Doylestown Man Honored For 50 Years With Historical Society

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Doylestown is celebrating a Bucks County Historical Society staff member who this month marks a half-century of service with the organization.

Terry McNealy, a Doylestown native, began his career with the Society in 1970 working with Cora Decker, who was the librarian at the time. He simultaneously completed his library degree at Drexel University, and succeeded Decker as the Society’s Librarian shortly thereafter.

And although McNealy retired in 1993 to pursue writing projects, he continued to work part-time at the Society until 2007.

"Even then, McNealy never fully left the Society’s employment as he was called upon time and time again for special projects. Until recently, McNealy even served as one of the Society’s Library Assistants where he helped researchers navigate the library collections," the organization said.

Over the course of his 50 years with the Bucks County Historical Society, McNealy has contributed "significantly," the organization said.

His accomplishments include writing the Library’s first collections policy, implementing improved collections management and conservation practices, launching the original Bucks County Genealogical Society, negotiating long-term deposits of County records and materials from the Early American Industries Association, serving as editor of the Historical Society’s publications, and authoring the major work, "Bucks County: An Illustrated History, published in 2001."

“The Society is grateful for all that Terry has accomplished and contributed over his long
career,” said Bucks County Historical Society’s Vice Present of Collections &
Interpretation Cory Amsler. “As the pre-eminent expert on Bucks County history, Terry will continue to be sought out for projects that require his considerable knowledge, perspective, and wisdom.”

The Borough of Doylestown and Mayor Ron Strouse issued a proclamation on May 10 honoring McNealy for his accomplished career.