New Hope Historical Society

Achievements and Goals of the
New Hope Historical Society

The New Hope Historical Society has, since its founding in 1958,
achieved the following goals:

Purchasing and renovating the c.1751 Parry Barn. It is now a long-established art gallery, featuring Bucks County artists, and still the property of the NHHS. Purchasing and restoring the c. 1784 Parry Mansion, which had been in the possession of the Parrys since its construction. At the time, 1966, there was a very real possibility that the Mobil Company would purchase the property, with a view to putting a gas station on the site. Although it was a financial challenge to the young society, the Mansion was saved. The following years were devoted to the actual Mansion restoration, employing the most knowledgeable restorationist of the time, Francis Lovett. The creation of the decorative museum, unusual as it spans 125 years, from 1775 to 1900, was the inspiration of Charles Lamar, noted decorative historian and Interior designer. Since 1966, the New Hope Historical Society has maintained this splendid mansion house museum, the centerpiece of New Hope and tribute to the American experience

In addition to the two major accomplishments, the NHHS has contributed whenever possible to the preservation and historic awareness of the community. The society provided the funds for the clean-up of the New Hope Cemetery, final resting place for many of the town's earliest inhabitants. NHHS created the Ferry Street Park, moved the New Hope-Ivyland Railroad Station to its present location, and restored the 1828 Chief Logan weathervane, which was on the verge of complete disintegration, and which now stands on the lawn at the Parry Mansion. The society also maintains archives pertaining to the history of the town and region.

Looking to the future, the New Hope Historical Society will continue to preserve and maintain the Parry Mansion and Parry Barn, and support historic projects in the community. In an era of fast-track technology, human history can be overlooked, and once destroyed is lost forever. Saving these historic artifacts and records is the quiet mission of societies such as the New Hope Historical Society, a mission that benefits present and future generations.