Preserving the History of Ambler, Whitpain and Lower Gwynedd
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.
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 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 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.
Coming Events
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Unless otherwise noted, our programs take place at the 1895 Public School, 799 W. Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Monday, February 10th, 2020 at 7:00, Refreshments at 6:30:
The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society invites the public to a meeting on Monday, February 10 at 7:00 PM at the 1895 Schoolhouse, 799 Skippack Pike at School Road in Blue Bell. The program will be The Battle of Whitemarsh presented by Bob Bradley.
Bob will give an overview of the events in 1777 following the Battle of Germantown to the march into the winter camp at Valley Forge. Having lost two major battles within a month, the Continental Army was utterly exhausted and needed rest and resupply. George Washington and the army spent weeks attempting to resupply and make their way closer to British occupied Philadelphia, all while figuring out their next move. Find out what happened during the final chapter of the Philadelphia Campaign with army’s encampment in the hills of the Whitemarsh area, and Sir William Howe’s attack on the Continental position in early December. Several local sites (St. Thomas Church, Emlen House, Hope Lodge, Skippack Pike) played roles in the Battle of Whitemarsh
Featured
Emmy Simon’s Postcard Collection: Emmy Simon is a longtime WHVS volunteer and board member. Her extensive postcard collection of the local area can be found below.
We invite you to sign up for our 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.
Wissahickon Valley Historical Society is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization