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Friends of BCHS

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 Eileen Shapiro, Development Coordinator, at (215) 345-0210 ext. 132.

2021 Programs

Friends of the BCHS – Alice Paul: The Quaker Fights for Equality


Monday, May 17, 2021
Time slots at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Free Program

Join the Friends of the Bucks County Historical Society for a lively presentation as Patricia Troilo tells the story of Quaker Alice Paul, one of the leading American suffragettes of the 20th century.
 
This program is free and advanced registration is required due to capacity limitations.
 
 
 
This program will be held in the Fonthill Castle outdoor tent, rain or shine. Tickets are free, but advanced registration is required due to capacity limitations.

Friends of the BCHS – 5th Annual Kite Day

Sunday, May 2, 2021- *SOLD OUT*
Time Slots starting at 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
$10 Private Group (up to 5 people – includes 1 kite)
$15 Private Group (up to 5 people – includes 2 kites)
$20 Private Group (up to 5 people – includes 3 kites)

Join the Friends of the Bucks County Historical Society at Fonthill Castle for this spectacular spring event! Learn to build and fly a kite with Clifford “The Kiteman” Quinn. Kites are available for purchase with registration. Capacity per time slot is limited in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

 
Each ticket reserves space for one private group with a maximum of 5 people per group. This registration includes an hour-long session to decorate and build your kite(s) in the Fonthill Castle tent and time on your own to fly kites on the grounds at Fonthill Castle. Cleaning will occur between each session and all guests are required to wear a mask or face covering when inside the tent. This event will be held rain or shine, so please dress appropriately.
 

Previous Programs:

Friends of BCHS Quarterly Meeting
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.

Click here to view this program on YouTube. 

Check back for more programs.

Friends of BCHS Bylaws

At their March 2021 board meeting, the Executive Board of the Friends of the Bucks County Historical Society voted to recommend revisions to the group’s bylaws. Members of the Friends of BCHS may review the bylaws prior to a vote to approve them at the May Quarterly Meeting.
 
Admission Fees for Mercer Museum Admission Fees for Fonthill Castle

ROLLO'S FACTS

There are 44 rooms in Fonthill including 10 bathrooms, 5 bedrooms and 18 fireplaces.
Rollo's Fact 3
WHO'S ROLLO?

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Please note that Fonthill Castle will close early for a private event on Saturday, May 15, 2021. The last tour will take place at 3:00 p.m.
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