Welcome to the Chestnuthill Township Historical Society!

 

About Us

Chestnuthill Township is situated in the western region of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, within the Pocono Mountains. Founded in 1763 by Abraham Smith, the township originally encompassed what are now Eldred, Polk, and Ross Townships. Given this rich and far-reaching history, the need for a local historical society became evident in June 2011. The society was established by charter members Norman A. Burger, Nancy Gehr, Kathleen Getz, and Lee Hoffman. Today, the organization includes nearly 40 active members committed to preserving and promoting the township’s historical heritage.

Our current officers are:

Taylor J. Keller - President

J.T. Burrus - Vice President

Sarah Martini - Secretary

Barbara Fritz Wogan - Treasurer

Our Mission

The purposes of the Chestnuthill Township Historical Society are as follows:

1. To discover, collect, and preserve any material which may help to establish or illustrate the history of Chestnuthill Township and the surrounding area; to collect published materials, manuscripts, artifacts, objects, and related archival items of local historical interest

2. To establish and maintain a historical museum and research library

3. To promote and encourage historical research about Chestnuthill Township

4. To disseminate historical information and promote public knowledge about the history of Chestnuthill Township by publishing historical materials, holding meetings, discussions, and lectures, and organizing or participating in tours

5. To identify historic buildings, sites, places, and trails of local historical significance

6. To endeavor to bring about the preservation of historic buildings, landmarks, sites, monuments, and markers

7. To cooperate with adjacent townships in the preservation of the historic heritage of the West End

8. To encourage community organizations and the Pleasant Valley School District to experience local history at the Merwinsburg Hotel

The Merwinsburg Hotel

Constructed in 1804, the Merwinsburg Hotel is the oldest surviving structure in Chestnuthill Township. Throughout its long history, the hotel hosted numerous notable figures, including ornithologist John James Audubon and Prussian Prince Alexander Philipp Maximilian. In 2008, the Merwinsburg Hotel was purchased by the Chestnuthill Township Board of Supervisors. Currently, renovation efforts are underway with the goal of transforming the historic building into a museum and the permanent home of the Chestnuthill Township Historical Society.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I become a member?

A: Print and fill out the membership form below. With a check for the appropriate amount enclosed with your application, mail to:

Chestnuthill Township Historical Society

P.O. Box 866

Brodheadsville, PA 18322

Q: How can I contact someone from the historical society?

A: We can be reached by mail at P.O. Box 866, Brodheadsville, PA 18322 or by email at chestnuthillhistorical@gmail.com.

Q: When and where do you meet?

A: We typically meet at the Chestnuthill Township Municipal Building (271 PA-715, Brodheadsville, PA 18322) on the third Saturday of the month at 2pm. We only meet March through October, and meeting times/locations are always subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with us.