Our History

In 1978,the building known as Craven Hall was saved from the wrecking ball by Ella Rhoads, a retired Social Studies teacher and a group of concerned citizens. This group formed The Citizens for the Preservation of Craven Hall, Inc. (a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation) after obtaining a lease on the property from the then owners – The  Centennial School System. In 1993, The property was deeded to the Society by Schaefer Builders of Southampton, PA and the name changed to the Craven Hall Historical Society, Inc.  

Our Mission

To restore and preserve Craven Hall as a grand example of the Federal/Greek Revival style of architecture. To establish an educational facility that portrays late 18th and 19th Century farm life in Bucks County.   To promote the important historical events in the surrounding area via museum displays, programs and events:

1. The invention of the world’s first commercial steamboat by John Fitch in 1790.

2. The Battle of Crooked Billet – the only Revolutionary War battle in Bucks County

3. The Log College – precursor of some 63 colleges and universities across the United States including Princeton University.

4. The training ground for America’s first astronauts – Johnsville Naval Base.    

We are a proud partner of the Johnsville Centrifuge & Science Museum based out of Warminster. You will soon be able to view an NADC (Naval Air Development Center) exhibit at the John Fitch Steamboat Museum.