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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Website and Photo Gallery sponsored 

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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
Chimayo Gallery
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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 Perkasie Historical Society meetings in July or August.  We look forward to seeing you in September!

Tuesday, September 6, 2022: "Stay and Be Home”- Early Settlers Stories 
Colleen Algeo will share how her art and historic home ownership led to the discovery of correspondence from the original Revolutionary owners of the home.  These Schwenkfelder settlers were the owners of her farm, now known as, "Stay and Be Home" and were eyewitnesses to the encampment of the Revolutionary Soldiers.  

Tuesday, October 4, 2022:  "Slavery in PA and Richard Moore and the Underground Railroad in Upper Bucks" presented by Mr. Jack Schick VP. of the Quakertown Historical Society. The presentation will share the efforts of Richard Moore and impact of the Underground Railroad in the area.  
Of note: In association with Richard Moore and the UGRR at Quakertown, there is an updated book by Bob Leight and Tom Moll on the topic. Additionally, Quakertown Borough is dedicating the lot next to the Moore House as a city park. An historical marker will be erected to Henry Franklin, an African American citizen circa 1836 donated by the Quakertown Historical Society.
 
Tuesday, November 1, 2022: "The History & Lore of Thanksgiving"   presented by Darcy Fair, PhD. 
Thanksgiving is the traditional response to the end of Harvest.  Exhausted farm folk need to celebrate the end of their backbreaking labor and replenish their energy with a feast!  Preparations for it often begin in the summer!  How our "quintessential American Holiday" came to be is a story in itself, with religious and civic roots.

Tuesday, December 6, 2022:  "Pennridge Chamber Choir" 
The Pennridge High School Chamber Choir is an auditioned ensemble of 24 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 or see them perform!
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​There are no Perkasie Historical Society meetings in January or February. We look forward to seeing you in March! 

 Feature Presentations

Perkasie Historical Society invites you our Zoom sessions.

 Zoom Technology Sponsored by Chris and Cathy Kleine.

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  

Saturday, August 20, 2022:  "The British are Coming" portion of the Under the Stars Car Show" 4:00- 8:00PM 
 "Peek of Perkasie"
 The display features unique items from the museum collection, not routinely displayed.
Youth Activity 5-7PM:  
Coloring a Toy British Race Car and/or Make a Fascinator Hat.  
Reserve your kit to be assembled at the museum during the car show

Saturday and Sunday, September 10 &11, 2022 Noon to 4:00 PM
 "Peek of Perkasie" 
The display features unique items from the museum collection, not routinely displayed. 

Sunday, October 2, 2022 Fall Fest "Peek of Perkasie"  Noon - 4 PM
 The display features unique items from the museum collection, not routinely displayed. 
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Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13: "Trains and Trolleys"  Noon - 4PM. Photos and artifacts will be on display from these two important modes of Perkasie transportation. There will also be an operating model train display.
 
Saturday, December 3:  Tree Lighting Evening "Christmas in Perkasie" This display features photographs and artifacts from Perkasie's Community Christmas Celebrations along with an operating model railroad display.  The "Conductor" will be reading the "Polar Express."  Please check our website for specific updates.  (https://www.perkasiehistory.org/)

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​                                  In-Person Walking Tours:
Saturday, October 29, 2022 1:00 PM: “Mausoleum and More: Perkasie Historical Society's Perkasie Mausoleum Tour" Take the tour of the mausoleum learn more about a few significant people from Perkasie's past.
Meet at the Museum. 513 West Walnut Street.  Suggested donation: $5.00

Saturday, October 29, 2022 6:00 PM: “Unusual Occurrences Along the Railroad" The tour will visit locations of notable events that occurred in the area of the railroad tracks in Perkasie.   This is an evening "Lantern Light" Tour
​Suggested donation: $5.00

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

 2022 Carousel Schedule

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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.  ​                      
​ On days of operation, the carousel is open noon to 5 PM. 
July 31, 2022
August 21, 2022
September 11, 2022
Perkasie Fall Fest October 2, 2022
Perkasie Tree Lighting Day: December 3, 2022

​Perkasie Historical Society Current Projects 

Perkasie Historical Society Museum, former Lehigh Valley Transit Trolley Station: Historic Designation 
June 7, 2022: The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Board has successfully reviewed the nomination of our Lehigh Valley Transit Trolley Station.
Our next step is the review by the National Park Service for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
Thanks to all who have worked since 1998 to garner this progression to the National Park Service review process.
The Lehigh Valley Transit Trolley station is home to our 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. 

We incrementally assembled the next segment for 2021.  Casements have been moved and cleaned.  It is lit for the 2021 season!    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
Perkasie Borough Council formed a covered bridge committee made up of four council historical committee members, the Parks and Recreation and Public Works Directors, two members of Perkasie Historical Society and one member of Bucks County Covered Bridge Society. Mayor Hollenbach is also an ad hoc committee member. This committee will oversee the bridge restoration, fundraising, and securing of available grants.

February 2022:  Perkasie Borough Information link: South Perkasie Covered Bridge (perkasieborough.org)

December 2021:  Next steps pending FEMA funding decision.
Previous Status of the Covered Bridge Updates 

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"Historic preservation is present tense"

Come Visit!