Lawrence Park Historical Society: the Township’s attic and parlor

Lawrence Park is an “industrial village” developed by General Electric, beginning in 1911. It was designed by acclaimed planner John Nolen, whose plan was built out from 1916 to 1965. In 2018, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Society maintains a collection of local artifacts, house histories, photographs, blueprints, memoirs, school yearbooks, and scrapbooks from the community.

1. Lawrence Park has a diverse history of housing and we maintain and continue to build a database of histories of all the homes, their owners, historical and architectural significance as well as events. We archive land maps, building plans, some deeds and data on building permits. The Historic District is particularly interesting.
2. Businesses & Activities: LPHS maintains archives and artifacts related to businesses, organizations and activities from 1911 forward.  We are keepers of the Township’s heritage through oral histories, videos, photos an memorabilia through which memories of our family can come alive for you.
3. Lawrence Park has a long and honorable history of military service in all branches.  Township men and women have served our country in all wars since WWI.  We are honored to be home to people who served in Civil War and the Spanish American War as well.  We have deep respect for our veterans.
4. Lawrence Park has wide religious diversity which is evidenced by the variety of religious structures in our town.  The beauty and unique architecture of these buildings, some of which date back to the early 1900’s is a pleasure.
5. Sports and athletics have always been important in Lawrence Park. We have an extensive collection of trophies, uniforms, histories and artifacts providing a link to the past and evoking memories for anyone who attended school in the Township at any time in its history.
6. As family is a core value in Lawrence Park, the Historical Society maintains collections of written and oral histories of Lawrence Park families; home movies, videos, tape recordings and memorabilia which are available for new generations to view and learn from.
7. General Electric and Lawrence Park: learn the relationship and roles the company and the township in making life in our community and how that played out in WWII.  We have collection of GE company newsletters and memorabilia from 1910 to present.
8. Education has always evolved in Lawrence park.  In the beginning, we were part of Millcreek school district and students went elsewhere but when we became a township, we made own school district and built our very own school.  As we grew, we made more schools.   Stop in and learn how that grew and came to be!  Alumni groups here are very strong and our experts are always nearby.  And we have all the yearbooks, 1928 to today as well!
9. We are the Township’s attic!  The Historical Society is the steward of Lawrence Park’s heritage. We have collections of newsletters, newspapers, photos, research, building plans, maps, club and group logos and more.  We preserve historical material of all kinds. We are always researching and working on histories and displays regarding our revered police and fire departments that we are so proud of.  And stay tuned-in!  As of this writing in 2025, we are planning our Centennial celebration for 2026!

• Learn about your house history
• Learn about our historic district designation
• Free coffee, tea and snacks on designated days
• Join and/or volunteer
• Ask for help or guidance in your research
• Attend our special events (announced on our Facebook page)
• Visit our gift area for a Lawrence Park themed gift!

• Easy to get to
• Free parking
• Free admission
• Guided Tours by friendly volunteers
• Lawrence Park related gifts
• Mobility friendly
• Available by appointment for special group tours