Linda (Fisher) Poulton
2018 Academic Hall of Fame Inductee
Over the last 20 years Linda Poulton has dedicated her passion and curiosity for history by devoting much of her time and energy into preserving our community’s heritage. She has done this by encouraging awareness of Muncy’s history and culture, and by providing people the opportunity to learn through engaging and unique historical experiences.
Linda (Fisher) Poulton graduated from Muncy High School in 1966. After a 25-year career in Human Resources, Linda became Vice President of Human Resources at SEI Investments. She along with her husband Bill, returned to Muncy where she embarked on a new career path. Always having an interest in family history and after many tedious hours or research, she discovered she had several ancestors who took part in the the American Revolution. This discovery lead to her acceptance into The Daughters of the American Revolution. In addition to researching her own lineage, she has helped many other descendants learn more about their family members and ultimately gained acceptance into the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution.
Her commitment to the preservation of history led her to join the Muncy Historical Society. Linda’s past executive experiences proved extremely useful as she has been able to utilize her many talents and skills to effectively promote Muncy history. As program director, Linda has contributed many long lasting legacies that will continue to enrich the Muncy community for years to come. One such ambition is the canal boat, “Betty Louise,” which is currently at the Heritage Park and Nature Trail. Very few people understand the time and energy it took to relocate this canal boat to Heritage Park from Easton. The organization of many volunteers and several trips to Easton over a 10 day time period made possible the careful disassembling of the canal boat into 172 pieces to bring to its present location.
Linda has a unique ability to be able to bring history alive for those around her. This is evidenced through another notable accomplishment, becoming the editor of the “Now and Then” magazine which has been in publication since 1868. This magazine is published several times a year and its purpose is to awaken interest in our community and heighten appreciation for the Muncy Valley. Very few people realize the time involved in transcribing and preserving historical documents such as old handwritten records and diaries which are often featured in the publication. It is a credit to her efforts that many of her articles are often cited and used in other publications on local history.
Linda has been instrumental in promoting local history in our schools. Her desire to have the youth develop and personalize their heritage is evident in the many initiatives in which she has been a part. One such initiative which has been essential in developing ties to the community while honoring our Veterans is the memorial flag placement on their graves by the Muncy 5th graders. Other initiatives include month long exhibits with emphasis on Muncy, reenactments, and guest appearances in several classrooms.
Although Linda is devoted to promoting history in the classroom she is also committed to community outreach through historical awareness and preservation. One noticeable project she initiated and managed was the Heritage Quilt Trail highlighting the importance of agriculture in our county. She has also helped plan, implement and organize various activities including the annual quilt show, the annual artists’ exhibition/sale, the development of the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail and the Muncy Borough walking tour just to name a few.
Few communities have had such a strong and dedicated advocate and it is with great pleasure we welcome our newest Academic Hall of Fame inductee, Linda Poulton, Muncy High School – Class of 1966.