The Wissahickon Valley Historical Society will offer two chances to tour one of the community's oldest homes.
The Wissahickon Valley is filled with a deep history that goes back farther than even our own country’s, with battlegrounds, beautiful architecture, and preserved ways of life still standing in and among the modern advancements of technology and time. These spaces are maintained in our local communities, largely in part of a small organization called the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society.
Operating out of the 1895 public school house in Blue Bell, the WVHS aims to educate all about the “heritage and history of the people, institutions, and events that have influenced and shaped communities of the Wissahickon School District.” Covering the history and nostalgia of Ambler Borough, Whitpain Township, and Lower Gwynedd Township can sometimes be a tall order, but that’s where you come in.
A variety of fundraising events, sales, and opportunities occur year-round to help to support the organization, which relies heavily on the donations from the community to restore, preserve, and educate the public about its own history.
In order to celebrate its 200th anniversary, the WVHS invites the public to tour Gwynedd Hall, a fundraising event coming in October. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its stately architecture, this mansion is only going to be open for the guided house tours on specified dates, as it is privately owned as a residence.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Joe Langella of the WVHS. “The house was built in 1825 and is located at 1276 Meetinghouse Road in Lower Gwynedd Township.”
Guests will be able to learn more about the prominent owners over its two centuries of rich history. The tours will be very limited, and few spaces are available. Those wishing to attend are required to register ahead of time via a two-step process.
First, you are asked to email the WVHS to let the organization know which date and time you prefer. The email address is info@wvalleyhs.org. After the email is sent, you can pay for your tickets via the website at http://www.wvalleyhs.org/DONATE/.
Two evenings will be hosted by the society, with the first being Friday, Oct. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. This event will include “libations” for guests. The cost is $50 for WVHS members and $60 for guests. A second even will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. with tickets at $25 for members and $35 for guests.
“We hope you’ll be able to come out on a beautiful fall day and experience this historic residence first-hand,” said Langella.
All proceeds of the event will go toward the nonprofit historical society, WVHS. Parking will be by valet only. The attire is business casual.
For questions or more information, email info@wvalleyhs.org or visit https://www.wvalleyhs.org/. If you cannot make the two evenings of events, you are also welcome to donate to the society at https://www.wvalleyhs.org/DONATE/. The organization also accepts Venmo donations at @WissahickonValleyHistorical. Alternatively, donations checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 96, Ambler, PA 19002.
