2026 Annual Fund

Thanks to members and donors like you, the Historical Society of Montgomery County brings life to history in ways that matter. 

The programs we offer cultivate local authors, cutting edge research, and lively discussion throughout the year. If you visit during our regular research hours, you will find us serving people from around the country, around the county, and around the corner, as they seek their own stories in over 800 family files, hundreds of newspaper and business directory records, original documents like deeds and naturalizations, and countless church, school, and cemetery records. Assisting people making connections to history often results in “Eureka” moments that bring joyful resolution to hours of detective work.  

In addition to our extensive library reference materials, we continue to share Montgomery County history through museum exhibitions, display case presentations, YouTube channel programming, and research blogs on our website.

Since 1997, the HSMC has owned and operated the Historic Montgomery Cemetery, bringing life to what had become overgrown and dilapidated. We partner with scout groups and local veterans and descendent organizations for the considerable task of maintaining and repairing these 22 acres overlooking the Schuylkill River. Events at the Cemetery reach thousands of people locally. Bearing witness to those 6,000 people buried in the cemetery, which was founded in 1847, is among our highest priorities.

Our publication, The Bulletin, reaches over 400 subscribers and has been the citizen historian journal of record since 1895! This sought-after resource has proven invaluable to researchers pursuing ancestry and local history of all kinds.

We also seek to bring the love of local history to the next generation. Last summer, we hosted 12 high school students who catalogued and indexed hundreds of files and records into more easily researchable resources. The efforts have made our numerous township history files even more accessible. This spring, history majors from Montgomery County Community College helped us with transcribing Civil War journals from Corporal Crozier as well as uncovering local artist Martha Maulsby Hovenden.  

In 2025 we were focused on improving collections and back of house operations, including new computer systems, upgraded climate control in archival collections areas, and enhanced safety and security on our grounds. We are also working to build our programs and community outreach by increasing the number and types of programs we offer and engaging with local businesses for collaboration and support.  

The Historical Society of Montgomery County, PA is an independently funded non-profit organization. Our impact depends on you, our 350 members who support a small staff of 2 full-time and 2 part-time employees, along with dedicated volunteers, and 14 board members. Your support has been matched by grants from the Erb Charitable Fund and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and a blooming partnership with the Norristown Garden Club. 

We invite you to join us as we strive to serve our members, visitors, and the greater Montgomery County community. With your generous donation to the Annual Fund, we can expand the boundaries of the Historical Society of Montgomery County, explore new ways to engage with the public, implement better methods to make research materials and archives accessible, and launch new programs. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

The Historical Society of Montgomery County is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization.  As such, all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Please check with your tax professional for more information.