Haverford Township Historical Society
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The mission of the Haverford Township Historical Society is to protect, preserve and promote the history of our community and to sustain its cultural heritage for future generations through educational programs, accessible archives and site preservation.
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Upcoming Events – Mark Your Calendar
OktoberFest
Friday, October 17, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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Our latest newsletter!
Haverford Herald – 2025 FALL (LATEST!)
History Talk – The Push of Power: Reexamining the Pennsylvania Witchcraft Trial of Margaret Matson
HTHS Fall Program:
When: Wednesday, October 22, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Where: Haverford Twp Library Community Room 1601 Darby Rd, Havertown
Carla Welsh, local historian and author of The Push of Power: Reexamining the Pennsylvania Witchcraft Trial of Margaret Matson, will share the story behind her new book. She will talk about how she came across Margaret Matson’s 1684 trial, what led her into years of research, and the discoveries she made along the way. The talk will bring Margaret and her neighbors to life, showing how ordinary people became caught in systems of law, land, and power. Along the way, Carla will also touch on the Swedish-Finnish folk traditions that shaped how women like Margaret were perceived. Attendees will see how this one trial reveals a society carefully designed to limit independence and why uncovering the truth of these stories still matters today.
This program is made possible through a partnership between the Haverford Township Historical Society and the Library.
No registration is required.
HTHS in Brief
The Haverford Township Historical Society was formed in 1939 to promote and sustain interest in the history of our community. With the specific function of preserving documents, artifacts and information of historic value pertaining to Haverford Township, the Society has played a critical role in preserving our local history.
The Historical Society saved, moved, rebuilt and furnished the Lawrence Cabin (between 1690 and 1710), now located on Karakung Drive in Powder Mill Valley Park, and entered into a formal agreement with Haverford Township to also occupy, furnish, look after and run public programs at Nitre Hall (ca. 1810) and the Federal School (1797). In these historic sites, we have created award-winning educational programs staffed by Society volunteers. Visitors can also enjoy these local treasures during open houses, special events and by prior appointment.
Please explore this website to see and learn more of what we do!