Liberty Troop Benefactors
Honoring 100 Years of Scouting in Lower Merion District
Liberty Troop History
Founded on October 10, 1910, the Merion Liberty Troop is one of the oldest Boy Scout troops in the United States. In 1918, Eldridge Johnson, inventor of the Gramophone, dedicated his carriage house to the troop in recognition of one of the most remarkable acts of civic service in scouting history. During World War I, nine scouts of this troop aged 12 to 14 sold $1.4 million in Liberty Bonds, to support U.S. soldiers. Their efforts earned a special commendation from the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, who designated them the "Merion Liberty Troop" a distinction they proudly carry to this day.
Over more than a century of continuous service, the troop has been a catalyst for more than 100 Eagle Scouts whose projects have shaped the community, projects such as restoring the POW-MIA monument at Valley Forge, planting trees along stream banks to prevent erosion, refurbishing computers for veterans returning to civilian life, and installing flag holders at veterans' memorials.
Today, that same carriage house still stands in Merion, Pennsylvania, the oldest continuously used independent scout house in the nation, a living symbol of what young Americans can achieve when guided by courage, loyalty, and community. The Liberty Troop Benefactors, a 501(c)(3) organization made up of scout parents, is dedicated to sustaining that legacy by supporting the troop's activities and preserving the historic scout house for generations to come.
Request Assistance for Eagle Projects
Liberty Troop Benefactors is proud to offer grants of up to $250 to help bring Eagle Scout service projects to life. These funds are available to eligible Constellation District Eagle Scout candidates, as well as participants completing equivalent projects in Venturing, Exploring, or Sea Scouts.
This opportunity is open exclusively to youth registered with the Cradle of Liberty Council, Constellation District. Applications must be submitted after project approval and before project completion, so early planning is encouraged.
Eagle candidates should submit a request letter that includes a brief project description (or Project Proposal page C), a project budget (or Project Proposal page D), and contact information for the unit leader, unit treasurer, or Life-to-Eagle Coach. A copy of the Eagle Project Workbook and supporting materials is encouraged.
Take advantage of this support to make your project even more impactful.
Request Assistance for Membership Fees
Liberty Troop Benefactors provides financial assistance of up to $110 to help cover scouting-related fees for eligible youth in the Cradle of the Liberty Council, Constellation District. Funding is available for approximately 10 scouts per year. All requests of financial assistance must be submitted by the Scout’s parent or legal guardian.
Join Us to Support the Future Generation of Scouts
The Benefactors hope to keep the Scout spirit alive and thriving in Lower Merion for the next 100 years. Please consider supporting our Scout Community. With your support, Lower Merion Scout youth can continue to have a historic space to host their election process, support their community, plan and launch their adventures, grow their civic engagement, develop their leadership skills for the future, and host Scout and Community events. Donations of all levels are welcome.
Contact
You can contact us at: libertytroopbenefactors@gmail.com