Headquartered in the Whitpain 1895 Public School, the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society serves to educate the public about the heritage and history of the people, institutions and events that have influenced and shaped the communities of the Wissahickon School District which encompasses Whitpain Township, Lower Gwynedd Township and the Borough of Ambler.

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Gwynedd Hall’s 200th Anniversary Celebration

Guided House Tours, hosted by

Wissahickon Valley Historical Society

 

The public is cordially invited to tour Gwynedd Hall, a stately mansion listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its outstanding architecture.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the interior of this private residence and to learn more about its prominent owners and its two centuries of rich history. Both events will include raffles and light refreshments

***Friday, October 4, 4-7 PM with Libations

Tickets   $50 Members; $60 Guests

***Sunday, October 6, 1-4 PM

Tickets   $25 Members; $35 Guests

Proceeds to benefit the mission of our nonprofit historical society

Valet parking only / Business casual / Questions? Email to info@wvalleyhs.org

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED in Two Steps:

  1. Email to WVHS to let us know the DATE and TIME you plan to arrive (info@wvalleyhs.org )
  2. Pay for your tickets at WValleyHS.org/DONATE
About Us

Founded in 1975 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society’s purpose is to preserve the local historical buildings, artifacts and folklore of the historic Wissahickon Valley.

The Franklinville School

The Franklinville School c.1858 is a white stucco one-room schoolhouse on an acre of ground, located at 1701 Morris Road, Blue Bell, between Normandy Farms Estates and the Windermere Community.  It is the only one-room schoolhouse open to the public in Whitpain Township.

The 1895 Public School

The two-story schoolhouse has a Library containing deeds, wills, photos, books, maps and genealogies, a 19th Century School Room and a Museum of local artifacts, focusing on items, pictures and records from the early farms and our industrial past.

Happy September! In this issue of The Valley Crier you will find news about WVHS – and about history in the news: 

…READ MORE

Read Part 2 of historic Boehm’s Church in the September issue of Stroll Blue Bell

READ MORE

Update on the Ambler Train Station Freight House:

You can find us on the Venmo app at @WissahickonValleyHistorical

“Freight House Chocolate Bars” are available now at the Ambler Movie Theater!

For $10 or more donation, we are offering a chocolate bar made by Lore’s chocolates of Philadelphia as a thank you! Proceeds will benefit the future of the Ambler Train Station’s Freight House.

For questions, please email info@wvalleyhs.org

You can find more news on the Freight House at Ambler Train Station in Committees

…READ MORE

Wissahickon Valley Historical Society’s Ambler History Walking Tours

 Ambler Storytellers’ –The rich history of Ambler and especially its Butler Avenue properties.

On Saturdays at 3 PM (until approximately 4:30) on the following dates:

  • September 21
  • October 12
  • October 19
  • November 2
  • November 16
  • December 7

Reservations required/Groups of up to 12 guests.

No fees, however a $10 donation to the non-profit Wissahickon Valley Historical Society is suggested.

Your contribution to WVHS can be made at the tour or in advance:   https://www.wvalleyhs.org/donate/

Register here for tours:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ambler-downtown-walking-tour-tickets-974142174467

4500_046_Franklinville School House Postcard_Normandy Farm_Gwynedd Valley PA_Side View

 

 

Please click here to see our new video about the history of the Franklinville School, prepared by the Historical Society of Montgomery County to encourage donations to the renovations there.  WVHS appreciates the assistance of the HSMC

We invite you to sign up The Valley Crier newsletter to stay informed of upcoming events, educational programs and community activities. Please email us at info@wvalleyhs.org if you prefer to have our newsletter mailed to you. Be sure to include your name and address, thank you.