Lower Merion Historical Society

The Lower Merion Historical Society

« Lower Merion History

About The Lower Merion Historical Society

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

Over the following seventy years, The Society has gathered and preserved thousands of books, maps, photographs and artifacts that tell the stories of our people and communities. Scores of neighbors have donated their possessions, time and money to this cause. Hundreds of volunteers have 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.

Our Mission

The Lower Merion Historical Society is an organization dedicated to “Preserving Our Past For The Future.” This is accomplished by 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.

Our Standards and Ethics Statement

The Lower Merion Historical Society is a member in good standing of the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), and as such, the Executive Board of the Lower Merion Historical Society (LMHS) commits to making AASLH’s industry ethics and practice standards its own.

AASLH is a national membership organization of individuals, agencies, and organizations acting in the public trust, engaged in the practice of history, and representing a variety of disciplines and professions. The Association expects its members to abide by the ethical and performance standards adopted by all appropriate discipline-based and professional organizations. LMHS commits to the ethical statements and related professional standards and best practices provided for the guidance of all members of AASLH.

Visit Us

The Society holds an outstanding local and regional history collection at the beautifully restored 1812 Lower Merion Academy, the oldest existing school building in Montgomery County.

three-story stuccoed building with cupola

Lower Merion Academy
506 Bryn Mawr Avenue
Box 2602
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania 19004

Phone: (610) 664-3216
E-mail: info@LowerMerionHistory.org

The Academy is the light tan stucco building located between the Cynwyd Elementary School and the Bala Cynwyd Middle School.

Get Directions

floor plan of four rooms on one floor

Reference Room — Our library of general reference materials; a reading room with Internet access.

Archive Room — A conservation environment housing our primary source materials; maps, books, papers, photographs, fabrics.

File Room — Collections of pamphlets, brochures, papers, newspapers, reprints; also, a display case exhibiting some Society artifacts.

Take a tour of the Lower Merion Academy (8:14)
Tour the Historical Society’s collections (18:01)
room with built-in bookshelves, two people seated at large table in center, two people standing
The reference room
looking through doorway into room with built-in shelves full of books and boxes
The climate-controlled archive

Officers and Directors

Effective November 17, 2022

President: Kate Jiggins
Vice President: Erin Betley
Treasurer: Craig Whitney
Corresponding Secretary: Linda Tasker

Class of 2023: Kim Andrews, Jamie Singer, Brad Upp
Class of 2024: Chad Henneberry, Elizabeth Laurent
Class of 2025: Dennis Montagna, Scott Reynolds

11 board members posed in front of a mantle with an antique clock at the Lower Merion Academy
Left to right: Craig Whitney, Brad Upp, Erin Betley, Scott Reynolds, Elizabeth Laurent, Chad Henneberry, Jamie Singer, Kim Andrews, Linda Tasker, Kate Jiggins, Dennis Montagna

Board Biographies