The Historical Society presents a variety of events and programs throughout the year. We invite you to join us - you'll always learn something new!
Upcoming Events
Monday August 12, 7:00 PM - 10:30 PMCemetery Tour and Falling Star WatchThe Historical Society of Montgomery County announces a special event on Monday, August 12, 2019, that combines a tour of Historic Montgomery Cemetery with some time at the end of the tour to star watch! August 12, 2019 marks the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower! So, why not hang around for the aftershow? Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and stay with us a bit longer to see if you can spot a meteor or two. The moon will be nearly full, so the shower won’t bring as many visible meteors as it does on some years, but we hope to catch a few falling stars before the evening ends at 10:30 PM. The entrance to Montgomery Cemetery is at the end of Hartranft Avenue, off of West Main Street, Norristown. The event is weather dependent. Please check our website for any cancellations. Parking during the event will be made available inside the Cemetery gates. Cost for this event is $10.00. To purchase tickets and/or RSVP contact us at 610-272-0297 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. |
Thursday August 22, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMFlying Camps in the Revolutionary WarJoin us for our next event when Rebecca Price Janney presents “Northampton County Flying Camp” Rebecca Price Janney’s newest books, a series of novels (3 now) about two people who live 250+ years apart, are joined by common experiences and a hometown. These are a result of her own family research about 10 years ago. In which she uncovered layers of ancestors and their stories, including a fascinating figure, a Revolutionary War colonel and Pennsylvania "big wig." Janney will tell the harrowing story of Colonel Peter Kichline and the Northampton County Flying Camp battalion that traveled north to fight in the Battle of Long Island with General George Washington. Rebecca Price Janney is the award-winning author of twenty-two books, including her beloved Easton Series. A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she earned degrees in history from Lafayette College, Princeton Seminary, and Biblical Seminary. She’s a popular speaker at civic and patriotic organizations, historical societies, schools, libraries, churches, and synagogues, and appears regularly on radio. Her weekly podcast, “Great Stories in American History,” has been gaining a steady following. Rebecca resides with her husband, son, and a slightly spoiled spaniel in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. |
Saturday September 21, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PMThe Culture of Death: Walking Tour and PresentationThe Historical Society of Montgomery County will present a walking tour and presentation that examines the changing cultural beliefs in America surrounding death and dying. Nothing is certain except death and taxes. Culturally, however, the American way of death is anything but certain. Over time, popular funeral and burial rituals of have changed dramatically as we have shifted our attitudes towards death. This special tour of Historic Montgomery Cemetery on September 21, 2019, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, includes a walking tour of the cemetery followed by refreshments and a presentation in the Gatehouse that will examine how America’s attitudes towards death have changed since early European settlement. The Historical Society’s Executive Director, Barry Rauhauser, will illustrate how global patterns in culture affect the way we view aging and death and look at how some of America’s historical events helped to create a unique American view on death and dying. With almost 6,000 known burials, Historic Montgomery Cemetery holds the remains of some of the most prominent citizens, veterans, and reformers in the county and nation. From five Civil War generals to many captains of industry, it tells the story of the nation through the lives it represents. The entrance to Montgomery Cemetery is at the end of Hartranft Avenue, off of West Main Street, Norristown. Parking during the event will be made available inside the Cemetery gates. Tickets for the event are $15 and include the walking tour, refreshments and presentation. Tickets are limited so call 610-272-0297 to purchase tickets for this event. |
Wednesday October 2, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMWorld War II in Europe: The Second FrontThe Historical Society of Montgomery County announces a new series of classes on the history of World War II in Europe! On the night of June 5/6 the Allied invasion of France began when more than 17,000 Allied airborne troops parachuted behind the German lines in Normandy officially opening a bid to establish a second front on the European continent in World War II. Before the day ended over 156,000 Allied soldiers came ashore along a fifty mile stretch of beaches on the Norman coast. This was only the beginning of what would be eleven months of hard fighting that on May 7, 1945 caused Germany’s surrender and ended World War II in Europe. Taught by historian Michael Snyder and using lecture supplemented by power point and handouts, this course will cover Overlord (the planning and execution of D-Day), the fighting in hedge rows of Normandy and the breakout, the Falaise Pocket and the pursuit to West Wall, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, and the German surrender. The emphasis will be on the military and political operations but will also look at life on the home front in the Schuylkill Valley. Where: Classes will be held at 1654 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA, in the Meeting Room of the Historical Society of Montgomery County When: Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 2019, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Cost: Cost to attend this series is $80 for members of the Historical Society of Montgomery County and $100.00 for non-members. Contact us at 610-272-0297 or checkout our website at hsmcpa.org for more information or to register for the class. |
