About Us

Thornbury Township is located 15 miles west of downtown Philadelphia and sits among one of the most historic regions in the country.  William Penn's vision of a new society in the wilds of North America; one of the most pivotal battles of the American Revolution, Brandywine, fought only five miles away; innovations in early industry and technology, all happened here.   

Thornbury Historical Society, founded in 1976 during the nation's bicentennial, has acted as a focal point for community activities and projects.  Working in cooperation with the township's historical planning commission the preservation of the township's valuable historic resources has been the driving force of the society for its nearly fifty years.  Elected officials and committee members of the township have been valuable partners in many projects over the decades: restoration of the Glen Mills train station, creation of Bonner Park, stabilization of the Fraser ruins, the history trail at Thornbury Park.

In addition to these ongoing projects, the society hosts program meetings which feature topics such as colonial cooking, antique appraisal, geneology and local history. 

The Thornbury Field School has conducted public archaeological excavations at various sites in the township and guided walks through Bonner Park.