Still photo presentation on the history of the SHS and the acquisition of the Luther Store
While the Luther Store is closed for maintenance and repairs, the SHS is presenting this small
tour of some interesting artifacts inside the store.
Please click here to view the tour.
(updated 9-27-22)
Tours
The Luther Store is currently closed for renovations
Research
By appointment only
Anyone wishing to do research (e.g. viewing family files or something in the Swansea Historical Society's collections) please contact Carl Becker at 508-379-0972 or Cheryl Bogle at 508-496-9564 to schedule an appointment.
Be sure to select
Swansea Historical Society!
Visitor number:
The Swansea Historical Society is a non profit organization dedicated to preserving, collecting and researching historical information and items. The society also takes pride in creating ways to help future generations understand their heritage and the history of Swansea.
Founded January 23rd, 1941 the Swansea Historical Society celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2021!
The Swansea Historical Society would like to thank Dave Thompson from Go Mini's Portable Storage for helping us put
a storage unit on the grounds of the Luther Store while we address some structural issues with the second floor.
After the first floor ceiling was taken down, structural issues were exposed. The second floor window on the east face of the
building has been leaking for quite some time, causing damage to the framing beneath the window moving down to the second floor
sill, joists and framing. Our contractor has taken care of the second floor framing but we now need to address the window framing
and any other damage in that area.
For many years, the SHS has been calling a small room on the second floor of the Luther Store "the library." This room was JG Luther's office.
Too many heavy objects had been stored in that area which caused the support beams to severely deflect. To add support, two permanent columns have been placed in the back room of the first floor where those deflected beams are located.
We have other structural issues to address as well as the replacement of rotted joists. Most at the windows, chimney and fireplaces need to be rebuilt as well as several other issues. These will be taken care of as we can afford to. All structural and environmental issues will be taken care of before we open the store to the public.
When the store is ready to be reopened, the second floor is going to be used for storage only. No public access to the 2nd floor will be allowed. We are not 100% sure how things will be laid out in the Store. We are thinking of recreating an 1800s General Store on the main floor as soon as you walk in. To the left on the main level is the addition area that will be for exhibits. The back room will store our historical documents and research materials.
The Swansea Historical Society has a collection of local family files compiled by Helen Pierce.
Please check our Resources page for a list of available names to aide
in your research.
Please check out the items available in our SHS store. They make great
holiday gifts!
Please contact Cheryl Bogle (508-496-9564) or
Sandy Clark to purchase a Swansea Historical Society Family Recipe Cookbook
or fill out and order form (see link on the right) and mail to the SHS with your payment.
Swansea Luther Store from Swansea Community Network on Vimeo.
"For centuries, Swansea residents have patronized and loved the J.G. Luther Store on Old Warren Road. Time takes its toll on buildings like this, but the Swansea Historical Society has been able to keep up - until COVID hit. Now, they're scrambling to try and fix massive structural and pest problems in hopes of saving this beloved historical landmark. Cheryl Bogle from the Swansea Historical Society has details on what happened, and how you can help them get the store back to good."
NOTE: The SHS interview is the second half of the podcast."
Jon Waterman
July 19th, 2025
Swansea Community Center
more info
Ruth-Ann Liggett
August 9th, 2025
Swansea Community Center
more info
September 2025
September 2025
Pumpkin & Apple Pie Baking Contest
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
October 2025
October 26th, 2025
November 2025
On sale now!
Cookbook Info
Cookbooks can also be purchased at Riverside Art (1600 G.A.R. Hwy, Somerset) or the Swansea Public Library