Fulton House and the Derry Area Historical Society

The Derry Area Historical Society (DAHS) was founded in April 1995 during a gathering of historically-minded members of the Derry community, who were trying to raise funds for the school district's one-room schoolhouse. The area previously had no group specifically dedicated to preserving its history, and DAHS began by creating a map of the area's historic sites, including schools, forts, cemeteries, and homes. Since then, DAHS has been instrumental in preserving local history, saving historic structures, leading educational programs, and collecting research and genealogical materials.

DAHS maintains the Fulton House in New Derry. It was built by Robert Fulton in 1817, just two years after plans for New Derry were laid out. Robert Fulton sold the the property to James Fulton, Jr., in April 1821, who operated it as an inn for animal drovers for about 20 years. As an inn, the Fulton House was an important stop for travelers and early railroad workers along the Northern Pike, which connected Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. The Fulton House converted to a private residence in 1855, and was passed through the hands of many families. In the twentieth century, the house was covered with wood siding and InsulBrick, masking its historic nature.

In 1997, DAHS acquired the Fulton House after many years of vacancy. The log structure was restored and dedicated in May 1999. DAHS has since built a new barn on original its stone foundation and a Blacksmith shop that offers demonstrations. Events throughout the year include festivals, community sing-a-longs, dinners, and memorial events.

DAHS maintains the Family and Community History Center, housed at the New Alexandria Public Library since 2009. This collection of genealogical material has been used by researchers across the country to trace their family histories. Resources include tax records, patent maps, family files, local histories, and a nearly complete collection of Derry Area school yearbooks.

DAHS is involved with a number of local history projects. Their members organized the 200th anniversary celebration of New Derry in 2015. They coordinate the Historic Sites Plaque Program, began in 2000 to recognize best preserved or restored houses, churches, and other sites. Eligible structures must be at least a century old, located on their original sites, and be at least 85% intact. Their Adopt a Revolutionary War Hero program is working on replacing decayed, illegible grave markers at the Old Salem Community Church Cemetery, where thirty Revolutionary War veterans are laid to rest.

For restoring the Fulton House and preserving Derry area history, DAHS received the Arthur St. Clair Historic Preservation Award from the Westmoreland Historical Society in 2002.

Welcome, Derry Area Historical Society. Accessed April 1st 2020. https://www.derryhistory.org/index.html.

Derry Area Historical Society. "Derry Area Historical Society - 20th Anniversary." Fulton House News, Derry Borough. April 1st 2015. Accessed April 1st 2020. http://derryborough.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Fulton-House-News-Spring-2015-Derry-Historical-Society.pdf.

Derry Area Historical Society. About, Derry Area Historical Society Facebook. Accessed April 1st 2020. https://www.facebook.com/pg/dahsfultonhouse/about/?ref=page_internal.

Smykla, Margaret. Village of 'New' Derry has big plans to celebrate 'old' neighborhood, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. June 5th 2015. Accessed April 1st 2020. https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2015/06/05/Village-of-New-Derry-has-big-plans-to-celebrate-old-neighborhood/stories/201505290022.

Derry Area Historical Society, Guidestar. Accessed April 1st 2020. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/25-1790484.