Marple-Newtown Historic Day
June 6, 2026, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
To celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, the Marple Historical Society is partnering with Newtown Square Historical Society to host Marple-Newtown Historic Day. Eleven historic buildings and sites across both Marple and Newtown Townships will be open to the public for tours, performances, and activities. This is an event for everyone from dedicated history buffs to those who are just beginning to explore their community.
Featured Events
Thomas Massey House
With the oldest section dating to 1696, the Massey House is run as a living history museum by the Marple Historical Society.
Visitors can tour the house and grounds and watch living history demonstrations teaching about life in the colonial era.
Free admission!
The Square Tavern
3716 Goshen Road, Newtown Square
A restored 1740s tavern and boyhood home of artist Benjamin West.
Live performances of “THEY SIGNED IT” by The Square Tavern Players.
Watch tavern goers from 1776 react to the news of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Free Admission
Paper Mill House
3 Paper Mill Road, Newtown Square
The Paper Mill House was built in 1828 as millworker housing and is now the headquarters of the Newtown Square Historical Society
Master basket weaver Susan Dirsa will host a 3-hour basket weaving workshop from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $35 and includes all materials for a wall pocket basket. Space is limited, so register now here.
Live Music by the Time Travelers
Build Birdtown “Meadow in a Pot” container gardens
New art exhibit
Refreshments!
Bartram’s Covered Bridge
4298 Goshen Rd, Newtown Square
Families are invited to come sail your toy boat on Crum Creek! Prizes will be given for the most “seaworthy.”
While there, tour the recently restored 1860 covered bridge!
Tours and More at:
Hayti Cemetery
The cemetery used by Marple UAME Church from the 1830s to the 1950s. Once the center of Marple Township’s African American community, it contains the graves of several Union Civil War veterans.
Hood Octagonal Schoolhouse
One-room octagonal schoolhouse built in 1842 by James Dunwoody. Now on the Dunwoody Village property.
Newtown Square Friends Meeting
A 1711 stone Quaker meetinghouse with a historic grave yard. Many early residents of both Marple and Newtown Townships were members of the meeting.
Newtown Square Railroad Museum
Located in a restored Pennsylvania Railroad freight station with a trolley, 1902 passenger car, 1907 box car, 1950 caboose, and small steam locomotive on display.
Old St. David’s Church and Cemetery
A 1715 stone church built by early Welsh settlers of Pennsylvania. Surrounded by a large cemetery containing the grave of Revolutionary War hero General Anthony Wayne.
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
Daughter church of St. David’s, current stone church building dedicated 1950. StARR Model Railroad exhibit and the St. Alban’s Thrift Shop will be open.
Stoney Lonesome
18th century homestead of the Moore family, it was expanded in 1848 and remained in the family for over 200 years.
A private residence, it will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
