Preserving Pottstown’s past since 1936.
The mission of the Pottstown Historical Society is to collect, preserve, present, and disseminate material and information pertaining to Pottstown’s past in order to educate the public about Pottstown’s unique heritage, support research related to Pottstown and its people, and safeguard for future generations the items and archives that tell Pottstown’s story.
Back to the Beginning
On May 26, 1936, Mr. and Mrs. James Wendell invited citizens of Pottstown and vicinity to attend a meeting at the Hill School to discuss the formation of a Pottstown Historical Society. Over one hundred individuals attended the opening meeting. Marjorie (Mrs. James) Potts Wendell presided as acting chairman. Mrs. Wendell was a direct descendent of John Potts, founder of Pottstown. The object of the organization was to gather and preserve records and historical landmarks for the community.
In June 1939, the Society purchased Pottsgrove Manor, the home built by John Potts in 1752. Contributions totaling $4,461.00 were collected for this purpose and Marjorie Potts Wendell was authorized by the Society Board of Directors to borrow $1,000.00 to complete the purchase. The purchase price of Pottsgrove Manor in 1939 was $6,000.00. Pottsgrove Manor was sold to the Borough of Pottstown on February 6, 1940, for the sum of $1.00.
The Pottstown Historical Society Today in the Community
The Historical Society continued its commitment to preservation in the community. The Security Trust Building at High and Hanover Streets was rescued from demolition as a result of a substantial contribution from the Society. Other contributions include a bronze plaque honoring the Lenape Native Americans and a plaque identifying the site of General Arthur St. Clair’s home on the southeast comer of High and Hanover Streets. We also collect and maintain a library of historic documents, genealogical records, and photographs.
Additionally, the Pottstown Historical Society has made substantial monetary contributions to the development of the John Potts Riverfront Park, the Carousel, the 250th Anniversary Celebration, and provided funding for a PA Historical Marker placed on High Street at Pottsgrove Manor.
In March 2000, the Historical Society purchased the Flower Shop at 568 High Street built in 1884 by Lloyd Keim. The building now serves at the Society’s headquarters housing its historical library and various collections. It offers rotating exhibits and interesting and informative lectures at the bi-monthly meetings.
Meet Our Board
David Kerns
President
Barbara Toroney
Treasurer
Laura Groth
Secretary
Robert Evans
Vice President
Marie Kelly
Treasurer
Jean Sweeney
Secretary
