Beginning with the restoration and interpretation of the Morton Morton House on Darby Creek and systematically evaluating other significant historic sites, the Norwood Historical Society will become a continuously evolving repository for the history of the Borough of Norwood. Our vision is to be a vehicle for educational and cultural time travel to the past, present and beyond.

About Us

The Norwood Historical Society, Inc. is a relatively young organization having its start in 1999. The organization is a private non-profit foundation incorporated within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. Meetings are held in the historic Morton Morton House except during January, February & March when they are held in the Norwood Municipal Building (See directions below).

 


Officers: 2008-2009
Judy Anastasi, President
Bob Williams, Vice President
Judy Williams, Secretary
Maureen Olphert, Treasurer
George Fieo, CPA, Financial Secretary

Executive Committee:
Frank Boyle, Historian
Judy Williams
Rich Paul
Jackie Sallade
Bill Olphert
Helene Agnew



The Morton Morton House is located at the confluence of the Darby and Muckinpates Creeks. Secluded and hidden in a residential area of the Borough of Norwood, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The House was built around 1750 by Morton Morton (1701-1781) a great grandson of Marten Martenson who settled in "New Sweden" in 1654. Morton Morton was first cousin to John Morton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The Morton Morton House was owned by Morton's decendents until 1873, then became home to various families until it was abandoned in the 1930s. The Borough of Norwood owns the Morton Morton House. The Morton Morton House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The exterior of the Morton Morton House underwent extensive restoration completed in October 2005. Stage 2, restoration of the interior of the House, is underway. Fundraising for the interior restoration has begun. Donations of $50 or more are acknowledged by placing the donor's name and location, or a phrase in memory of (a loved one's name) on a Benefactor's Plaque installed in the formal room of the Morton Morton House. Donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated. Interested parties may call Judy Anastasi, president at 610-583-3002.

     

To read more history on not only Norwood but also Ridley Township please visit Ridley Township History's website.



Directions to the Morton Morton House:
(Coming from Route 420)
Take Route 13 Chester Pike (North) to "The Arch of Norwood" at Winona Avenue. Make a right follow East Winona Avenue down to the bottom of the hill. Bear right along the park, keeping the park on your left. Continue on Winona Avenue until homes appear on your left. The entrance to the Morton Morton House is just past the fourth set of twin homes. Take a left and follow the road down to the right, bear left when you come to the "V" in the road and follow that back to the Morton Morton House. See map below if you need more help. Enjoy your visit.

Visitations:
Each summer starting June to the last week of September, the Morton Morton House will be open to the public for tours on Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. excluding Labor Day weekend. Admission is free; donations are very much appreciated and will be used to continue the restoration of the Morton Morton House.

Additional tours can be arranged by calling the Norwood Borough Office at 610-586-5800.

2008 Activities and Events:

Normally our events appear on local cable stations, Comcast 10, RCN 52, Interboro school news station 11, in Town Talk and Delaware County Daily Times and our website www.norwoodpahistorical.org

Sunday's with the Morton's
June through September, excluding July 4th and Labor Day, each Sunday afternoon between 1 and 4 p.m. the Morton Morton House will be open for public tours and visitation. Please join our volunteer staff for an educational and relaxing visit. This is only the 3rd time that Morton Morton House has been able to be open to the public, on a regular schedule, in 30 years. Questions to Rich Paul, 610-353-4967.

Passport to History Program
Same Sunday's and times as above.
Program for fourth grade children in participating schools. All other grade children encouraged to join in.

July 4th Parade
The Norwood Historical Society is looking for members and friends to join us as we celebrate our great holiday in the annual Norwood 4th of July parade and at the Norwood Park.

Lecture series continues with
Thursday, September 25, 2008, 7:30 p.m. at the Norwood Municipal Building:  Dr. Jim Hedtke, of Cabrini College, Chair of the History/Political Science will present "One True American"

The story of Eli Parker, a Seneca Indian who rose to the rank of Brigadier General during the Civil War.  Refreshments provided. Call Frank Boyle 484-494-7110 for details.

Thursday, October 30, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at the Norwood Municipal Building:  Mr. Bill Ciminera will speak on General George Armstrong Custer.  Refreshment provided.  Call Frank Boyle 484-494-7110 for further detail.

Collectibles, Donations and Memberships:

Currently the Norwood Historical Society is offering a unique collectible (number 1 in the series) sun-catcher / ornament of beveled glass depicting the Morton Morton House c 1750. Each gift is individually boxed, comes complete with gift wrap and bow for easy and classic presentation. The price, $20, includes Pennsylvania sales tax. For further information call Judy Anastasi, 610-583-3002.

Donations may be sent to Norwood Historical Society, Inc. Attn: Mr. Frank Boyle, 125 Henderson Ave., Norwood, PA 19074. For additional information on donating and membership, please call Frank Boyle, 484-494-7110. Donations are greatly appreciated and are targeted toward restoration of the interior of this historic site.

Contact Us via Email:
jaa612@aol.com



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