There`s something reassuring about launching a new business in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Even though the city`s population is just over 38,000, the area is home to a number of successful, long-standing businesses like the Norristown Farm Market and the Norristown Historical Society.
The Norristown Historical Society in particular has been a beacon of cultural enrichment for generations of residents, and its museum is a testament to the town`s history and its residents` determination to preserve it. Founded in 1872, the Society`s exhibits include an extensive collection of period clothing, paintings, and photographs. Its visitors` center also features a café, a gift shop, and a gallery space.
But the Society isn`t just a repository of local history. Its website lists its many programs and events throughout the year, including a lecture series and an art show featuring works by local artists. There`s even an annual holiday tradition: the Society hosts a Christmas concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and its website includes details about the performance.
That`s right: The Norristown Historical Society puts on live music. And, as it turns out, so do a lot of other organizations in the area.
To find out more about how to launch a new business in Norristown, PA, I reached out to the Norristown Chamber of Commerce, which is located in the same building as the Norristown Historical Society.
The Chamber has been around since 1887, and its website includes information about the community and a list of local businesses. It also lists upcoming events, including the monthly. Norristown Artwalk, which takes place on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 9 p.m. The event draws hundreds of people from the surrounding area to see local artists display their work in storefronts and galleries along Main Street.
One of the Chamber`s most active members is the Norristown Civic Arts Center, which hosts a variety of classes and performances, including dance lessons and art classes for children. The center also houses a small art gallery where patrons can purchase local artwork.
Another local organization, the Norristown Community Theatre, has been staging plays and musicals since 1960. The group typically produces two shows a year, with the occasional production during the summer and winter holidays. The theatre`s website includes a calendar of upcoming events, and it lists performers who have performed there.
Like the Norristown Historical Society, the theatre puts on a Christmas concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and its website includes details about the performance. In addition to the orchestra, the cast also includes guest performers like violinist Joshua Bell.
The Norristown Community Theatre also offers children and teens a chance to participate in the theater`s Young Artists Program. The program invites local elementary students to learn about stage craft, acting, and movement while working on their own productions.
Of course, there are plenty of other opportunities for young performers in the area, too. The Philadelphia Youth Orchestras, for instance, has a program called Young Artists, which lets kids ages 7 to 12 explore different areas of music.
A number of local high schools offer arts courses as well. The Community School of the Arts, for example, teaches drama, dance, visual art, and musical theater. The school also hosts an annual theater showcase.
And the Norristown High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, which opened in 2016, also offers students the opportunity to pursue a career in the arts. The school`s website lists student artworks, which can be viewed in the school`s art gallery.