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Bartram's Covered Bridge

Old St. David's Church

Hood Octagonal School House

Paper Mill House

WELCOME TO THE NEWTOWN SQUARE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Welcome to the Newtown Square Historical Society. Founded in 1981 by civic minded residents, the society continues its mission to preserve the rich history of Newtown Township. We offer multiple programs to reach out to our community, volunteer opportunities for residents of all ages and events throughout the year at our many historic locations. Please browse our website and vast pictorial history of our town and consider becoming a member.

The 1742 Square Tavern and the 1828 Paper Mill House open for tours Noon to 5pm on Saturdays. Tour Guides will be on site.

Art Classes at the Square Tavern "Exploring Patterns of the Masters" July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13. More info on Events Page or info@nshistory.org

Upcoming events

No upcoming events

Articles on Local History:

Crossroads of History (article)

Giving Back (article)

ABOUT NSHS

In 1981 several historically minded residents of Newtown (Delaware County, PA) decided to host a celebration for Newtown’s 300th anniversary. A year of activities and a wonderful parade were the impetus to the creation of the Newtown Square Historical Society in 1984. The main purposes of the Society are to protect, preserve and promote the historic resources of the Township, as well as to tell its story. We are an all volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization funded through member donations, fundraising and grants. All contributions to the Society are tax deductible, and go to support the work and programs of the Society.

The Founding of Newtown Township

Newtown Township dates to 1681, when William Penn planned two inland “new towns” (the second one is Newtown, Bucks County) in which buyers who bought plots of farm land would be entitled to a “Townstead” plot in the new town planned for the intersection of Newtown Street Road and Goshen Road. The original settlers were Welsh Quakers, drawn to the new world by relatively cheap land, Penn’s promise of religious tolerance, and the prospects of new beginnings. Newtown remained a farming community from that time until after World War II, when it began growing into a suburban bedroom community outside of Philadelphia, 15 miles due east.

WHY PRESERVE HISTORY?

As historians and preservationists, we must decide what to work to preserve, determine how best to preserve it, and then what to do with it. Pictures and newspaper clippings in folders in filing cabinets are a beginning, but not an ending. Our history is recorded in photographs, documents, census records, tax records, but also in household goods, tools, diaries, and oral histories that recount daily life. We can bring particular stories to public view through articles in local newspapers, blogs, and social media posts. All of these items help to bring history alive. Education programs can bring that history to the community – through monthly programs aimed at adults, and through educational programs aimed at children. Having a museum that preserves these historic items is a wonderful way to educate our residents, young and old alike, about the importance of our history. We do all of this and more. But it takes a lot of volunteer effort to make it all happen. The wonderful thing is that for every interest, and for every skill, there is a place for you to shine in the Society – a place for artists, photographers, writers, teachers, catalogers, guides, program and ad sellers, event planners, and business people who can coordinate the multifaceted efforts that are needed.

NSHS Board of Directors

President: Cathy Cavalier-Gach
Vice President: Vince Gutierrez
Treasurer: Larry Fischer
Secretary: Mary Reaney
Immediate Past President: John Battista
Solicitor: John Custer
Curator, Communications, Programs: Doug Humes
Membership, Guides: Nancy Falcone
Events: Cathy Cavalier-Gach
Facilities: Vince Gutierrez
Paper Mill House: Open
Square Tavern: Kathy Luskus

At Large:

Arlene Caruso
Walt Albert

Contact board members by sending an email to info@nshistory.org and including their name in the subject.

Contact Us

info@nshistory.org • 610-975-0290 • P.O Box 3, Newtown Square, PA 19073

The Newtown Square Historical Society is a community volunteer organization. We get our principal funding from you, our members, patrons, neighbors, and friends. Without your support, we cannot do all that we do. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and your donations are charitable deductions as permitted by law.

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