Wednesday October 9, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMWorld War II in Europe: The Second FrontThe Historical Society of Montgomery County announces a new series of classes on the history of World War II in Europe! On the night of June 5/6 the Allied invasion of France began when more than 17,000 Allied airborne troops parachuted behind the German lines in Normandy officially opening a bid to establish a second front on the European continent in World War II. Before the day ended over 156,000 Allied soldiers came ashore along a fifty mile stretch of beaches on the Norman coast. This was only the beginning of what would be eleven months of hard fighting that on May 7, 1945 caused Germany’s surrender and ended World War II in Europe. Taught by historian Michael Snyder and using lecture supplemented by power point and handouts, this course will cover Overlord (the planning and execution of D-Day), the fighting in hedge rows of Normandy and the breakout, the Falaise Pocket and the pursuit to West Wall, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, and the German surrender. The emphasis will be on the military and political operations but will also look at life on the home front in the Schuylkill Valley. Where: Classes will be held at 1654 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA, in the Meeting Room of the Historical Society of Montgomery County When: Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 2019, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Cost: Cost to attend this series is $80 for members of the Historical Society of Montgomery County and $100.00 for non-members. Contact us at 610-272-0297 or checkout our website at hsmcpa.org for more information or to register for the class. |
Tuesday October 15, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM17th and 18th Century ResearchThe Historical Society of Montgomery County announces a new special topic genealogy class for this spring! Montgomery County was formed out of Philadelphia County in 1784. But frequently researchers are looking much deeper into our region’s past to find the histories of their houses, their communities and their families. This workshop will help those who are tracking down the stories of the 17th and 18th Centuries within the area we now know as Montgomery County, PA! Sydney F. Cruice Dixon is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She has been actively researching family genealogies since 1995. In addition to conducting research and providing genealogical coaching, Dixon currently teaches both beginner and intermediate level genealogy courses. She also lectures regularly throughout the tri-state area. She is also a member of the planning committee for the Main Line Genealogy Club in the Philadelphia area. 17th and 18th Century Research Genealogy Workshop The program is $10 for members of the Historical Society of Montgomery County and just $20 for non-members. Please contact the historical society at (610) 272-0297 to reserve your spot! |
Wednesday October 16, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMWorld War II in Europe: The Second FrontThe Historical Society of Montgomery County announces a new series of classes on the history of World War II in Europe! On the night of June 5/6 the Allied invasion of France began when more than 17,000 Allied airborne troops parachuted behind the German lines in Normandy officially opening a bid to establish a second front on the European continent in World War II. Before the day ended over 156,000 Allied soldiers came ashore along a fifty mile stretch of beaches on the Norman coast. This was only the beginning of what would be eleven months of hard fighting that on May 7, 1945 caused Germany’s surrender and ended World War II in Europe. Taught by historian Michael Snyder and using lecture supplemented by power point and handouts, this course will cover Overlord (the planning and execution of D-Day), the fighting in hedge rows of Normandy and the breakout, the Falaise Pocket and the pursuit to West Wall, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, and the German surrender. The emphasis will be on the military and political operations but will also look at life on the home front in the Schuylkill Valley. Where: Classes will be held at 1654 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA, in the Meeting Room of the Historical Society of Montgomery County When: Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 2019, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Cost: Cost to attend this series is $80 for members of the Historical Society of Montgomery County and $100.00 for non-members. Contact us at 610-272-0297 or checkout our website at hsmcpa.org for more information or to register for the class. |
