In 1953, 65 years ago, a group was established as the “Committee to Save the King of Prussia Inn.” They were successful in saving the structure from being removed when US 202 was to be widened for the first time. Although it resulted in the inn being stranded between the north and southbound lanes of the highway, at least it was spared the wrecking ball.
Due to the success they achieved in saving the inn, in 1956, the Committee broadened its scope to include other important buildings in Upper Merion, and was renamed the “King of Prussia Historical Society.” This group of dedicated individuals was extremely active in the community, and for over 30 years documented our local history and valiantly attempted to preserve it. The Old Roberts School is an excellent example of a structure saved and restored by the Society.
As more and more of our history gave way to progress, the Society found itself with a building that was falling apart and a dwindling membership. When the King of Prussia Inn was moved, interest began to grow again. However, it was not enough to keep the Society going, yet there was no real official end to the functioning Society. Somewhere along the line the King of Prussia Chamber of Commerce, the forerunner to the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, absorbed it.
It was not until the year of the Upper Merion Tricentennial, in 2013, that an agreement was reached with the Chamber to allow the name to be licensed. So on April 24, 2012, a meeting was held at the Historic King of Prussia Inn to sign papers that would finally reestablish the King of Prussia Historical Society, and bring it back to the people of Upper Merion.
The Society then envisioned the building as a Welcome Center, a Museum, and a meeting place for the King of Prussia Historical Society, as well as other community organizations. Those visions currently seem unlikely.
We are eternally grateful to all those who believe in our mission and are helping us grow our membership as the Society continues to work toward its goals:
- To encourage research in the history of Upper Merion Township and adjoining communities;
- To promote interest and research in local history by publishing and distributing a quarterly periodical entitled THE KING OF PRUSSIA GAZETTE;
- To collect, archive, and preserve the various documents, photographs and artifacts of local historic significance; and
- To maintain a cooperation with the teachers and administration of the Upper Merion Area School District, and the Upper Merion Township Library, designed to increase community interest in local history.
On Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 2:00 pm the Society holds its Annual Meeting at Christ Church (Old Swedes) Hall. A presentation follows, “Aerial Drone Photos of Upper Merion”. Please join us and help us “Preserve Upper Merion’s Past to Enlighten It’s Future.”
Check out our website to view our digital archive, read past issues of our publication and more. www.kophistory.org.
Please consider becoming a member or making a tax deductible donation.
