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.
Upcoming Events – Mark Your Calendar
- OKTOBERFEST:
WHEN: Friday October 13, 2023 7 PM – 10 PM
WHERE: Nitre Hall, 1682 Karakung Drive, Havertown, PA 19083
Beer, Music, Food and Autumn! More info click the link
https://haverfordhistoricalsociety.org/oktoberfest/ - Haverford History Heist: The FBI Art Crime Team and the story of stolen artifacts from the Historical Society:
WHEN: Friday October 26, 2023 7:30 PM
WHERE: Quadrangle Auditorium, 3300 Darby Rd, Haverford, PA 19041
REGISTER HERE: https://haverfordlibrary.org/event/haverford-history-heist-the-fbi-art-crime-team-and-the-story-of-stolen-artifacts-from-the-historical-society-hths/
On April 14, 1979 approximately 24 antiques were stolen from Nitre Hall and the Lawrence Cabin, two Haverford Township historic buildings. The theft wasn’t solved and none of the items were recovered at that time. In May of 2018, the Historical Society was contacted by Jake Archer, Special Agent of the FBI’s Art Crime Team, requesting information about the items stolen.
Fast forward to December 2021 when an indictment was handed down charging a suspect with possession of 5 articles stolen from HTHS along with items stolen from other East Coast institutions.
Join us to hear Special Agent Jacob Archer tell us about the work of the FBI Art Crime Team and how they spearheaded the investigation around the thefts from the Historical Society.
This program is made possible through a partnership between the Haverford Township Free Library, the Haverford Township Historical Society, and the Quadrangle.
The program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click here to register or go to www.haverfordlibrary.org/events. - Nitre Hall Open Houses: Nitre Hall, the ca. 1810 home of gunpowder master William Rogers, will be open for FREE guided tours between 10am and 1pm on the last Sunday of each month through the summer and early fall. Sundays are car-free days on Karakung Drive through historic Powder Mill Valley, so please walk, jog or cycle in from Manoa Road or the Beechwood bridge. The Open House dates for 2023 are June 4 (along with Lawrence Cabin during the Haverford Heritage Festival), June 25, July 30, August 27 and September 24.
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!