Our Team
Dedicated professionals and passionate historians committed to our community’s story

Elizabeth Montgomery
Executive Director
Elizabeth Montgomery brings over twenty years of distinguished experience in museum studies, non-profit leadership, and historic preservation to her role as Executive Director. With a Doctorate in American History and a lifelong passion for the intricacies of local folklife, Elizabeth oversees the strategic direction of the society and ensures that our mission is reflected in every program, exhibit, and community partnership we undertake. Her caring and inclusive approach to leadership fosters a collaborative environment where staff and volunteers feel empowered to share their unique expertise and ideas. Elizabeth is a firm believer that history should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, and she spends much of her time out in the Harleysville community, listening to residents’ stories and building the partnerships that sustain our organization. She is frequently seen at township meetings, advocating for the preservation of our historic landscape and ensuring that history has a seat at the table of progress.

Dr. Samuel Henderson
Head of Research and Archives
Dr. Samuel Henderson is the meticulous academic mind behind our extensive historical documentation and archival management. With a background in archival science and a deep, specialized knowledge of Pennsylvania German history and genealogy, Samuel manages our vast collections with the utmost care, precision, and respect for the fragility of the past. He is responsible for the thorough research that defines our society’s reputation for accuracy, spending countless hours verifying records, transcribing difficult scripts, and uncovering the hidden stories of Lower Salford’s early settlers. Samuel’s dedication to historical truth is matched only by his willingness to help visitors with their own complex research projects, providing expert guidance with a warm, patient, and encouraging demeanor. He is an invaluable asset to our team and a primary reason why our archives are sought out by researchers from across the country.

Sarah Jenkins
Director of Educational Programming
Sarah Jenkins is a former classroom educator with a remarkable gift for making history come alive for learners of all ages and backgrounds. As the Director of Educational Programming, she designs our curriculum-based school programs, family workshops, and public lecture series. Sarah’s pedagogical approach is rooted in the principles of play and exploration, ensuring that children and adults alike find the past to be an exciting, relevant, and deeply engaging subject. Her dual qualifications in both history and childhood development allow her to create age-appropriate content that challenges the mind while inspiring the heart. Sarah is known throughout the township for her infectious enthusiasm and her uncanny ability to turn a simple, rusty historical artifact into a compelling, unforgettable lesson about human resilience, creativity, and the everyday struggles of our ancestors.

Robert Vance
Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator
Robert Vance is the primary, friendly link between the society and the diverse people of Harleysville. With a background in community organizing and a lifelong, personal love for Lower Salford history, Robert manages our vital volunteer program and coordinates our extensive schedule of public events and festivals. He understands profoundly that our organization is powered by people, and he works tirelessly to ensure that every volunteer finds a role that matches their specific skills, interests, and schedules. Robert’s outgoing nature and genuine interest in others make him the perfect ambassador for our society, and he is always looking for new, innovative ways to engage the community in our preservation efforts. He believes that everyone, regardless of their age or profession, has something unique to contribute to the historical record, and he is dedicated to helping them find their voice.
COMMUNITY AND ENGAGEMENT
Strengthening familial bonds and intergenerational links through the shared discovery of heritage
We believe that history is most meaningful when it is discovered and discussed together, and we actively encourage family involvement in every facet of our organization. Many of our most successful projects are designed specifically for multiple generations to work on as a team, such as our family tree workshops, “history harvest” days, and our portable oral history recording kits. By involving parents, grandparents, and children in the active process of historical discovery, we help to strengthen familial bonds and ensure that precious family stories and values are passed down accurately to the next generation. Our society provides a warm and welcoming “third space” where families can spend quality, screen-free time together, learning about their own unique heritage while contributing their own records to the larger, collective story of our township. We see the family unit as the primary building block of historical preservation.


JOIN US / WORK WITH US
Discover a rewarding, mission-driven career dedicated to the preservation of our community’s vibrant history
The Lower Salford Historical and Folklife Society is always looking for passionate, talented, and dedicated individuals to join our professional team and help us shape the future of our township’s past. A career with us is far more than just a job; it is a unique opportunity to use your professional skills for a deeply meaningful purpose, contributing directly to the cultural, educational, and civic health of Harleysville. We offer a variety of roles, from archival management and academic research to educational programming, community outreach, and administrative leadership. Working at the society means being part of a dedicated group of professionals who are committed to the highest standards of excellence and to our mission of active community involvement. We value diversity of thought, creative problem-solving, and a collaborative spirit, and we provide a supportive environment where our employees can grow professionally as they help us to tell the complex and inspiring story of Lower Salford.
