You've read the society's Facebook posts and enjoyed the pictures from the museum's archives. Maybe you've commented and shared your knowledge and memories of the area. You may have even attended one of our evening programs or visited the Lewin Farmhouse or the Fetterolf Gallery of the museum. Perhaps you've had a family history or research question answered by one of our volunteers.
But are you a member?
Is it time to take the next step and become a supporting member of the Spring-Ford Area Historical Society? The cost is reasonable; $15 for individuals and $25 for families. We also invite you to remember the SFAHS in your end-of-year charitable giving. The bulk of our annual operating costs comes from individual and business memberships and from accompanying donations. Those who contribute in this way, make the museum an ongoing reality, as well as make possible the projects and initiatives of the society. Without this kind of support, the mission of the society would not be possible.
SFAHS is an active organization! 2019 was a busy year. Exciting plans for 2020 are in the works:
- 2019 was a year of transition. Long-time society president, Bill Brunner resigned due to his health and Amy Demchik moved from the vice president’s to the president’s chair. Mike Osiol was approved as our new vice president. While Bill’s shoes are definitely impossible to fill, Amy had done an admirable job of leading the society this year. We are thankful that Bill continues to be an active part of the society through his Facebook posts, newsletter inserts, and continuing to share his encyclopedic knowledge of the twin boroughs. Bill was unanimously approved as President Emeritus by the board.
- We continue to digitize our Spring-Ford newspaper archives. Age and use have made our newspaper collection fragile, especially the earliest years. We are about 75% completed with this costly project.
- Our four evening programs drew record crowds this year and we hope to continue
into 2020 with interesting and exceptional presentations. Three programs have been confirmed for 2020 and one additional programs with a local history focus is in the planning stages. We are also exploring the idea of organizing several history-focused trips to local historic sites.
- Our new website was created and unveiled in January. It contains timely information about the museum, upcoming programs, and membership. It can be found at www.sfahs.com. Plans include creating an online photographic archive, making the society’s collection available via the Internet. Check the website often as it is updated frequently.
- Our Facebook page consistently generates a high level of interest. It is not uncommon for responses to individual posts to number in the thousands, and monthly activity has frequently reached 30,000 or more.
- Our new military room is nearing completion. The Col. Thomas McCabe collection combined with the society’s previous military collection is being installed on the second floor of the Fetterolf Gallery. We are planning a grand opening in 2020. Participants who attended the 100th anniversary ceremony of Victory Park were invited to preview the progress of the military room.
- The society participated in Royersford’s Community Day and a number of new individuals learned of the society and toured the museum.
- After a break of a number of years, the museum was again decorated for Christmas and was one of the stops on the Royersford Woman’s Club Holiday House Tour. The exterior of the museum was also decorated for the fall holidays. We have purchased red, white, and blue bunting for the front porch, to be used on holidays and for special occasions.
- Our museum’s collection continues to grow with donations of artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, and other items. The digitization of the Harold Amster Photography Collection was a highlight of 2019. Please keep your eyes and ears open for possible items that would be valuable additions to the museum. Remember, photographs and other two-dimensional items can be borrowed, scanned, and returned to the owner.
- The museum sponsored a park bench as part of the efforts to improve Victory Park.
- Dozens of requests for information, photographs, yearbooks, genealogies, etc. were responded to, and a number of individuals used our Joseph Forrest library for research projects.
- October Nights at the Museum were instituted this year, opening our two buildings in the evening for those who cannot visit during regular hours on Fridays and Sundays. Plans include doing something similar in the Spring.
We are always looking for volunteers, especially to serve as co-hosts during museum hours, and on other special occasions when the museum is open. No experience is necessary and you will be paired with an experienced host. Please contact us as info@sfahs.com, or by calling 610-948-7127.
It is with a heavy heart that we recognize the passing of long-time board members Dick Bauer, Dave Hunsberger, and Robert Mull, as well as charter member Gerald (Jim) Collopy. The contributions of these individuals are many and varied and their strong and faithful support will be sorely missed. Suffice it to say that our board has taken quite a “hit” with the loss of these members. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the board, please contact SFAHS President, Amy Demchik at 484-256-6196.
Thank you for considering membership in the historical society! Click here for a Membership Application Form. We are excited about the upcoming year and with your membership and gift will work diligently to continue preserving the past for the future.
With our Good Wishes for the Holidays,
The SFAHS Board of Directors
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