Historical Societies Network

Late last summer, representatives from the eight historical societies in Lycoming County met to establish an informal association  with a goal to foster mutual support and communication within the societies. The group, known as the Historical Organizations of Lycoming County, or the HOLC, met in August, November, and February, with plans to meet every quarter on the first Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., rotating to all society locations.

These volunteers plan to become acquainted with operation of each society, discover its purpose, and observe its work style. In the future, the association hopes to pool resources, sponsor workshops, and explore opportunities that would benefit all societies in  the county. Those currently in existence originate in the communities of Williamsport (including the genealogical society), Montoursville, Jersey Shore, Cogan Station, Hughesville, Muncy and Montgomery. The HOLC encourages the public to support the historical society in your area by becoming a member, attending membership meetings, and offering to volunteer.

The next meeting of the HOLC will be held Tuesday, May 4, at 10:00 a.m. at the Blooming Grove Historical Society’s Dunkard Meeting House, 297 Dunkard Church Road in Cogan Station. After an overview of the Blooming Grove Historical Society, there are plans to create an HOLC Mission Statement as well as analyze storage and archival needs for each county society. For more information about the HOLC or county historical societies, please contact Rev. Larry K Waltz, (ph. 570-323-2385; email LNRWaltz@aol.com), HOLC facilitator.

Lycoming County Historical Society
Founded in 1907, the historical society for the county is located at the Thomas T. Taber Museum, 858 West 4th Street, Williamsport. Upcoming programs at the museum include History Coffee Hours on Thursday, April 8 at 10 a.m. and Thursday, May 13 at 10 a.m. A program on The Civil War, presented by SFC Michael S. Seitzer will be presented on Sunday, May 16 at 2 p.m. Website: http://tabermuseum.org  or contact Sandy Rife (570-326-3326; email lchsmuseum@verizon.net).

Lycoming County Genealogical Society
Incorporated in 1989, the county’s genealogical society houses its library at the Thomas Taber Museum, 858 West 4th Street, Williamsport. Upcoming events include “Using Stories Within the Branches, to Find the Roots” with Judy Heald, President of the Centre County Genealogy Society, to be held Saturday, April 24, at 1 p.m. Website: www.Lycominglineage.com or contact Joan Knight (email: Lycominglineage@gmail.com)

Gen. John Burrows Historical Society of Montoursville
The historical society for the Montoursville area is located at 19 North Loyalsock Avenue,  Montoursville. Next general membership meeting will be on Sunday, April 11, at 2 p.m. Museum hours: Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Contact Maynard Bogart, President (email: mwbogs@verizon.net).

Blooming Grove Historical Society
Incorporated in 1978, this historical society is located at 297 Dunkard Church Road in Cogan Station. The society’s next meeting will be on Sunday, June 6, at 2 p.m. Topic: “Dunkard Cemetery of Blooming Grove.” Website: www.BloomingGroveHistoricalSociety.org Contact: Rev. Larry K Waltz, President (ph. 570-323-2385; email: LNRWaltz@aol.com).

East Lycoming Historical Society
The communities of Hughesville, Lairdsville, Unityville, Picture Rocks, Huntersville, Glen Mawr, Tivoli, and other areas of eastern Lycoming County are of interest to this historical society located at 66 South Main Street, Hughesville. Contact: Carol Shetler, President (ph. 570-437-2025; email: sewnoted@hotmail.com)

Jersey Shore Historical Society
Founded in 1963, the Jersey Shore Historical Society/Samuel Moss House is located at 200 South Main Street, Jersey Shore. Upcoming events include "History of Jersey Shore Canal" by John Pisarcik on Thursday April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Moss House. Website: http://JS-HS.tripod.com Contact: Betty Allen, President (email: JAllen@uplink.net).

Muncy Historical Society
Founded in 1936, the Muncy Historical Society is located at 40 North Main Street, Muncy. Upcoming events: Membership meetings on Sunday, April 11 at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 16 at 2:30 p.m. Website: http://muncyhistoricalsociety.org/ Contact William Poulton, President  (ph. 570-546-5917; email: muncyhistorical@aol.com).  

Montgomery Area Historical Society
Founded in 1964 and incorporated in 2007, the Montgomery Area Historical Society meets at the Borough Hall, 35 South Main Street, Montgomery, and at the #1 Eagle Grange Building, Route 15 and Blind Road. The former Adams Print Shop on Houston Avenue is being renovated as a historical display area. Upcoming events: Montgomery Police Chief Terry Lynn will be presenting a history of the Montgomery Law Enforcement on Tuesday, May 18, at the Grange Hall. Website:  http://www.montgomeryareahistoricalsociety.org  Contact Doug Snyder, President (email: dsrs229@yahoo.com).