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Historical Society

Who We Are, What We Do
The Longwamp Township Historical Society (LTHS), a 501(c)3, 509(a)(2) non-profit charitable organization, has been discovering, preserving, sharing the past and historic culture of Longswamp Township area since being incorporated in 2010. The organization was authorized by the Longswamp Township Board of Supervisors pursuant to Resolution No. 2009-22, which was adopted October 27, 2009. 

Our museum and library collections include many artifacts, documents, manuscripts, and photographs from the area. These items have been either generously donated or acquired. Our collections serve as a great repository for historians, history buffs, genealogists and anyone who wishes to learn more about the township's past:  people, places and things.

If you'd like to visit the Schubert Haus, see our collections, or are interested in donating, please contact us at longswamphistory@gmail.com.


​Fulfilling Our Purpose
Following the May, 2019, acquisition of the Mertztown Train Station, LTHS is actively working to raise the needed funds to adaptively reuse the building as its headquarters, a place to display and store its collections of artifacts, a historical library and a gathering place for the community.  

Our area is blessed with a multitude of surviving historic structures, from barns and stage coach stops to Victorian era and pre-Victorian era homes plus three sites listed on the National Register of Historical Places: The Mary Ann Historic District (Trexler's Furnace), the Long/Haewerter Grist Mill, and the former Lutheran Orphan's Home.  And while the Train Station is ineligible for inclusion to the National Register, we believe it to be as historically important to the Longswamp area, Berks County and the State of Pennsylvania as any other structure listed on the National Register.

We invite you to visit our SAVE OUR STATION webpage to learn more about why the Save Our Station - Mertztown Train Station Project is worthy of financial support.

Collaboration Is Key to Success
As an all-volunteer organization, we rely heavily on what we can learn from (and share with) peer organizations. LTHS is currently a member of the following organizations, all of which are focused on collecting and/or preserving history:

Heritage Keepers of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Passport to History Lehigh Valley
Victorian Society in America
 

Mission :  Ensure present and future generations will be able to learn and study the historical heritage of the township.

Purpose: 
  1. Discover and preserve educational and illustrative collections of material, structures, and landmarks of the Longswamp area.
  2. Preserve and record the history and culture of the Longswamp area.
  3. Maintain a museum and non-circulating historical library of the Longswamp area.

Vision:  Inspire current and future generations to share a sense of community and pride in the heritage of our township.

LTHS Board Meeting agendas and meeting minutes are posted by the Township to its website. A listing of Board of Directors meetings can be found on our Events webpage.
 

LTHS Board Members (2019)
LTHSmembers2019 - Copy
 
Board Members
Kristine Chase (Correspondence Secretary)
Troy Fairchild
Delores (Tootie) Hellwig
Eloise Long
Marie Maly (President)
Bill Meck
Debbie Miller (Vice President, interim Secretary)
Willard Miller (Treasurer)
Leon Smith
Bonnie Solt
John Stichter
Committee Chairs
Building: Troy Fairchild
Foundation Grants: Kristine Chase
Fundraising: Tootie Hellwig
Marketing: Marie Maly
Membership: Open
Museum: Eloise Long
Publications: Eloise Long
Programs: Leon Smith
Newsletter Editor: Marie Maly