Historic
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Local History Professor Shares His Decades of Duffy’s Cut Research
Local history professor William Watson has shared the story of first discovering Duffy’s Cut, a mysterious landmark in Malvern, as he writes in an article at The Conversation. The Immaculata University professor and a team of students first discovered Duffy’s Cut in 2004. In the decades since, the team has continued research on the site,…
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Legends of Montco: James Madison Porter Honors Revolutionary War Hero with a College
Behind the legacy of Lafayette College is an ambitious man from Norristown, writes Frank Whelan for WFMZ. James Madison Porter was born at Selma, his family’s estate in Norristown, and grew up hearing stories of heroism from his father, General Andrew Porter, who fought alongside Marquis de Lafayette in the Revolutionary War. When Lafayette returned…
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Group of Locals Work to Give Wayne’s Anthony Wayne Theater A New Life
A group of locals have been working to give the shuttered Anthony Wayne Theater new life as an elevated dining and entertainment destination, writes Gina Lizzo for the Main Line Today. At the moment, the semi-gutted interior of the Wayne Theater presents an eerie sight. The inspiring effort to bring the Wayne space back to…
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Duffy’s Cut Researchers Believe They Found Second Mass Grave of Irish Railroad Workers Likely Killed in 1832
Brothers William and Frank Watson, the researchers who first uncovered Duffy’s Cut, believe they have discovered a second mass grave of Irish railroad workers buried in Malvern in 1832, writes Zoe Greenberg for The Philadelphia Inquirer. William Watson is a historian at Immaculata University, while Frank Watson is a pastor and an archivist. They discovered…
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The Star-Spangled Banner, One of Best-Known National Anthems in World, Has Rowdy Origins
The Star-Spangled Banner, one of the best-known national anthems in the world, has roots far more rowdy than patriotic, writes Barrymore Laurence Scherer for The Wall Street Journal. The melody was originally written by English composer John Stafford Smith as a popular drinking song, “To Anacreon in Heav’n.” A pupil of renowned composer William Boyce…
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Vietnam War Memorial Replica to Tour Montgomery County with Special Motorcycle Escort
A massive replica of the Vietnam War Memorial will travel across Montgomery County next month, escorted by a special motorcycle convoy, before reaching its display location, writes Justin Heinze for the Patch. The Wall That Heals, a 375-foot-long memorial standing 7.5 feet tall at its highest point, will begin its Montgomery County journey at Valley…
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Inside Kennett Square’s Long History with the Underground Railroad
As Juneteenth approaches, the Kennett Underground Railroad Center seeks to educate the community on Kennett’s history with the abolitionist movement, writes Madeleine Wright for CBS News Philadelphia. Historic buildings throughout Kennett Square served as stops along the Underground Railroad. The community as a whole was a vital space for abolitionist work throughout the nineteenth century.…
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Researchers Unveil Findings of Mass Grave in Downingtown, Likely Connecting to Duffy’s Cut
A newly discovered mass gravesite in Downingtown is believed to be the final resting place of around 120 Irish railroad workers who died in 1832, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News. The breakthrough discovery of human remains at Northwood Cemetery was announced by brothers Dr. William Watson and Rev. Dr. Frank Watson during…
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An Underground Railroad Marker Unveiled in Drexel Hill
There’s a marker now in the 400 block of Shadeland Avenue letting people know it is the site of the Riverview House/Cleveland Farm section of Upper Darby’s Underground Railroad, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times. Upper Darby unveiled the marker on Friday. The Upper Darby Underground Railroad self-guided tour was created in 2021 by…
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Ending the Curse of Billy Penn
Under a long-standing gentleman’s agreement, no building in Philadelphia could rise higher than the hat of William Penn’s statue atop City Hall. But in 1987, after that agreement was violated, Philadelphia’s formerly successful pro sports teams just stopped winning championships. The result: Philly went from four pro teams fighting for championships in 1980 to zero wins after 1986. …
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Valley Forge Muster Roll Seeks Families Who Contributed to Revolutionary War for America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration
In preparation for America’s 250th anniversary celebration, the Valley Forge Muster Roll and Tredyffrin Township Historical Commission are seeking stories from families whose ancestors or homes contributed to the Revolutionary War in the area, with the potential to be featured in the festivities, writes Melissa Jacobs for the Main Line Tonight. Several key Revolutionary War…
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Fate of 125-Year-Old Bryn Mawr Home Hangs in the Balance as Lower Merion Debates Preservation
A 125-year-old Bryn Mawr home with deep ties to women’s and LGBTQ+ history is at risk as Lower Merion Township debates its fate, writes Kyle Bagenstose for Hidden City. The Arts and Crafts-style residence at 17 Elliott Avenue was commissioned in 1900 by Helen Sleeper Pearson, a Baldwin School math teacher, and shared with her…
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Buried History Uncovered in Rosemont—But It’s Going Back Underground
A contractor renovating Ashbridge House in Rosemont recently uncovered a 200-year-old underground cistern while working on the $5 million project, writes Richard Ilgenfritz for Main Line Times & Suburban. The discovery, made beneath a garden patio’s bluestone pavers, prompted immediate consultation with Lower Merion’s historic preservation planner and the township’s Historical Commission. The cistern is…
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The Enduring Impact of Josh Culbreath, Norristown’s Track and Field Icon
The legacy of Norristown’s Josh Culbreath, an all-time great sprinter, continues to inspire generations long after his championship runs, writes Justin Heinze for the Patch. Recently honored during Norristown’s Black History Month memorial, Culbreath’s achievements remain a testament to perseverance and excellence. A standout in the 400-meter hurdles, Culbreath won a bronze medal at the…
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How Malvern’s Eerie History Makes for an Intriguing Tourist Destination
Malvern’s history makes it one of the most unconventional towns in Pennsylvania, writes Aunindita Bhatia for World Atlas. The borough’s history of wartime violence has resulted in frequent reports of hauntings and ghost sightings. Many sightings are related to the Paoli Massacre of 1777, where over fifty American soldiers were ambushed by British troops. Although…
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New Life for Anthony Wayne Theater in Wayne as Nonprofit Plans
A group of passionate local investors is coming together to save the nearly 100-year-old Anthony Wayne Theater in Wayne, writes Caroline O’Halloran for Savvy Main Line. The theater has been closed since it was shut down during the pandemic in March of 2020. The “Anthony Wayne Theater” (AWT) is a 501©3 nonprofit of local business…
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Ambler’s Lindenwold Castle Auction Starts at a Modest $1.5 Million
Ambler’s Lindenwold Castle, inspired by Windsor Castle, is up for auction with a reserve price of $1.5 million, reports Ryan Mulligan for the Philadelphia Business Journal. The 134-year-old castle is approved for residential units and office spaces. It does, however, retain the potential to sell as a large single-family home. The sealed-bid auction, conducted by…
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The Montgomery County Prison in Norristown is a Monument to Architectural History
Norristown is home to the castle-like Montgomery County Prison. Pamela W. Reilly reflects on the historic structure in Pennsylvania Heritage. The prison was built in 1851 and stood as a symbol of historical significance on Airy Street. Prominent Philadelphia architect Napoleon LeBrun designed the Gothic Revival structure. LeBrun is also known for the Schuylkill County…
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