The mission of the Palmerton Area Historical Society is to create pride and awareness, appreciation and respect for the heritage, culture and architecture of Palmerton.

To this end, the society is hosting a series of events this year to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Palmerton’s founding.

On July 3, 1898, at what is now the corner of 3rd Street & Lehigh Avenue, ground was broken and the history of Palmerton began.

“We have some very special events planned this year,” says Jane Borbe, historical society president. “There are many newcomers living in the area and we wanted to use this occasion to draw attention to our history with some new events and to bring back some of our tried and true favorites,” says Borbe.

The events kick off on Sunday with the Bike Guy, Bob Swaim, bringing his eclectic collection of unique human powered vehicles to the Borough Park at 5 p.m.

The society invites everyone to come out and hear the history of these vehicles and even take one for a ride in the park. The event is weather permitting and any cancellations due to inclement weather will appear on the Palmerton Historical Society’s Facebook Page.

Immediately following the program, the Palmerton Band will take to the bandstand at 7 p.m. as part of the Concourse Club’s Sunday Concert Series.

While visiting the park, take in the poster on display near the Bandstand.

Photographer Lynn Shupp created the poster commemorating, as Lynn likes to say, “snippets of Palmerton’s history.” The poster will remain in the park for the remainder of 2023.

The historical society welcomes new members. Applications are available outside the door of the Heritage Center or stop inside during operating hours, Thursdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Schedule of events celebrating Palmerton’s 125th:

• Sunday at 5 p.m., The Bike Guy, Bob Swaim, Palmerton Borough Park.

• July 10, at 6:30 p.m. “The Town that Zinc Built” David Taschler, Knights Gallery, Palmerton Area Library.

• July 21, at 7 p.m. The Yankee Brass Band Concert, Palmerton Borough Park, co-sponsored by the Concourse Club of Palmerton

• Aug. 14, PAHS Annual Picnic, Walnutport Canal, Museum Tour at 4 p.m. and picnic in the Pavillion, at 5 p.m.

• Aug. 18, Sidewalk sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Heritage Center.

• Aug. 27, Allentown Symphony Pops Concert, 2 p.m. at the Palmerton Area High School Auditorium.

• Sept. 8, 9 and 10, Palmerton Community Festival, Covered Bridge in the Borough Park

• Sept. 9, Guided Historical Bus Tours, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Palmerton Borough Park

• Sept. 10, Guided Historical Bus Tours, 1 and 3 p.m., Palmerton Borough Park

• Oct. 9, “Palmerton Then & Now,” 6:30 p.m., Lynn Shupp, Knights Gallery, Palmerton Area Library.

• Nov. 15, “Palmerton Veterans” at 6:30 p.m., George Duell, Knights Gallery, Palmerton Area Library.

• Dec. 2, Ornament for a Cause, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Heritage Center

• Dec. 3 – Ecumenical Service, Little White Church, 3 p.m.

• Dec. 3 – Annual Banquet, Bert’s Steakhouse, 4:30 p.m.

• Dec. 30 – Church Tour Open House, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.