Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society (NCHGS)

Our Mission: We share the stories of Northampton County’s past to encourage personal reflection, community dialogue, and an understanding of history’s impact on our lives.

Our Vision: Through exploring local history, we will foster a more respectful, caring, and inclusive community.

Since 1906, Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society (NCHGS) has collected, preserved, and showcased American history made in Northampton County.

Operating expenses, supplies and equipment, development costs, including marketing, programs and events, and exhibitions are being funded in part with funding received through the County of Northampton’s Hotel Tax Program.

Additional details may be found in our current annual report.

Sigal Museum

The Sigal Museum is one of four museums and historic sites operated by Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society. It is Northampton County, Pennsylvania’s leading institution of local history, and home to significant collections of pre-European settlement artifacts, decorative arts, textiles, farming implements, colonial furniture, and much more. The museum offers interactive exhibitions, self-guided and docent-led tours, K-12 and Kids & Families programs, and community programs that focus on local and American history.

The Jane S. Moyer Library is housed in the Sigal Museum. The library provides a wealth of resources for students, scholars, authors, and genealogical researchers.

The Charles Chrin Gallery serves as a showcase for rotating special exhibitions that highlight collections of Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society and its partners.

Rentals

Host your event at the Sigal Museum or one of our historic sites. For more information, please contact us.

Careers

Please check our careers page for any open positions.

Resources for teachers

We can help history come alive for your students! Contact us to arrange a K-12 trip to the Sigal Museum, where your students can enjoy informative, hands-on activities – or bring the museum to your classroom with our Traveling Trunks program. Also visit our Educational Resources page for downloadable lesson plans and other resources created to align with the Pennsylvania State Standards for Social Studies.

Bring history home

After your visit, continue your exploration of our community’s history by bringing home a copy of “Still Changing, Still Home: Northampton County Since the 1950s.” This updated history of Northampton County is written by veteran journalist Glenn Kranzley and published by NCHGS with funding from the County of Northampton. Copies of the book are available for purchase in the Sigal Museum Store, and in our online shop.

NCHGS Locations

Sigal MuseumSigal Museum
The Society’s flagship facility and headquarters, with over 30,000 square feet of special exhibits, special events, lecture series, and rental space.
Bachmann Publick HouseBachmann Publick House
Easton’s oldest remaining building. It has a long and rich history, and contains the last remaining Northampton County colonial-era courtroom.
Jacob Nicholas HouseJacob Nicholas House
This property is named for its first resident who lived there from 1807 – 1832. Nicholas was a wood turner and later a Durham boat captain.
Mixsell Illick HouseMixsell Illick House
This Victorian era structure served as NCHGS headquarters for several decades. It is available for tours by appointment.
Kressler GardenKressler Garden
This special, pocket park in the middle of downtown Easton is an ideal location for a break to enjoy the mature plantings of hydrangeas, peonies, and much more.

Staff Directory

  • Megan van Ravenswaay

    Executive Director
  • Andrew Glovas

    Director of Operations
  • Jamie Ettinger

    Outreach & Event Coordinator
  • Sarah White

    Community Engagement Coordinator
  • Tim Betz

    Curator of Exhibitions
  • Beth Krumholz

    Education Program Coordinator
  • Monica Bugbee

    Curator of Collections
  • Willie “Ben” Kegler

    Maintenance
  • Todd Earich

    Custodian
  • Library & Genealogical Research

  • Volunteer & Internship Opportunities

Board of Trustees

  • Ellen Shaughnessy

    President
  • Charles Dickerson

    Vice President
  • Colleen Lavdar

    Secretary
  • HelenBeth Vilcek

    Treasurer
  • Karen Britt

  • Cornelius “Neil” Coddington

  • L. Anderson Daub

  • W. Beall Fowler

  • Stephen Jensen

  • Maria Kastrinakis

  • Al Kratzer

  • Maurice Luker

  • Alan B. McFall, Esq.

  • Gerald E. Seyfried

  • Andria Zaia

In Memory

 

The Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society warmly remembers:

 

Dr. Ned Heindel
Board of Trustees (1991 – 2023)