Our work
A lifelong journey through the halls of history and the traditions of our ancestors
Education is the very heartbeat of everything we do at the Lower Salford Historical and Folklife Society, serving as the primary vehicle through which we fulfill our mission. We provide a comprehensive, year-round range of learning opportunities designed to engage both the analytical mind and the empathetic heart. For students, we offer meticulously planned field trips that align with state educational standards, providing a tangible, visceral connection to the history they read about in textbooks. For adults, we host deep-dive evening lectures, genealogy workshops that help uncover family secrets, and heritage craft classes that teach the patience and skill of our forebears. Our learning environment is defined by mutual respect, academic honesty, and a shared sense of curiosity, where questions are encouraged and the pursuit of truth is a collective endeavor. We believe that by providing a high-quality, accessible historical education, we are helping to create more informed, grounded, and engaged citizens who appreciate the complexity of the world they have inherited.
PLAY AND EXPLORATION
Discovering the past through hands-on activities and interactive historical discovery
We firmly believe that history should be a source of joy and wonder, especially for our younger visitors who are just beginning to form their understanding of the world. Our “Play and Exploration” initiatives are strategically designed to turn historical learning into a thrilling adventure of discovery. In our dedicated junior historian area, children can dress up in authentic period costumes, play with traditional wooden toys, and try their hand at tasks that their ancestors would have performed daily, such as churning butter or carding wool. This tactile, experiential approach allows children to explore the past in a way that feels natural, engaging, and far removed from the constraints of a traditional classroom. We also host popular outdoor “exploration days” where families can participate in mock archaeological digs, learn about the indigenous flora that sustained the early settlers, or follow a treasure map of local landmarks. By making history a hands-on, playful experience, we ensure that it leaves a lasting, positive impression on the next generation of Harleysville residents.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Building community, empathy, and resilience through the sharing of our collective stories
History is an incredibly powerful tool for social and emotional development, offering lessons in perseverance that are more relevant than ever. By learning about the immense challenges and hard-won triumphs of those who came before us, we develop a sense of empathy, perspective, and personal resilience that is essential for navigating the complexities of modern life. Our society provides a safe, welcoming space where people from all walks of life can come together to share their personal stories and find common ground in their shared heritage. Through our oral history projects and community discussion groups, we foster a deep sense of belonging and mutual understanding that transcends political or social divisions. We believe that knowing our local history helps us to appreciate the diversity of our community and the shared human values that bind us together across the centuries. Our work helps to build a stronger, more compassionate, and more connected Lower Salford by reminding us all that we are individual threads in the same magnificent, ongoing story.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Tailored historical experiences for every stage of life from childhood to senior years
The Lower Salford Historical and Folklife Society is proud to offer diverse and thoughtfully designed programming that spans the entire human lifespan, recognizing that the need for connection and learning never ends. Our early childhood programs focus on sensory experiences, rhythmic storytelling, and simple crafts, introducing the youngest members of our community to the concept of time and memory in a gentle, age-appropriate way. For elementary and middle school students, we provide more structured, inquiry-based educational experiences that focus on critical thinking, primary source analysis, and local geography. High schoolers and university students can take advantage of our professional research internships and advanced archival access, gaining valuable skills for their future careers. Our adult and senior programs offer opportunities for deep intellectual engagement, social connection, and the sharing of life experiences, ensuring that the love of history remains a vital, life-enriching pursuit for every resident of our township, regardless of their age or background.
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.
Testimonials
Voices of impact
THE FOSTER FAMILY
Parents of a Junior Historian (Age 10)
“We truly cannot say enough wonderful things about the profound and lasting impact the Lower Salford Historical and Folklife Society has had on our ten-year-old son. Since joining the Junior Historian program last year, he has developed a genuine, unprompted passion for the stories and landmarks of our township. The staff at the society have an incredible, unique way of making the past feel alive, urgent, and deeply relevant to a modern child. He doesn’t just see history as a boring list of dates and names anymore; he sees it as a series of grand adventures and human puzzles to be solved. We love that the programs are so hands-on and that he is always encouraged to ask tough questions and explore the archives. It has been a fantastic way for him to develop critical thinking skills and empathy while feeling a deep sense of pride in his local community. We are so grateful for this program.”
MARGARET AND TOM BENNETT
Grandparents and Long-time Society Members
“As residents of Harleysville for over fifty years, we have always appreciated the work of the society from a distance, but seeing our grandchildren engage so deeply with the programs has given us an entirely new perspective on its value. The multi-generational family workshops are the highlight of our month; there is something incredibly special and moving about sitting with your grandson and showing him the tools his great-great-grandfather might have used on a farm just a few miles from here. The society provides a vital bridge between our generation and theirs that is increasingly rare in our fast-paced world. The professional yet warm atmosphere makes us feel truly welcome every time we walk through the doors. It is deeply comforting to know that our family’s history and the history of the town we love are in such capable, caring, and dedicated hands.”
THE RODRIGUEZ FAMILY
Parents of a Toddler and Elementary Student (Ages 3 and 7)
“We moved to Harleysville two years ago and were looking for family-friendly activities that were also educational and community-oriented, and we found the perfect fit at the Lower Salford Historical and Folklife Society. Even for our three-year-old, there are sensory activities, old-fashioned toys, and simple stories that capture his imagination and keep him engaged. Our seven-year-old daughter absolutely loves the ‘exploration days’ and has even started her own little ‘history journal’ at home where she draws pictures of the historic houses we see. The sense of community at the society is palpable; everyone from the director to the volunteers is so friendly, patient, and eager to share their knowledge. It has quickly become a place where we feel our children are learning important life values like empathy, respect for hard work, and a sense of place. We are so lucky to have this world-class resource right here.”
JANICE COOPER
Parent of a Teen Volunteer (Age 16)
“My teenage daughter has been volunteering at the society as part of her high school service hours for over a year now, and it has been a truly transformative experience for her character. She has gained so much confidence through her work with the archival team and assisting with the public tours on the weekends. The mentorship she has received from the professional staff, especially Dr. Henderson and Robert Vance, has been incredible; they treat her with genuine respect and give her real, meaningful responsibilities that make her feel like she is making a tangible difference. It’s wonderful to see a teenager so engaged in something local, meaningful, and intellectual. The society has provided her with a sense of purpose, a stronger resume, and a much deeper understanding of the importance of community service and preservation. It has been a highlight of her high school years.”