Call Number:

01

Repository:

Historical Society of Montgomery County

Extent:

42.0 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1839-1982 (inclusive)

Creator:

Historical Society of Montgomery County.

Abstract:

The Historical Society of Montgomery County scrapbooks collection, 1839-1982, consists primarily of scrapbooks compiled by various individuals, along with some compiled by HSMC staff and volunteers. The majority have a local focus and consist primarily of newspaper clippings. There are scrapbooks devoted to prominent local citizens, nearby regions, or national events; and there are also numerous scrapbooks by named individuals with items of personal interest.

Montgomery County, situated in southeastern Pennsylvania, was established in 1784 out of the western portion of Philadelphia County. Part of the Welsh Tract, an area of Pennsylvania settled by Quakers from Wales, it is located along the Schuylkill River. Montgomery County has played an important role in U.S. history, including being the site of such Revolutionary War events as the dramatic reshaping of Washington's Army at Valley Forge and the lesser-known engagement of General Lafayette at Barren Hill. Among its significant residents are military figures Winfield S. Hancock, John F. Hartranft (also Governor of Pennsylvania), and Henry "Hap" Arnold; abolitionist Lucretia Mott; inventors David Rittenhouse and Thaddeus Lowe; and artist Thomas Hovenden. Since its founding, Montgomery County has experienced "booming industry and manufacturing, rich farm fields, advanced transportation, artistic endeavors and unique religious beliefs."

The Historical Society of Montgomery County was established in 1881 as the institutional successor to the Federation of Montgomery County Historical Societies. The Society's mission is "to preserve the county's rich heritage and help tell the stories of the many people who have walked and tended its soil."

Bibliography:

Quoted text from: Historical Society of Montgomery County. "Home." Accessed March 2, 2012. http://www.hsmcpa.org/

The Historical Society of Montgomery County scrapbooks collection, 1839-1982, consists primarily of scrapbooks compiled by various individuals, along with some compiled by HSMC staff and volunteers. The majority have a local focus. There are scrapbooks devoted to obituaries and biographies of prominent local citizens; scrapbooks on regions, including Norristown, Germantown, and Worcester; scrapbooks covering national events, such as the Civil War and the Spanish-American War; and numerous scrapbooks by named individuals with items of personal interest. Most consist of newspaper clippings, but some contain more varied material, and there are several volumes devoted to trade cards and ephemera.

Items of special interest may include: a Montgomery County Centennial Association scrapbook, 1884; a scrapbook of real estate ads from Times Herald, 1930s-1950s, compiled by Daniel S. Johnson; Eleanor Chambers scrapbook with photographs, invitations, and clippings, circa 1880-1920.

The collection includes a large number of scrapbooks compiled by Norristown historian and genealogist Edward W. Hocker. These consist of clippings on Norristown and local interest items.