The Lenni Lenape called this place gueno-sheiki-hacki-ing, meaning "beautiful or peaceful valley." Incorporated in 1850, Conshohocken's colorful history had its beginnings as Native American territory prior to 1684, when William Penn purchased the land from the Tammany people. Soon Quakers purchased land, built homes, and opened mills. Conshohocken begins with tales and images of early history and continues with rare views that capture some of the majestic mansions built by the founding fathers, the tree-lined avenues with trolleys and horse-drawn carriages, the firehouses and train station and schools, and the many families and faces that have brought Conshohocken to life.

In the mid-nineteenth century, a transportation industry developed in Reading that put the city on the mapand on the Monopoly boardforever. Founded in 1748 by William Penns sons Thomas and Richard, Reading experienced rapid growth throughout the nineteenth century as the Reading Railroad (the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad) breathed steam into the citys industry. As the powerful railroads faded later, so did the citys economy. In recent years, Reading has become known as the birthplace and capital of factory outlet shopping and the hub of newborn manufacturing, financial, and agricultural enterprises.

Located just 14 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Bridgeport is a stone's throw from Valley Forge National Historic Park. Incorporated in 1851, the tiny village of 422 acres had 500 residents living within its boundaries. In 1723, Swedish and Welsh immigrants settled along the Schuylkill River, with the Eastburn and Holstein families among the first to settle. Irish immigrants found work in Bridgeport as early as 1860, and Italian immigrants poured into Bridgeport in the 1890s, finding work in the quarries and along the railroads and canals. Through vintage photographs, Bridgeport celebrates the families and industries that have helped shape this borough.