Lansford Historical Society 2020 membership drive is under way.

The Lansford Historical Society is accepting memberships for 2020 and needs your help. The society relies on memberships and donations throughout the year to pay expenses and keep the museum’s doors open. Memberships are $10 each year and help to defray costs of operating the museum. Insurance, monthly bills, and maintenance on the building are just some of the reasons membership is important.

The society has also taken up the task of restoring the valley’s oldest standing house of worship. The Welsh church, located on the 200 block of W. Abbott St., is undergoing a major renovation to preserve its historic status in the community. Dedicated on Christmas Day in 1850, the structure needs a full restoration from top to bottom. A fire damaged the front portion of the building, and work has begun to stabilize that section of the church. Currently, the damaged floor and windows are being repaired.

Donations have been steady to help complete the project.

2019 was a successful year for the society, thanks to members and donors. Numerous events were held throughout the year, including a war and military display in May, Spring Open House in June, Fridays in Lansford throughout the summer, ghost tours in the fall, a burial customs of the 19th and 20th centuries event in October, and our Christmas Open House in December.

President Bill Harleman encourages people to get involved with the society. “We would like to thank all our members and friends that support us year after year and welcome to any new members who want to join us in preserving Lansford’s rich history and heritage. Anyone willing to help out at the Welsh Church should contact us. Work days are being scheduled soon in anticipation of warmer weather, and we could always use more volunteers.”

The museum is at 117 E. Bertsch St. in Lansford. Monthly meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month and are open to the public. The museum is open from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and by appointment. Always free admission.

Join the society’s Facebook group and look for This Day In Lansford History, rare photos, and interesting facts on the history of Lansford.

To donate or become a member, you can send your check for $10, payable to Lansford Historical Society, P.O. Box 44 Lansford, PA 18232 or you can contact Harleman at 610-617-4683 or Vice President Bruce Markovich at 570-645-5678. You can also send an email to harlemanbill@yahoo.com, or go to their Facebook page and send a message.