About Us
A history worth keeping — and the people who keep it.
Since 1996, the Dauphin-Middle Paxton Historical Society has worked to make sure the story of this borough and township is never lost to time. We’re an all-volunteer society, run entirely by neighbors who believe where we come from is worth remembering.
Purpose
We collect, preserve, utilize, publish, and interpret the history of Dauphin Borough and Middle Paxton Township for the benefit of the public — and we offer programs and services that bring that history to life.
Vision
A community that knows its own story. From the canal and rail era to the families who built these valleys, we work to keep that history accessible to everyone who lives here now and everyone who comes next.
Commitment
We do this work as volunteers, supported by our members and neighbors. Every program, every preserved document, and every gathering is powered by volunteers who care about this place. That’s been true for thirty years now.
The ground we cover
Our work spans Dauphin Borough and the communities of Middle Paxton Township, reaching across the three valleys of Clarks, Stoney, and Fishing Creek. To the north and east lies the southernmost tip of Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region. This was canal country and railroad country — the Dauphin & Susquehanna Coal Company once owned much of the land here, and the Pennsylvania Canal and the rail lines along the Susquehanna shaped the towns we know today. We collect and preserve all of it: the people, the industry, the everyday life of this corner of Pennsylvania.
What we lost, and what we didn’t.
In October 2021, a fire destroyed the Old Dauphin School House — our home and our museum — along with much of the collection we’d spent decades gathering. Binders of irreplaceable research, photographs, and artifacts were lost. But thanks to the tireless work of our volunteers, a great deal was saved and restored, and the work of rebuilding began almost immediately. We don’t have a permanent home yet, but we are working toward one. In the meantime, our history lives on — in storage, in our programs, and online for anyone who wants to explore it.
Introducing Our New Logo.
Anchored by the historic pavilion in the square, our new logo weaves together the timeless silhouette of the old schoolhouse and the iconic Statue of Liberty to honor our shared past. These three cherished landmarks serve as a daily reminder of the stories and heritage that keep our local history alive.
Run by neighbors, for neighbors
There’s no paid staff here. Our museum managers, librarians, newsletter editor, and board members are all volunteers who give their time because this history means something to them. Our researchers have spent countless hours rebuilding what the fire took. Our newsletter editor digs up the strange and wonderful corners of local history. Our committees plan the events that bring the community together year after year. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of keeping this place’s story alive, there’s a seat at the table for you.