Mission and History

MISSION

The Merion Civic Association was established in 1913 to promote the safety, prosperity and well-being of the residents of Merion. We invite you to join our efforts through membership and volunteering for any of the many activities sponsored by the Association.

Merion Civic Association meets at 7:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except December, July, and August) at the Merion Tribute House. Community members are always welcome to attend.

Merion Civic Association realizes its mission through the following efforts:

  • Monitoring development, plans for development, and renovations within Merion’s boundaries and the surrounding area to assess any impact on Merion residents.

  • Serving as a liaison to Lower Merion Township and other neighboring organizations to keep residents apprised of issues affecting Merion residents.

  • Offering educational and cultural activities to enrich and inform the residents of Merion.

  • Monitoring the condition of street lights, trees, and road conditions and reporting problems to the township

What does Merion Civic Association do for you?

  • The Association works closely with the Lower Merion School Board, Lower Merion Township, Federation of Civic Associations, Narberth Fire Department, Lower Merion Community Watch, St. Joseph’s University Planning and Development Committee, Friends of the Barnes Foundation and other local organizations to assure that Merion residents are informed and have a voice on issues impacting Merion residents such as development, zoning, transportation and traffic concerns.

  • The Association holds their Annual Meeting each October which includes the Association President's report of the annual accomplishments. Additionally, the Merion Civic Association emails a newsletter to all Association members to keep the residents informed on important community issues and events.

  • The Association sponsors Spring and Fall Clean Up Days to beautify the railroad and post office grounds including maintaining the window boxes and plantings surrounding the area.

  • The Association sponsors various events throughout the year including:

    • Neighbor to Neighbor where notable Merion residents share their expertise and experiences with the community;

    • Historical Walking Tours provided by local historians providing a glimpse of the rich and fascinating history of the area;

    • Flag Day Concert on the Lawn on the Merion Tribute House lawn featuring award winning Lower Merion Jazz Band and other talented local musicians and bands;

HISTORY 

The Merion Civic Association was founded by Edward Bok in 1913.

The Lower Merion Historical Society contains many useful links to our history.

Merion Time Line Year and Event

1695 Merion Meeting House built

1871 St. Charles Borromeo Seminary moved to Wynnewood.

1884 Mater Misericordiae Academy (Merion Mercy) opened

1913 Merion Civic Association founded.

1914 Merion train station construction started Merion (SEPTA station)

1917 Merion Station Post Office and Train Station opened

1917 Merion Red Cross House opened

1920 League of Women Voters organized.

1921 Episcopal Academy moved to Merion.

1922 Barnes Foundation established.

1924 Merion Tribute House built

1925 Merion Elementary School

1927 Saint Joseph's University moved to 54th and City Avenue

1944 Merion Botanical Park created Montgomery County: The Second Hundred Years

1947 Saint Joseph's University acquired land in Merion

1953 Adath Israel built

1956 Akiba Hebrew Academy moved to Merion.

1968 Mater Misericordiae Academy renamed Merion Mercy Academy and Waldron Mercy Academy

1991 Senator John Heinz killed in plane crash at Merion Elementary School. Two first grade students were also killed.

2008 Jack M Barrack Hebrew Academy (was Akiba) moved to Radnor, PA.

2008 Episcopal Academy (EA) moved to Newtown Square, PA. EA site bought by Saint Joseph's University for Maguire Campus.

2010 Kohelet Yeshiva High School starts classes (former Akiba site).

2011 Merion Station Post Office back-office operations moved to Bala Cynwyd Post Office

2011 Barnes Foundation closes Merion Galleries on July 1