The Susquehanna County Historical Society was founded by W. C. Cruser, owner of the Montrose Democrat, who first suggested the desirability of such an association in the columns of his paper. The idea was endorsed by many persons on a county-wide basis, and a meeting was called to be held in the Court House on May 31, 1890. Among those attending was Miss Emily Blackman, County Historian, and author of “The History of Susquehanna County,” the county’s first historical narrative. The persons present were in favor of such an organization; the Society was formed, and officers were elected. The first president was W. L. Thatcher of Harford. Meetings were held on a yearly basis in the Montrose School, and the Society prospered. In 1901 plans were made to have a permanent home, and a fund raising drive was started for this purpose.

During the early 1900's the Cope family of Philadelphia and Dimock wished to form a free library association which would benefit all of Susquehanna County and prepared plans to erect a suitable building in Montrose. It was suggested that the Historical Society and the proposed free library organization merge into one association, and this was accomplished. The mission of the SCHS & FLA has since been to support the appreciation and preservation of local history, and to nourish the joy of reading, the discovery of ideas, and the power of information.

The Tyler property on the corner of Maple St. facing Monument Square was purchased, and the house was moved to the east portion of the lot to make room for the construction of the present library building. The building was dedicated and presented to the people of Susquehanna County on November 8, 1907 by Mr. Thomas P. Cope.

The annual reports of the Association revealed the steady growth of the organization's service to the County. In 1957 the addition to the original building was dedicated; branch libraries were opened in Forest City, Hallstead and Susquehanna.

As the Historical Society and Library continued to grow and increase their outreach, it became apparent that more space was required to do the community work of both effectively. In 2017, a new library building was completed in Montrose. The Historical Society was then able to do interior reorganization to make an effective research area and museum.

The Society’s home in the Montrose Historic district is comprised of two floors and a basement each with a footprint of about 3100 square feet. The basement is used primarily for collection storage. The first floor houses a public genealogical and historical research area, resource room, and storage and work areas. This area provides opportunities for researchers to explore their roots or those of the county. The museum accounts for the second floor area and is open free to the public for individual and group tours.

While there are several other small town historical societies in the county, the Susquehanna County Historical Society is by far the largest. The Society’s wide focus includes all of the county, connecting the pieces of its history under one roof. Since its founding in 1890, the Society has been dedicated to the preservation of the story of the county’s people. It’s collection of primarily donated items includes:

• prehistoric and Contact Period Native American artifacts

• maps generated from the time of the first colonial settlers

• journals, family histories, and diaries

• photographs

• books relating to the history of the county and neighboring  

counties, state and neighboring states, and the country

• quilts and other textiles

• military paraphernalia

• artwork

• agricultural equipment 

• newspapers that are in no other collection

• personal items and more

The Society received a grant from the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation to participate in a Collections Assessment  Program event in June 2023 in which its building and collection care were evaluated so that the Society might continue to provide quality care of the collection. The Society has also been the grateful recipient of grants from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Endless Mountain Heritage Region and private individuals.