Press Release:

The Old York Road Historical Society introduces the Greater Whitemarsh History Collaborative: a joint project formed by community members, historical sites and societies to offer a variety of history based programming over the next two years to celebrate the anniversary of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence, the battles that followed, and the events and people that have shaped our area over the last 250 years. 

Beginning with a kick off event next month, the Collaborative will share the area’s early history by celebrating our Nation’s founding. Then, later this year and over the next two years, we will tell the stories of the resulting 1777-1778 battles, explore the people, places, and events that have come to define our communities. 

To enhance the experience, the Greater Whitemarsh History Collaborative has developed a passport book with information regarding a variety of historic and cultural sites throughout the greater Whitemarsh valley. This multi-site book offers the opportunity to follow a 1777–1778 path of George Washington and the Continental Congress. By visiting participating sites, historical societies, and related programs, interested individuals can discover information that shaped the course of American history.

The passport will be available beginning at the Greater Whitemarsh History Collaborative’s kick-off event, History Unleashed on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 2pm-4pm at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Whitemarsh. Come celebrate 250 years of shared history in the Whitemarsh Valley and surrounding areas with entertainment by the Philly Fife and Drum Company, a Colonial flag presentation, costumed reenactors, patriotic face painting, historical society and historical site information booths, Colonial refreshments, and more! The event will also launch the Greater Whitemarsh History Consortium 250 Passport book, which encourages learning about the places, events, and people who shaped the area by visiting local sites that emerged along the Revolutionary War trails.   Following the event, passports will be available at all participating sites. Details about the April event are available on the Collaborative’s website (https://sites.google.com/view/greaterwhitemarsh250/home) and on participating societies websites and social media accounts, as well as published in local media. All future events will be available in the same manner.

The Greater Whitemarsh History Collaborative was developed by members of St. Thomas’  Church – Whitemarsh, Springfield Township Historical Society, Old York Road Historical Society, Historic Hope Lodge, The Historical Society of Fort Washington, Highlands Mansion & Gardens, the Historical Society of Montgomery County, and interested individuals.

For more information, please call the following individuals.

Stephanie Walsh, archives@springfieldhistory.org
Greater Whitemarsh History Collaborative Committee
Old York Road Historical Society & Springfield Township Historical Society

Lois Herbine, phillyfifer@7echomegmail-com
Greater Whitemarsh History Collaborative Committee

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