The small borough of South Fork is located in south central Cambria County in the valley of the Little Conemaugh River. Like many area communities, it traces its origins back to the mid-19th century and the dawn of the industrial age.

South Fork came of age at a time when the demand for its most plentiful natural commodity, coal, was growing rapidly. A surge of mostly eastern and northern European immigrants made their home near here, raised their families, and worked in the region’s coal mines; in the steel mills of Johnstown; and on the railroads that traversed Cambria County and beyond.

Our association formed in March 2020 by a group of four local men, united in a desire to research, interpret, and preserve the historical legacy of South Fork, and the surrounding area. Shortly after forming as a nonprofit organization, the SFHS found a home in the former bank building at 427 Maple Street. The building is now a museum holding many artifacts from South Fork’s past and serves as a hosting venue for many and diverse events.

Our mission is to preserve and present the historical legacy of South Fork and its people while creating opportunities that ensure a brighter future for our community.