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
Saturday July 1 - All DayCLOSEDWe will be closed Saturday, July 1, 2017 through Tuesday, July 4, 2017 in order to celebrate Independence Day. |
Monday July 3 - All DayCLOSEDWe will be closed Saturday, July 1, 2017 through Tuesday, July 4, 2017 in order to celebrate Independence Day. |
Tuesday July 4 - All DayCLOSEDWe will be closed Saturday, July 1, 2017 through Tuesday, July 4, 2017 in order to celebrate Independence Day. |
Tuesday July 11, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PMCruising in Montgomery and Berks County
Tina M. Kissinger has been a local resident of the Reading and Pottstown areas most of her life, and she has been an active participant in local cruising events since the 1980s. 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. This presentation will begin at 6:00 with a social gathering and light refreshments from 5:30 to 6:00. Lectures last for about an hour with time for questions at the end. This program is free and open to the public. Books will be available for sale with a signing after the lecture.
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Sunday July 23, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PMIce Cream Sundae SocialThe Historical Society of Montgomery County is pleased to announce that it will be hosting an Ice Cream Sundae Social on Sunday, July 23, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Historic Montgomery Cemetery, 1 Hartranft Avenue, West Norriton Township.
The event will feature live music by Matthew Dodd, who will play 100 Years of Summertime Songs on a variety of instruments - guitar, banjo & others. These will be great sing-a-long songs creating an ideal atmosphere to socialize with friends, family, and neighbors while enjoying one of summer's special treats - ice cream! We will also be offering opportunities to play some vintage lawn games. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Bowls of ice cream will be $5 each with a variety of toppings available. 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 West Main Street, Norristown. Parking during the event will be made available inside the Cemetery gates. For more information, please contact the Historical Society of Montgomery County at (610) 272-0297 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. |
Saturday September 2 - All DayCLOSEDWe will be closed on Saturday, September 2, 2017 and Monday, September 4, 2017 in order to celebrate the Labor Day weekend. |
Monday September 4 - All DayCLOSEDWe will be closed on Saturday, September 2, 2017 and Monday, September 4, 2017 in order to celebrate the Labor Day weekend. |
Saturday October 7 - All DayCLOSEDWe will be closed on Saturday, October 7, 2017 and Monday, October 9, 2017 in order to celebrate the Columbus Day weekend. |
Monday October 9 - All DayCLOSEDWe will be closed on Saturday, October 7, 2017 and Monday, October 9, 2017 in order to celebrate the Columbus Day weekend. |
Saturday November 11 - All DayCLOSEDWe will be closed on Saturday, November 11, 2017 in honor of Veterans' Day. |
Montgomery and Berks Counties have been central to the car industry for decades, employing residents of the cities and surrounding small towns. Pottstown first came to be known as the cruising capital of the East Coast in the 1950s and held on to the title for many years. In the 1960s, hundreds would line the sidewalks to watch the hot rods and classic cars cruise down High Street. Among the circuit favorites were the Tropical Treat, Hilltop Drive-In, and Dempsey Diner. Lansdale also attracted automobile enthusiasts who enjoyed “cruising the Dale.” In 1962, the Maple Grove Raceway, a quarter-mile strip in Mohnton, opened and became home to the popular Super Chevy Weekend, hosting great drivers like Fred Spiezio, Ken Hall, and John Johnson. The Grandview Speedway and the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway also emerged, attracting even more auto racing enthusiasts from around the area. Today, longtime residents enjoy reminiscing their beloved cruising pastime, with many belonging to historical automotive clubs.