For 40 years, the Springfield Township Historical Society has been honoring its mission of preservation, research, and education. Prior to the demolition of Edward T. Stotesbury's estate Whitemarsh Hall in Wyndmoor, residents maintained their own historical records in journals, ledgers, family Bibles, and by tucking away heirlooms in trunks. The aforementioned event became a catalyst, making it apparent to Springfield Township residents the need for a formal repository that could speak to and maintain the stories of the past and share them with the future. On June 24, 1985, the Springfield Township Historical Society realized that goal and was established with the purposes to research the township's history and collect and publish materials pertaining to the township's history, to identify and preserve buildings of architectural and historic merit within the township, and to act in an educational and advisory capacity.

Today, the Society remains steadfast in fostering its original purposes. Small but mighty, the Society has cataloged over 8,000 items in the permanent collection. Housed in the historic Black Horse Inn along Bethlehem Pike since 2006, these materials include photographs, objects, ledgers, maps, and blueprints of various times within Springfield Township's existence. Recent donations include photographs of the Harris family and Harston Hall, the business records of the Irish Edition (based in Oreland), along with a near-complete library of the Springfield Township High School yearbooks. Highlights of the collection include remnants of the Penn Oak Tree after it was felled in 1975, the rare J.H. Jackson tall clock donated by the Lesseig family in 2017, objects from the Enfield Pottery and Tile Works (1906-1930s), and Chestnut Hill Amusement Park (1898-1911) memorabilia. It is through these objects that we can share the stories of those people and places that have come before us. As the Society continues to build on its mission of preservation, we are always looking to add to the narrative. Perhaps there are items in your attic or basement that would help tell these stories?

The Society continues to value education and research by being open to the public on Wednesdays 1 p.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon or by appointment. Throughout the year, the Society hosts lectures, open houses, and displays or exhibits on a variety of local historic topics. In the past, the Society has hosted bus trips and historic house tours. Since 2007, the Society offers a scholarship award to a high school senior with plans to study history. Last year, we assisted over 30 researchers in discovering more information about their home, their genealogy, and their community. The Society assisted the Class of 2024 Springfield Township High School Yearbook Committee by providing ephemera and information that showcased a century of the School's history. Access to the collection is available at the Society and online through our website.

As a member of the community, we recognize that we are where we are today through the generous support of our neighbors. Volunteers and interns working with the collection average 400 hours annually; additionally, the various board committees work tirelessly to generate funds and create programs which support the mission and educate the public. We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from individuals and businesses in the community. The Society has a continually growing sponsorship base and longstanding friends group. In the first year of operation, the Society's March 1986 newsletter boasted a membership of over 200! Are you interested in working with us to support our history? Information about sponsorships at various levels and becoming a friend can be obtained by contacting the Society.

With the upcoming 40th anniversary, we are taking the time to reflect on where the last four decades have brought us. It is upon these foundations that we are simultaneously proud of how far we've come and excited about the future. The upcoming year has a lineup of programs that continue along traditional lines, yet expound on the Society's goals and our role in the community. Our anniversary festivities kick off in February with the "Know Before You Throw" fundraiser being held at the Flourtown Country Club. Details for upcoming events will be on website and social media as they become available. For a more personalized experience, please contact the Society to be added to our email list and have our digital newsletter sent directly to your inbox.

Would you like to be part of the Springfield Township Historical Society community? Please contact us at archives@springfieldhistory.org to discuss all the opportunities available to be part of this historic civic organization.