends to the Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners those properties to be placed on or removed from the Historic Resource Inventory, distinguishing between those properties to be classified as Class I and Class II Historic Resources. The Historical Commission also counsels the Board of Commissioners regarding the preservation or demolition of those resources of historic significance located in the Township, but not within a local historic district.

Lower Merion Library System – The Lower Merion Library System is a group of six libraries in our community. The libraries provide access to and promote a wide variety of books, audio-visual materials, and electronic resources, and they engage with the community through activities and programs. Many of their resources and programs relate to local history, and the Gladwyne and Ludington Libraries in particular have special collections on the history of Lower Merion and Narberth.

Radnor Historical Society – Since 1947, the Radnor Historical Society has worked to preserve, protect, present, and promote the history of Radnor Township. Their online archive contains a rich collection of photographs, maps, atlases, architectural archives, and historic newspapers related to our shared history on the Main Line.