A Society by this name was incorporated in 1886, was active in furthering the study of ornithology and in the field of education in the protection of wild birds. Interest died after a few years and the Society practically ceased to exist. In 1896 another Society was founded, whose seal gave its name as the “Audubon Society of Pennsylvania.” This second society was not incorporated, but followed the same line of interest and actually became known as the “Pennsylvania Audubon Society,” even its letterhead being so worded. In 1907 only one member of the 1886 society was known to be living and the two societies were united at that time. The members of the second society used its own funds, but adopted the charter of the earlier one and became a very active force in the ornithological world of the state. It used its membership and facilities in the education of school children, even paying a salary to its own lecturer for that purpose. It pushed legislation against the collection of birds' eggs, worked against the use of birds and bird feathers by milliners and finally helped to enact a law against the caging and selling of wild birds. At one time, it boasted of 6,000 members, but again interest ebbed and by 1936 only 4 members could be located, namely the secretary, Elizabeth Wilson Fisher, the president, Witmer Stone the treasurer, William L. Baily, and one member of the Board of Directors, Hilda Justice. Unanimously the decision was reached to disband the society. Its money, after a generous amount was assigned to the publication of Witmer Stone's Birds of Old Cape May, was turned over to active ornithological organizations.

This collection contains the official documents and correspondence concerned with the Society, under all its names, and throughout its existence.