The Lehighton Area Heritage Alliance is inviting residents and businesses to help preserve the community’s past by becoming 2026 members or sponsors.

The nonprofit, volunteer-run historical society serves Lehighton and the surrounding communities in the 18235 zip code within the Lehighton Area School District, including East Penn, Franklin, Mahoning, Parryville and Weissport.

Founded in 2003, the organization is dedicated to collecting and preserving artifacts and stories that reflect the region’s heritage.

From the Lenni Lenape and Moravian settlers to the railroad, canal and trolley era, and from soapbox derbies to hometown icons such as artist Franz Kline and Bright’s Department Store, the alliance says Lehighton has a rich story to tell.

“Our mission is to safeguard the historical legacy of the Lehighton area for future generations,” said Todd Weaver, president of LAHA.

The group’s Collections Committee is currently organizing and cataloging artifacts in preparation for opening a public heritage museum. In addition to monthly meetings and artifact show-and-tell programs, LAHA hosts events throughout the year, including Songs & Stories in the Mausoleum, Haunted History Ghost Walks, middle school history walks and the Carbon County History Fair at Carbon Plaza Mall.

The alliance also maintains a self-guided walking tour through the STQRY app, partners with Lehighton Borough on preservation efforts such as the Fairgrounds Judges’ Stand, and works with the Mahoning Union Sunday School. Historical photos and programs are regularly shared on the group’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, @lehightonheritage.

Memberships and sponsorships help fund programming, preservation projects and the organization’s long-term goal of securing a permanent heritage museum space. Members receive event updates and newsletters, along with admission discounts. Individual Silver, Gold and Platinum sponsors receive printed recognition and reserved seating at events. Business sponsorships are also available.

Those interested in becoming a member or sponsor can complete a 2026 membership form and submit payment by mail or online at lehightonheritage.org/membership using Venmo or PayPal.

“We thank the community for its continued support,” Weaver said.