Welcome to the Perkasie Historical Society

Perkasie Historical Society, founded in 1954, strives to help preserve the history of Perkasie Borough. Perkasie is located approximately 30 miles north of Philadelphia. Our volunteer organization relies on the support of the community as it cares for the four historic venues: the South Perkasie Covered Bridge, the Perkasie Carousel, Perkasie Museum and the Stout Family Cemetery.
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All are welcome to attend our carousel openings, meetings, and other community activities.

The Perkasie Historical Society is lead by a Volunteer Board providing oversight for our sites and functions.  

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Perkasie Historical Society:  70 Years of Preserving Perkasie’s Past
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​ 1954 – 2024 Accomplishments

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Perkasie Historical Society

​ Self-Guided Walking Tour

 Follow this link to navigate the historic sites of Perkasie "Then" and "Now" Perkasie Walking Tour or scan this QR code.​
This application is intended for personal use in navigating the historic sites of Perkasie.
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The Perkasie Historical Society enjoys and appreciates the collaborations that made the 2020-2021 walking tour refinements a reality.
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Thank you to those who sponsor our Self-Guided Walking Tour! 
Ragtops & Roadsters​
Market Crossing Condo Association
Perkasie Florist

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Perkasie Historical Society
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​Speaker Series

The Perkasie Historical Society has regular dinner meetings featuring a speaker or program. Meetings are held at 6:30 pm at the St. Stephen's UCC, 110 N. 6th Street, Perkasie.
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​Reservations for dinner are necessary. Reservation information
If the need arises, please be considerate and cancel your dinner reservation before 3 PM. 

​There are no dinner meetings in the months of January and February.  We look forward to seeing you in March!

Tuesday, November 5, 2024:  “Our History: Perkasie Historical Society  70 years history with portraits of people who made it all possible” presented by Rick Doll and Matt Lynch.
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Tuesday, December 3. 2024 “Pennridge High School Chamber Choir”
The Pennridge High School Chamber Choir is an auditioned ensemble of students who perform collegiate-level repertoire throughout the school and community. With their music-making, they hope to bring artistry, musicianship, and joy to all of those who listen to or see them perform!

Feature Presentations

​Thank you to all for your support of local history!!

Perkasie Historical Society

​Museum 

The Perkasie Historical Society Museum is located in the former Lehigh Valley Transit Trolley Station located at 513 W. Walnut Street in Perkasie.
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The museum is open to the public during Perkasie Borough events and on selected weekends May through December.  Hours can also be arranged by appointment.
Please contact the Perkasie Historical Society for special requests.   
   

                             Museum Displays ​
Perkasie Historical Society Museum is located at 513 W. Walnut St., Perkasie. Museum is Open Noon to 4 PM unless otherwise noted. 


November 9 and 10, 2024: “Trains and Trolleys: featuring Lehigh Valley Transit Trolley (LVTC)”
Operating model train display and featuring Lehigh Valley Transit  photographs and items to celebrate our building being placed on the National Historic Register.
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December 7, 2024: “Christmas in Perkasie” 4 -8 PM
Featuring an operating model train display and “Polar Express” reading by the “Conductor”

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​                                  In-Person Walking Tours

October 26, 2024 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM: “Perkasie Automotive Epicenter” Walking Tour and OPEN HOUSE beginning at Ragtops and Roadsters. 
Our friends at Ragtops and Roadsters, 213 S. 3rd St., will have an Open House where you will have the opportunity to see vintage cars being restored. Guided walking tours of the areas around Ragtops and Roadsters will be led by the Perkasie Historical Society Guides.  This area is where many automobiles were sold, refurbished and repaired. 
Suggested donation: $5.00/per person

October 26, 2024 6:30 PM: “Unusual Occurrences Along the Railroad” A guided lantern tour visiting locations of notable events that occurred in the area of the railroad tracks in Perkasie. ​ The tour will be led by Perkasie Historical Society Guides.  Meet at the Perkasie Historical Society Museum by 6:15.  
513 West Walnut Street.  
​Suggested donation: $5.00/per person



                              First Fridays 2024
Visit us at Perkasie First Fridays held on the first Friday of the month. 
(April-Sept.) from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. First Fridays are held on Seventh and Market Streets in the Towne Center.  

2024 Spring Newsletter

2024 Fall Newsletter

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Perkasie Carousel

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​The Perkasie Carousel is located in Menlo Park at West Park Avenue and 3rd Street, adjacent to the Menlo Aquatic Center.  ​   Fifty cents a ride!
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​ On days of operation, the carousel is open noon to 5 PM.​ 

2024 Carousel Schedule

Look for and share our pocket schedules and posters!

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​December 7, 2024: ​Santa Run- Everyone ride FREE!

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​Perkasie Historical Society Current Projects 

Celebrating Perkasie Historical Society 70 years
​ 1954-2024 

• In 1954, the Perkasie Anniversary and Historical Society initially formed for Perkasie’s 75th Anniversary Celebration.
  This volunteer, non-profit community organization continues today to preserve Perkasie’s history.
• Our first President was Andrew Schuler and our first signature project was completed in 1958 with the moving of the 1832 South Perkasie Covered Bridge.​
• More society milestones will be featured as the year progresses.

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1759 Richard Penn Land Deed

• The museum is excited to share the 1759 Penn Land Deed Project is complete.
• The deed is conserved and preserved. 
•  Thank you to the Pezzanite Family Trust and the Perkasie Lions Club for making it possible for the Perkasie Historical Society to acquire, conserve and preserve the 1759 Penn Land Deed encompassing a portion of the Manor of Perkasie.​

Ray Conville-Perkasie Lions Club, Matt Landis- Perkasie Lions Club, Lee Metzger, President Perkasie Historical Society, Rick Doll and Matt Lynch Perkasie Historical Society Museum co-curators.

1759 Land Deed for a portion of Perkasie Manor on display at Perkasie Borough

Perkasie Historical Society Museum, former Lehigh Valley Transit Trolley Station: National Register of Historic Places Designation 

Thanks to a variety of efforts from everyone involved including our team of rail experts, the building's significance is now recognized on the National level.​
The Perkasie Historical Society Museum and is located at 513 W. Walnut St., Perkasie, Pennsylvania.
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1939 Nativity Tableau:   
During the 2020 Christmas season, six metal, hand-painted pieces from Perkasie's 1939 Nativity Tableau were on display in South Perkasie. The Tableau was made in Allentown, PA and, when fully assembled, measures 25 feet in width and 15 feet high. This was the first time any parts of the tableau have been displayed in over 60 years. 
Visit the Tableau at 704 E Walnut St., Perkasie, PA, during the holiday season. 
To learn more about Perkasie's unique Tableau history, visit our 1939 Nativity Tableau entry on our "Memories of Perkasie" tab. 

1832 South Perkasie Covered Bridge Restoration
February 21, 2024: "On another note, council approved a contract with Accurance, LLC to provide FEMA grant administration services for the Perkasie Covered Timber Bridge project. The borough received the grant to repair the bridge after it sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ida in September 2021. Coaxum said that the project’s next step is the hiring of a design consultant, who will determine the needed renovations and estimated construction costs."  Reference: John Worthington reporting from Perkasie Borough Council meeting 
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Previous Status of the Covered Bridge Updates 

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​"Historic preservation is present tense"

Come Visit!