The saying goes that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life, and no one knows this to be true more than Terry McNealy, who is celebrating a half-century of service as a staff member at the Bucks County Historical Society.
In 1970, McNealy, a Doylestown native, began his career with the society working with the then librarian Cora Decker. While working in the library, McNealy completed his library degree at Drexel University, which allowed him to succeed Decker as the society’s librarian shortly thereafter.
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.
Over the course of his 50 years with the Bucks County Historical Society, McNealy has contributed significantly to the Society’s success, while at the same time demonstrating his commitment to the preservation and chronicling of local history.
His many accomplishments and activities have included 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 Bucks County records and materials from the Early American Industries Association, serving as editor of the Bucks County 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 Vice Present of Collections & Interpretation Cory Amsler. “As the preeminent 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’s accomplished half-century-long career.
