Mission

The New Hope Historical Society was organized in 1958.
Our mission is to "inspire people to explore New Hope's past, understand its present, and envision a better future." In 1966 the Society located to the historic Parry Mansion, built and owned and built by Benjamin Parry (the "Father of New Hope") and later his descendants ​until the 1960's.

From the original settlers, the Lenni-Lenape Indians, to the Dutch and English followed by the Quakers to today’s varied population; New Hope maintains its historic status as a place where diversity is celebrated. We take great pride in New Hope’s (then, Coryell’s Ferry) role in the American Revolution and our three hundred years of history from the early ferry boats, mills and canal boats to world-class artists, actors and writers and to the magnificent variety of galleries, shops and restaurants today.

The New Hope Historical Society’s office is located in the elegant eighteenth century Georgian-style Parry Mansion at 45 South Main Street in the heart of New Hope’s historic district. It was the home of the “father of New Hope”, Benjamin Parry, and five generations of the Parry family. The New Hope Historical Society purchased this beautiful structure from Margaret Parry Lang in 1966 and, arguably, saved it from the wrecking ball. It is located across the street from the Parry Barn, which our founding members had saved from demolition in 1958.

Our members and supporters enable us to preserve and maintain these historic buildings for present and future generations. In 2007 we replaced the roofs of the Parry Mansion, the ice house and the Parry Barn. Now we turn our attention to the interior of these buildings for further development and preservation.

In 2008, the New Hope Historical Society celebrated its 50th anniversary. We look back over the past fifty years with pride and a sense of real accomplishment; and we look forward to a future in which much has to be done to enhance the legacy of those who have contributed so much to keep the sense of New Hope’s history vibrant and alive. Please join us as we prepare for our next fifty years of promoting the achievements of the past and growing the awareness of our rich history for the future.
 

The Society's holdings include photographs, letters, family papers, minute books, organizational records, oral history recordings, and other  documents relating to the people, properties, businesses, and organizations ​of  New Hope. Prominent local families the Parrys and Coryells are well-represented in the collection.