By LMHS Staff

“If and when we become more conscious of the permeation of the present by the past, we will come to realize that it is only by knowing the past that we can understand the present and mold the future, and thus make the most of our own brief histories.”— Main Line Times

Thus on November 3, 1949, the Main Line Times noted the first meeting of the Lower Merion Historical Society. Ninety community residents—about three times more than expected—showed up; most had to stand throughout the meeting.

Since that meeting, the Society has been dedicated to our mission of “Preserving Our Past for the Future.” Generations of dedicated presidents and board members have gathered and preserved thousands of books, maps, photographs, oral histories, and artifacts that tell the stories of our people and communities. We have published articles and books, given presentations and walking tours, answered countless research questions from near and far, and helmed historic preservation efforts. Scores of neighbors have donated their possessions, time, and money to this cause. Hundreds of volunteers have stewarded our collections, made data and information accessible to researchers, and provided educational programs to the public. Thousands of students, residents, and scholars have worked with the Society’s extensive resources, in person and online. The Lower Merion Historical Society is a vital force in preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Lower Merion and Narberth.

The Society began as an idea and a library, housed after 1953 in the historic 1769 Ashbridge House, a township-owned stone building in Rosemont. The grounds are now much-beloved Ashbridge Park, with green space and a memorial to local men who served in World Wars I and II. Over the years, the library and museum outgrew this space, and the collection was relocated in 2000 to the second and third floor of the beautifully restored 1812 Lower Merion Academy Building in Bala Cynwyd, a Quaker schoolhouse listed since 2002 on the National Register of Historic Places, along with its neighbors the 1914 Cynwyd Elementary School and 1938 Bala Cynwyd Middle School.

Our Presidents Emeritus Ted Goldsborough and Jerry Francis (1943-2023) ably led the evolution of the Lower Merion Historical Society into an organization focused on stewardship of local history, education of the community, preservation of historic resources, and outreach to promote awareness of the cultural heritage of the Township of Lower Merion and the Borough of Narberth.

The global pandemic of 2020 presented a significant challenge to the operation of the Society, and this disruption provided an opportunity to build on the legacy of Jerry Francis, our president for over two decades, and envision new ways to engage with our community and beyond. In 2022, a new president and board were elected to lead the Society. Our strategic plan through 2026 is a commitment to preserving our rich heritage while embracing inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability. Through this plan, we aim to fortify our financial foundation, enhance our facilities and collections, develop engaging programs, expand our outreach efforts, cultivate a broad and supportive membership community, and strengthen governance practices. By integrating best practices and inclusion into all aspects of our operations, we will ensure that the LMHS continues to serve as a vital force in preserving and sharing the history of Lower Merion and Narberth, fostering a dynamic and resilient organization for generations to come.