Organized in 1999, the purpose of the New Hanover Township Historical Society is to preserve the history, lore, and historical heritage of New Hanover Township. Membership is open to anyone having an interest in the history or heritage of New Hanover Township and the New Hanover area. Members need not be township residents. The society depends on volunteers for work and donations for financing. Although an independent organization, the society maintains a working relationship with the township government. New Hanover Township Historical Society, Inc. is included under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Tax Code. All contributions are fully deductible.

WHAT WE DO

Projects, Programs, and Workshops

The society provides programs on its work to small groups and is actively planning workshops on local folk life and culture. The schoolhouse is open to the public the first Sunday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. except December through February.

Meetings

Regular meetings of the society are held the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Swamp Creek School House. There is a program of local historical interest and refreshments from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a business meeting 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The business meetings usually focus on current projects. Visitors welcome.

Swamp Creek School

Built in 1853, the Swamp Creek School on Reifsnyder Road has been carefully restored by society volunteers and today serves as the society's home and meeting place. Housed there is a collection of township school memorabilia and an extensive school book collection. Additionally, the school serves as a field trip destination for school groups where Nineteenth Century school life can be experienced.

The Dengler Summer Kitchen:

The society has undertaken to restore this nearby structure in the Swamp Creek Park. Adjacent to the school house, this 1850 summer kitchen complete with cooking hearth and bake oven will provide a unique opportunity to interpret local domestic skills and crafts.

Publications

The historical society provides a weekly column, called "The Historian," about township history in the Community Connection newspaper published by Berks-Mont News and anticipates additional publications of local research. The first 72 articles of The Historian have been collected and published by the society in a book called "Swamp, New Hanover Volume I." "Volume II" containing an additional sixty articles is also available at the Township building and other places locally or contact Robert Wood. Proceeds benefit the historical society.

Community Assistance

The society advises those seeking assistance or information on restoration projects, researching old buildings, sites or other aspects of township history.

MEMBERSHIP

If you are interested in joining the New Hanover Township Historical Society, please download and complete the membership application. Membership is open to anyone having an interest in the history or heritage of New Hanover Township and the New Hanover area. Members need not be township residents. We hope to see you at our next meeting.

Download and print membership application form

 

New Hanover Township Historical Society Books by Robert Wood

 

 

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CONTACT US

New Hanover Township Historical Society

c/o New Hanover Township Building

2943 North Charlotte Street

Gilbertsville, PA 19525

610-323-1008

Robert Wood

President

New Hanover Township Historical Society

610-326-4165