Most historical societies are the indirect result of an event that occurs. This may originate from a positive action such as an anniversary or a centennial celebration, while other times it may be caused by a negative reaction. Our Society was created on the latter course. Namely, the razing of Zion Union (Lutheran and German Reformed) Church in Womelsdorf, erected in 1792. This was the initial act that caused some people to become aware of the necessity for having an organization to protect our old landmarks and the preservation of our heritage. There were additional motives for its origin, but in all frankness this was the foremost reason.

Our early meetings were held in the churches. Later they were transferred to the Womelsdorf Borough Hall. Eventually, they ended up in the Womelsdorf Elementary School.

During the year 1980, largely through the efforts of our State Representative, John S. Davies, the Legislature approved funds for the renovating of an unused limestone maintenance building in Conrad Weiser Park, Womelsdorf, for the establishing of a genealogical library. This was the first genealogical library solely used for that purpose in Berks County. Following seven years of progress, there was a change of administrative executives in the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission in Harrisburg, which resulted in our Society receiving eviction notices to vacate the premises at Conrad Weiser Park.

Faced with this sudden dilemma, our society rose to meet the challenge and in 1987 constructed a beautiful new building in which to house our library and museum. In 2001 a large addition was added on the west side of the building to contain our ever growing collections with the financial support of the membership and generous support of William (Bill) Hackman. The building now includes the Stephen Brecht Library on the first floor and the Livingood Museum and Batdorf Meeting Room with seating up to 90 persons on the second floor. Both floors are accessible from an elevator located just inside our ground floor entrance at the rear of the building.

Tulpehocken is an Indian name meaning ‘land of turtles’ and the name of the creek that supplies the territory with the elixir of life. The land area encompasses 206,000 acres, roughly 322 square miles. The following towns, villages and hamlets are located within its boundaries: Bernville, Bethel, Brownsville, Centerport, Frystown, Host, Meckville, Millbach, Mt Aetna, Mt. Pleasant, Myerstown, Newmanstown, New Schaefferstown, Rehrersburg, Richland, Robesonia, Schubert, Shartlesville, Sheridan, Stouchsburg, Strausstown, Wernersville, Wintersville, and Womelsdorf. What makes the Tulpehocken Valley so unique is that ninety-five percent of its original inhabitants were of German origin.

Quarterly meetings are well attended with appropriate programs promoting Pennsylvania-German culture in our area.

Our Society publishes a quarterly newsletter, “The Tulpehocken Tattler” and an annual booklet, “Die Shilgrut Fun Der Tulpehock”. Translation: “The Turtle From The Tulpehocken”.

Currently we average approximately 380 members residing in many States of our nation. We are a non-profit organization which relies on membership dues and donations to continue its mission.

If you have ancestors who were from the Tulpehocken, YOU BELONG in our Society. IT IS THE BEST HISTORICAL BUY TO BE FOUND.

As a non-profit organization solely staffed by volunteers, we rely on membership dues and outside donations to continue our services.

All donations are processed via

PayPal’s secure server.