The Lower Merion Conservancy Presents
The Lower Susquehanna River Valley
An illustrated talk and travelogue by Bob Thomas
With lessons for our Schuylkill River Communities
Those from Central Pennsylvania are often unaware of the historic, natural, and cultural riches of the Susquehanna River Valley. We’ll explore the exciting lower Susquehanna with its charming river towns, towering cliffs,3extraordinary views, and even the last wooden double stern-wheel ferry to be operating in the United States. We’ll learn of beautiful waterfronts reopened that are an example for Lower Merion and of the communities separated from their rivers by highways and railroads.
Our speaker, Bob Thomas, is a founding partner of Campbell Thomas & Co., preservation and environmental architects. Bob has served over 20 years on the Philadelphia Historical Commission, including 8 years as chair. As a life-long hiker and bicyclist, he has explored the backroads, trails, forests, and historic towns and villages in Pennsylvania for over 50 years. Be prepared for fascinating architecture, interesting history, lessons on waterfronts, and some enjoyable tales as well.
DATE: Thursday, September 24th, 2026
TIME: 7:00pm – 8:00pm / Q&A until 8:30pm –
VIRTUAL LINK: will be provided after registration and prior to the event
COST: $10. Additional contributions to the host, Lower Merion Conservancy, will be much appreciated.
REGISTRATION: Please register at https://lmconservancy.org/events/
A COMPANION DRIVING AND WALKING TOUR
OF THE LOWER SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY
Sponsored by Campbell Thomas & Co. Architects
Join us for an all-day fall motoring tour on quiet back roads, both rolling and very hilly, to some of the most historic and beautiful parts of this region with stops to see several river towns, historic sites and the Annual Native American Fall Festival at the Indian Steps Museum at a remote stretch of the Susquehanna River
Date: Saturday, September 26th, 2026
(Raindate will be in the Spring of 2027).
Tour Limit: This tour will be limited to 15 participants. We will form carpools at the meeting point and share driving expenses.
Ride Length: 35 miles, slower pace with a number of stops for viewing and photography.
Roads and Paths: Hard surface roads, low traffic volumes. We will take optional walks at several sites.
Registration and Information: Contact Bob Thomas at robertthomas96943@gmail.com
and put “Lower Susquehanna River Tour” in the subject line
Meeting Place, Time, Food and Other Details: will be provided with your registration.
Cost: No charge, but each participant is responsible for their travel, meals and other costs.
