The Historical

Society

                 of Frankford

                      and Museum

HSoF

•Monthly lectures March-June and September-December 

•Museum open to public by appointment

•Library reference and research services

The Historical Society of Frankford collects, preserves and presents the history of Frankford and vicinity. The Society documents and interprets the history of the people, places, events, and traditions of this area and serves as an advocate for the preservation of the region’s historic resources. Through its collections and programs, the HSoF provides opportunities for its members, the surrounding community, and the general public to explore and appreciate the history of Frankford and its place in the world.

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Events

The Historical Society of Frankford is happy to announce that we have returned to in-person lectures beginning with our December 14, 2021offering. Masks will be required and refreshments will not be served until further notice. Y'all come!

Note that we will continue to stream our live meetings in real time for those unable to attend in person.

 2022 Lecture Season

Spring

08

MAR
John Fitch's Steamboat Service
​
Speaker: Erik Fleischer
​

Erik, the president of the John Fitch Steamboat Museum in Warminster, will discuss Fitch's effort in 1790-1791 to establish steamboat passenger service between Philadelphia and Trenton. Note this was years before Robert Fulton and the Clermont.

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12

APR
100 Years of the Ferko String Band
Speaker: Johnny Evans
​

Johnny will discuss the 100 year history of the award-winning Ferko String Band, headquartered in our neighboring community of Bridesburg. 

​

10

MAY
The Cowden Drum
Speakers: Jerry Kolankiewicz and Lara Kaplan
​
HSoF president Jerry Kolankiewicz will discuss our rediscovery of the Cowden family and this Civil War drum's history. Lara Kaplan, arts conservator at Winterthur Museum will explain her careful restoration of the drum. 

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xx

In Person

 

and

 

Facebook Live Event

 

or

 

YouTube

 

7:30 PM

14

JUN

The Borough of Frankford
by John Manton

 

Local historian and author John Manton has compiled this broad sketch of the Frankford community. He presents an authoritative introduction to Frankford's interesting stories, important events, and significant sites.

 

Board members Jerry Kolankiewicz and John Buffington will present sections of this excellent offering as health issues prevent Mr. Manton from attending as originally planned.



 

Fall 

13

SEP
The History of the Carpenters Company and the Built Environment of Philadelphia

Speaker: Alex Palma
Assistant Curator of the Carpenters Company of Philadelphia

The Carpenters Company, founded in 1770, is itself one of the most historic sites in the City. Its members shaped the local built environment, including in Frankford, and also helped shape the development of skilled trades locally.
 

In Person

 

and

 

Facebook Live Event

​

https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoricalSocietyofFrankford

​

or

 

YouTube 

​

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8rkCWZHh0sqMgwVZGf1E-w/featured

​

​

7:30 PM

11

OCT

Lecture by Attorney Chip Becker and Debbie Gross, Executive Director of Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts. In honor of the 300th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Constitution both will speak on the development of the Rule of Law in Pennsylvania. More details to come.

 8

NOV

Centennial of the Frankford El- Harry Garforth, author of upcoming book on the El and other rail routes through Frankford as well as former SEPTA employee, will speak in honor of this milestone. 

In Person

 

and

 

Facebook Live Event

 

https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoricalSocietyofFrankford

     or

​

YouTube 

​

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8rkCWZHh0sqMgwVZGf1E-w/featured

​

​

7:30 PM

13
DEC
Lecture by Gail McCormick, on the Swedenborgian Church of Frankford. More details to come.

In Person

 

and

 

Facebook Live Event

​

https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoricalSocietyofFrankford

​

or

​

YouTube

​

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8rkCWZHh0sqMgwVZGf1E-w/featured

​

​

7:30 PM

For videos of past programs click 

here

Parking is available in the lot across the street thanks to Frankford Friends.

For more information on events see our Facebook page by following the link in our contact section below.