The Germantown Historical Society Information

WHY? Germantown has evolved from an 1840s crossroads village to an 1890s railroad town to a 21st Century Corridor City. Since 1974 Germantown has been growing by about 2,000 people a year. With this tremendous building boom Germantown has lost more than half of its historic structuresand along with them knowledge of the cultural and historical past of this important little railroad town. Many of the new residents have no idea that there was even a town here before the suburban growth. An understanding of the roots of this New Town can help to foster community identity and cohesion. Education about local history can also bring connection and relevance to state and national history for students and adults. WHAT WE DO The Germantown Historical Society presents two public programs on local history every year with guest speakers. Members receive a quarterly newsletter. We advocate for the preservation of historic resources in Germantown. A video on Germantown history is available for presentation to school or adult groups. Exhibits on local history, old maps, Walter Johnson, and genealogical research are displayed in our museum and at public events. Research is currently being conducted to preserve and protect historic sites in Germantown. An ongoing project of the Society is to collect oral histories, as well as copies of old photographs and family histories. It also archives old Gazette newspapers and historical papers of Germantown organizations. Monthly Flea Markets are sponsored by the Society to raise funds.