Celebrate the past. Preserve the future. Donate to Bartram’s Covered Bridge Siding Restoration today.

To be a part of the restoration story, donate HERE  or by scanning the Bridge QR code or the Venmo QR code below. Or mail your check to:  Newtown Square Historical Society, PO Box 3, Newtown Square, Pa 19073.

In 2019 Newtown and Willistown Townships began planning the latest restoration of the Bartram’s Covered Bridge. Both Townships agreed to undertake the preservation and restoration work, but it took a few years to formalize the plans and allocate the money. Willistown and Newtown are each contributing $375,000 toward this renovation and reconstruction, with the state contributing $100,000.  Work on the stone foundation was completed in 2024, and the timber truss and decking work began in 2025. The Bridge was elevated so that the timber work could be performed.  Both arches were replaced and various wood components were worked on.

The siding for the bridge is not part of the project. The existing siding in not in good condition but the two townships have exhausted their available resources, so the Newtown Square Historical Society has committed to raising the funds necessary to replace the siding. The money raised will pay for the wood, paint and the scaffolding necessary to siding.  A local contractor and lover of the Bridge, Ed Johnston of Ed Johnston Building and Remodeling Co, will donate the labor to complete this phase of the project.

All Donations will be used exclusively for the replacement of the Siding on the Bridge.

Bartram’s Covered Bridge

Built in 1860, the bridge proudly stands over Crum Creek, spanning the county line between Delaware and Chester Counties. It is located at Boot Road & Goshen Road.

Bartram’s Covered Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Delaware County, a county that once had more than 30. Its distinctive slanted plank portals—designed to be “Hi and Wide as a Load of Hay”—make it the only bridge in Pennsylvania with this unusual design.

Designed using the Burr Truss, a form commonly found in Pennsylvania covered bridges of the era, the bridge reflects both ingenuity and craftsmanship. It was built by Ferdinand Wood at a shared cost of $1,133, jointly funded by Delaware and Chester Counties, and named for nearby landowner Mordecai Bartram.

Though closed to traffic since 1941, the bridge has endured through community dedication. After early rehabilitation in the 1960s and a major restoration in 1995—supported by donations, grants, and fundraising—the bridge stands today thanks to committed volunteers representing Newtown and Willistown Townships.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bartram’s Covered Bridge is more than timber and trusses—it is a reminder of shared responsibility, civic pride, and the value of preserving what connects us to our past.

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, we invite you to support ongoing preservation efforts so future generations can continue to walk through this historic landmark and experience a tangible piece of our nation’s story.

Join us in preserving the past—and carrying it forward.

How you can help power our mission:

1.     Donate: Every dollar counts. Contribute now to help us reach our goal.

2.     Share: Share our campaign with your friends, family, and on social media. Your advocacy can amplify our impact.

3.     Volunteer: Your time and skills can make an impact too.

Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable.

Scan a QR code:

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