The Harriton Association
The Harriton Association is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1963 by a group of local residents in order to acquire and protect the 1704 Harriton House and surrounding acreage from encroaching development.
Focused on celebrating Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental and Confederation Congresses, the Association’s original mission was to restore the house where he lived, an early colonial estate in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania. The restored historic house museum opened to the public in time for the US Bicentennial celebration in July of 1976. The Harriton Association continues under an agreement with Lower Merion Township to assure the preservation of Harriton House, expanding its public programs to encompass the whole history of the property from the 17th century to the present, including social, economic, and environmental issues and the people involved.
The Harriton Association Statement of Mission promises:
1: To preserve and maintain the historic 1704 Harriton House as a unique heritage of our local and national communities for the instruction and pleasure of our citizens.
2: To encourage voluntary memberships, contributions, and active participation in the non-profit Harriton Association.
3: To sponsor educational and cultural programs for school children, college students, and adults, in order to strengthen and sustain their understanding of American history since colonial times and the part played in that history by Harriton House and its most famous occupant, Charles Thomson, only Secretary to the Continental and Confederation Congresses.
The Harriton Association Board, 2025-26
Brian Benjet
William Chandlee
Cliffe Cheston (emeritus)
Robert Collins
Jonathan Cresswell
Richard Davis
Maggie Harper Epstein (ex officio)
Elizabeth Evert
Jane Hastings
Adrienne Havens
Bruce Kirkpatrick
Jennifer Kirkpatrick (emerita**)
Barry Levin
Ida Malloy
Hannah McAuley
Lidia Mozdzer
Tom Mozdzer
Laura Carpenter Myers (ex officio*)
Eric Pumroy
Michael Rhoads
Joan Roberts (emerita)
Dana Stewardson
Sanna Steigerwalt (emerita)
Elizabeth Vandiver
Trina Vaux
Nancy Walker (emerita)
Helen Weary (emerita**)
*Executive Director **Active Emerita
Staff
Laura Carpenter Myers, Executive Director
Laura.Carpenter.Myers@harritonhouse.org
Kris Werez, Administrative Assistant
Kris.Werez@harritonhouse.org
Steven Pierce, Visitor Services Associate/Educator
Stephen.Pierce@haritonhouse.org
