About the Society

The Society is an all-volunteer, registered non-profit organization, run by a board of directors. It is funded through membership dues, donations, grants and fundraising events.

Mission

The mission of Newtown Square Historical Preservation Society is to search out, acquire, and preserve all buildings, documents, artifacts, and other memorabilia relevant to the history of Newtown Township (Delaware County). The Society shall play an active roll in the township to encourage membership in the Society, to educate townships residents, including school children, of the history of Newtown Township and to sponsor public events, programs and tours of historic buildings in the township. The Society will actively support other township, county and state societies whenever possible.

History

The Newtown Square Historical Preservation Society was founded in 1984 as a successor of the Tercentennial Commission. This commission led the grand celebration in 1981, honoring the 300th anniversary of the founding of Newtown Township. Newtown Township is the oldest township in Delaware County.

Meetings and Programs

Membership meetings are held eight times a year. Meetings include programs presented free of charge to members, guests, students and the general public. Presentations are on a variety of topics such as antique guns, transportation, mills, fashion, antiques, books, clocks and music. New ideas are always being explored. Monthly meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month from October to May.

Accomplishments of the Society

• Restoration of the Paper Mill House into a museum, including a new cedar shake roof
• Guided tours of the John West House, Paper Mill House, Friends Meeting House, Octagonal Schoolhouse and other historic sites for our schools and community
• Annual "Colonial Day" celebration of Newtown Square
• Publication of "Self-Guided Tour of Newtown Square Historic Sites"
• Creation of this website
• Year 2000 Recipient of the Preservation Award from the Heritage Commission of Delaware County for education outreach programs
• Annually conduct an archeological dig and "Colonial Times" paper Mill House tour for all Marple Newtown public and parochial school fourth grade social studies classes.
   

From the President

Welcome to the Newtown Square Historical Preservation Society. I hope your membership brings you many new and exciting experiences. We need your participation and welcome your involvement and comments. I look forward to meeting and working with you.

Sincerely,

Doug Humes
President, NSHPS

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