Submitted by PA Humanities
PA Humanities has announced the second group of honorees selected through The Window Keeper: Civic Honors, an ongoing statewide initiative recognizing Pennsylvanians whose everyday actions help shape strong communities and sustain civic life through the power of the humanities.
The 30 new Window Keepers were nominated by people in their own communities and join the 25 inaugural honorees announced this spring.
Amongst the list of superlative honorees chosen from across the state was Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society’s President and Archivist Georgie Gould.
Gould has been the prime mover in bringing the Historical Society into the digital age while creating a user-friendly website that allows folks to interactively navigate a treasure trove of photos, stories, and unique informational displays from our community’s storied history at the click of a mouse.
RMWHS President and Archivist Georgie Gould was recognized for breathing life into our community’s past. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society)
She has recently added web page tie-ins to community events such as the 4th of July Parade and veterans-related observances containing superb photos, videos, and chock-full of savory tidbits of information.
Gould has overseen the creation of original videos featuring iconic local landmarks that are now available for viewing on YouTube.
The PA Humanities profile on Gould mentions that she “doesn’t just preserve the past, she uses it to help people see the creativity, resilience, and connection that have always defined their community and inspires residents to see themselves as part of something larger.”
The glowing summary of her work further states that Gould “preserves the stories of ordinary people who built the communities and documents their history to help residents understand how geography and community shape each other across generations.”
One example that exemplifies Gould’s fine work on the website is a journalistic illustration featuring the 1,304 steps that connect Roxborough and Manayunk.
While the initiative’s first 25 Window Keepers were selected by PA Humanities staff from the organization’s statewide network of partners, every member of this new group was nominated by someone in their community.
They are everyday Pennsylvanians recognized by their colleagues, neighbors, friends and others who have seen firsthand the difference they make in the places they call home.
Shawmont Station is the oldest surviving passenger train station in the country. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society)
This 1931 Spirit of Roxborough hot rod from the 4th of July Parade channels the Charles Lindbergh transatlantic flight. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society)
This 19th century vintage shot of the Wissahickon Baseball Club takes us back to 1898. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society)
These bathing beauties from the ‘Bathey’ at Kendrick RC sport 1950’s swim attire. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society)
This daring young woman and her trusted equine is from the Port Royal Riding Stables circa 1950. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society)
Show Caption
1 of 5
Shawmont Station is the oldest surviving passenger train station in the country. (Photo courtesy of Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society)
“What makes this group so special is that every Window Keeper was nominated by someone who has seen their impact up close,” PA Humanities executive director Laurie Zierer said.
“Their neighbors, colleagues and community members told us, ‘This is someone whose work matters, and more people should know about it.’ These nominations are a powerful reminder of how much people value those who dedicate their time, creativity and talents to strengthening their communities.”
The 30 new Window Keepers represent 21 counties across Pennsylvania and reflect the many ways people use the humanities to bring people together and create positive change.
Their work includes preserving African American and Indigenous histories, documenting and sharing local stories, revitalizing neighborhoods, creating opportunities to experience arts and culture, mentoring young people and building spaces where neighbors can gather, learn and better understand one another.
You can learn more about these Window Keepers on PA Humanities’ webpage.
Created in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, The Window Keeper: Civic Honors is inspired by Philadelphia Poet Laureate Yolanda Wisher’s poem “The Window Keeper,” in which the Declaration of Independence is imagined as a vast window that must be continually cleaned, clarified and cared for so it can both let in light and reflect the light of each new day.
Window Keepers take on that work in communities across Pennsylvania. They are neighbors, volunteers, artists, historians, educators, writers, organizers and community members who use storytelling, history, culture and other tools of the humanities to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding and help people feel more connected to the places they call home.