HISTORIC COMMISSION

Meeting Dates: The Nockamixon Historic Commission meets the third Tuesday of the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November at 7:00 pm at the Township building. The public is welcome.

Formation: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Nockamixon 7-21-2010 by Ord. No. 141 and Nockamixon Township Resolution 3-18-2008. The Historic Commission is comprised of no fewer than 3 and not more than 7 volunteer members appointed by the Board of Supervisors for 3-year terms. Members must be residents of Nockamixon Township.

Purpose: The Historic Commission seeks to identify resources which may be of historical significance, and to recommend to the Board of Supervisors courses of action for preserving historic resources within the township. An inventory of these historically significant resources includes buildings, bridges, ruins, cemeteries, and burial grounds, as well as its rich historic heritage. The Historic Commission works with the Board of Supervisors, county, state, federal and the community to preserve historic resources within Nockamixon Township.

Members:

• John Carty, Chair
• Rosanne McCarty, Vice Chair
• Pam Johnson, Secretary
• Shirley Bonsall
• Terry Fritz
• Neil Jesiolowski
• Erin Range

Supervisor Liaison: David DiPalantino.

NOCKAMIXON HISTORIC MOMENTS: CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

To commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Nockamixon Historic Commission is celebrating Nockamixon' s historic legacy through a series called NOCKAMIXON HISTORIC MOMENT. Throughout 2026, the Commission will be sharing tidbits of Nockamixon rich history including notable residents, significant places, and remarkable events.

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Nockamixon Historic Commission is proud to present a special series titled NOCKAMIXON HISTORIC MOMENTS. This commemorative initiative aims to highlight and honor Nockamixon's rich and enduring legacy.

Over the course of the year, the Commission will be sharing a variety of fascinating insights into Nockamixon's past. These historical tidbits will feature notable residents, significant places, and remarkable events that have shaped the community. Through this series, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to learn more about the unique and storied history of Nockamixon.

NOCKAMIXON HISTORIC MOMENTS: HIRAM PURCELL

Throughout the 250 years of the United States, men and women of this Township have proudly served in the defense of this nation. In this service, they embodied the spirit of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, who in the signing of this founding document “pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.”  Among them, Hiram W. Purcell stands out as a Medal of Honor recipient. Born in 1837, Purcell was a Sergeant in Company G, 104th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War. During the Battle of Fair Oaks, Union troops were being overrun when the flag bearer was killed, risking the loss of their colors to the Confederates—a situation that could drastically affect morale. Sergeant Purcell braved enemy fire to rescue the flag and was awarded the Medal of Honor on May 13, 1918. 

In 1899, his actions were memorialized in a famous painting “The Rescue of the Colors” by William T. Trego. The renowned John Wannamaker paid the artist’s fee and gifted the painting to the Bucks County Historical Society. It is on display at the Mercer Museum in Doylestown.