Wednesday October 23, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMWorld War II in Europe: The Second FrontThe Historical Society of Montgomery County announces a new series of classes on the history of World War II in Europe! On the night of June 5/6 the Allied invasion of France began when more than 17,000 Allied airborne troops parachuted behind the German lines in Normandy officially opening a bid to establish a second front on the European continent in World War II. Before the day ended over 156,000 Allied soldiers came ashore along a fifty mile stretch of beaches on the Norman coast. This was only the beginning of what would be eleven months of hard fighting that on May 7, 1945 caused Germany’s surrender and ended World War II in Europe. Taught by historian Michael Snyder and using lecture supplemented by power point and handouts, this course will cover Overlord (the planning and execution of D-Day), the fighting in hedge rows of Normandy and the breakout, the Falaise Pocket and the pursuit to West Wall, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, and the German surrender. The emphasis will be on the military and political operations but will also look at life on the home front in the Schuylkill Valley. Where: Classes will be held at 1654 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA, in the Meeting Room of the Historical Society of Montgomery County When: Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 2019, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Cost: Cost to attend this series is $80 for members of the Historical Society of Montgomery County and $100.00 for non-members. Contact us at 610-272-0297 or checkout our website at hsmcpa.org for more information or to register for the class. |
Thursday October 24, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMCapital Sin: Murder in Montgomery CountyJoin us for a presentation in our Making History Greater Series when Charles Kelly presents Capital Sin: Murder in Montgomery County. Mr. Kelly will review select murder cases and the trial outcomes that took place between 1877 and 1962 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Among the cases are
The talk will focus on the persons, places and things that make up the means, motive and in some cases the unexpected verdicts of these cases which have long faded from the minds and memories of today’s residents. The Making History Greater series features scholars, authors, and historians who are currently working on telling new stories about the complexity of our region’s history. Capital Sin: Murder in Montgomery County will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2019. The evening will begin at 6:30 with a social gathering and light refreshments. The presentation will begin at 7:00 pm and last for about an hour with time for questions at the end. This program is free and open to the public. |
Wednesday October 30, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMWorld War II in Europe: The Second FrontThe Historical Society of Montgomery County announces a new series of classes on the history of World War II in Europe! On the night of June 5/6 the Allied invasion of France began when more than 17,000 Allied airborne troops parachuted behind the German lines in Normandy officially opening a bid to establish a second front on the European continent in World War II. Before the day ended over 156,000 Allied soldiers came ashore along a fifty mile stretch of beaches on the Norman coast. This was only the beginning of what would be eleven months of hard fighting that on May 7, 1945 caused Germany’s surrender and ended World War II in Europe. Taught by historian Michael Snyder and using lecture supplemented by power point and handouts, this course will cover Overlord (the planning and execution of D-Day), the fighting in hedge rows of Normandy and the breakout, the Falaise Pocket and the pursuit to West Wall, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, and the German surrender. The emphasis will be on the military and political operations but will also look at life on the home front in the Schuylkill Valley. Where: Classes will be held at 1654 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA, in the Meeting Room of the Historical Society of Montgomery County When: Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 2019, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Cost: Cost to attend this series is $80 for members of the Historical Society of Montgomery County and $100.00 for non-members. Contact us at 610-272-0297 or checkout our website at hsmcpa.org for more information or to register for the class. |
Wednesday November 6, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMWorld War II in Europe: The Second FrontThe Historical Society of Montgomery County announces a new series of classes on the history of World War II in Europe! On the night of June 5/6 the Allied invasion of France began when more than 17,000 Allied airborne troops parachuted behind the German lines in Normandy officially opening a bid to establish a second front on the European continent in World War II. Before the day ended over 156,000 Allied soldiers came ashore along a fifty mile stretch of beaches on the Norman coast. This was only the beginning of what would be eleven months of hard fighting that on May 7, 1945 caused Germany’s surrender and ended World War II in Europe. Taught by historian Michael Snyder and using lecture supplemented by power point and handouts, this course will cover Overlord (the planning and execution of D-Day), the fighting in hedge rows of Normandy and the breakout, the Falaise Pocket and the pursuit to West Wall, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, and the German surrender. The emphasis will be on the military and political operations but will also look at life on the home front in the Schuylkill Valley. Where: Classes will be held at 1654 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA, in the Meeting Room of the Historical Society of Montgomery County When: Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 2019, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Cost: Cost to attend this series is $80 for members of the Historical Society of Montgomery County and $100.00 for non-members. Contact us at 610-272-0297 or checkout our website at hsmcpa.org for more information or to register for the class. |