About the Kent Historical Society

In 1971, a group of civic-minded individuals, concerned about preserving the rich historical heritage of Kent incorporated as the Kent Historical Society. The original incorporators were Sam Apicello, William B. Birkner, John H. Carson, Titus Jackman, Leland C. Keller, James P. Myers, Reed B. Strimple, and Loris Troyer. The young society would soon face its first major crisis: the threat of destruction to the landmark 1875 Kent Railway Station. The Kent Railway Station was actively used for almost one hundred years and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of only two surviving examples of Tuscan Revival depots. In 1975, the society bought the station and began a renovation of the building which cost over a half a million dollars.

The Society's offices and museum are on the second floor of the station, the ground floor being occupied by the Pufferbelly, Ltd. In addition to its strong tradition of displaying artifacts in the Rowe Museum, the Society maintains the Kent Historical Resource Center for those researching local and family history.

The following individuals have served on the Kent Historical Society's Board of Trustees:

Sam Apicello, William B. Birkner, John R. Carson, Titus Jackman, Leland C. Keller, James P. Myers, Reed B. Strimple, Loris Troyer, John J. Flynn, Jr., Sandra Halem, Howard Boyle, Ted Sapp, Hinda Golding, Peter Opperman, M.L. Davey, Jr., Joyce Wiland, Janet Hoover, Robert Beck, Terry Huffman, William Wilen, Leah Bradstock, Dianne Lassan, Harris Dante, Norm Sandvoss, Sue Nelson, Laura Cheges, John Wunderle, Ralph Darrow, Dawn Carpenter, John Weiser, Jack Amrhein and Margaret Garmon. William Birkner served for many years as the society's curator.

The following individuals have served as Director: Mary Cox, Libby Williams, Stephen Paschen, Jeffrey Schmitt, James Caccamo, and Guy Pernetti.