Friends of the Bucks County Historical Society
The Friends of the Bucks County Historical Society (BCHS) is a group of community members with a shared interest in history, culture, and the arts. Formerly known as the Women’s Committee, the group was founded on May 11, 1967, as a volunteer auxiliary group with a commitment and dedication to support the mission of the Mercer Museum and Library & Fonthill Castle. The group officially changed its name to the Friends of the Bucks County Historical Society to better reflect its growing membership.
The Friends of BCHS provide educational programs four times a year at no charge to the public. Presentations have focused on topics of local and national interest, as well as many visits from first-person interpreters. Beyond programs, the Friends of BCHS have sponsored a variety of fundraising events over the years, including bus trips, masquerade balls, card parties, tavern nights, musical performances and more.
For additional information or to join the Friends of the BCHS, call Gloria Pugliese, Vice President of Development, at (215) 345-0210 ext. 129.
2022 Upcoming Programs
Friends of BCHS Quarterly Meeting
The History of the 20th Century Through Hats
Monday, March 21, 2022
Two sessions:
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Elkins Gallery – Mercer Museum (84 S. Pine St. Doylestown, PA)
Free – Advanced Registration Required (All donations support future programs)
Lynne Anne Donchez will explore the 20th century through the changing styles of hats. Ms. Donchez’s collection of approximately 175 hats and 50 hat boxes, tell the story beginning in the 1920s Jazz Age to a decline in the popularity of wearing hats after the 1960s. Ms. Donchez, a native of Doylestown, is well known for her sense of fashion and as a particular connoisseur of hats. She is a longtime supporter of the Mercer Museum, Town & Country Players, and many other community organizations.
Seating is limited per session and pre-registration is required.
Tickets will be available soon.
Previous Programs:
Friends of BCHS Quarterly Meeting – March 15, 2021
Virtual Lecture: The Private Henry Mercer
This multimedia presentation by BCHS Vice President of Collections and Interpretation Cory Amsler touches on some of the lesser-known aspects of Henry Mercer’s daily life at Fonthill Castle – his intimate and personal relationships, his interactions with household staff, his political and social positions, and his private concerns and passions.
