Hellertown Historical Society

08/28/2026

It was a full house last night at our Tavern for Samuel Leamer's "Coffee with a Colonial" presentation. We had to add a few extra chairs to accommodate the crowd of 53 visitors. It was an excellent turnout and presentation. Thanks to Samuel for traveling from so far to honor us with his expertise on coffee in colonial times. And thanks to Dennis Scholl and his wife Josephine who arranged for the visit as well as made all the coffee preparations and homemade scones which were very tasty.

Our next "Talks in the Tavern" series event is “Plant Medicines Used in the Revolutionary War" on September 17.

During the Revolutionary War, when costly imported medical supplies were no longer available, doctors turned to gardens and fields for healing plants that had been used for generations.
Wendy Grube, a retired professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a registered herbalist, will present the historical use of lifesaving plants and discuss how the Revolutionary War became a pivotal point in the evolution of medicine.

This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the program begins at 7:00 PM. If last night's crowd is any indication, arrive early to this event as seating is limited.

The Tavern is located in the lower level of the historic Heller-Wagner Grist Mill, 170 West Walnut Street, Hellertown, PA 18055. Off-street parking is available on the west side of the building adjacent to the Tavern entrance and additionally across the street near the Saucon Rail Trail access point. Please use the crosswalk to cross Walnut Street to access the Tavern.

08/27/2026

We are Hellertown proud to have our site featured on Metrotrails page. Check it out...

08/25/2026

Join us this Thursday at the Hellertown Historical Society for “Coffee with a Colonial,” part of the 2026 Talks in the Tavern series.

Berks County resident and living historian, Samuel Leamer, brings a blended passion for history and coffee to the historic Heller-Wagner Grist Mill Tavern venue. Through a variety of material culture he has collected over time, Mr. Leamer will share the story of colonial coffee culture in North America and how it helped fuel a nation’s beginnings.

Complimentary coffee and pastries will be served.

This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the program begins at 7:00 PM. Seating is limited. First come, first served.

The Tavern venue is located in the lower level of the historic Heller-Wagner Grist Mill. Off-street parking is available on the west side of the building adjacent to the Tavern venue entrance. For GPS, use 170 West Walnut Street, Hellertown, PA 18055.

For more information, visit:
https://hellertownhistoricalsociety.org/event-list/ See less

08/25/2026

Hellertown-Lower Saucon Heritage Day 2027 will feature a one-of-a-kind family reunion. The Heller family, for whom Hellertown is named, will be welcomed at the 2027 Heritage Day scheduled for Saturday, May 15. All Heller Family descendants are encouraged to contact Hellertown Historical Society's Vice-President Dennis Scholl at this email address [email protected] for details and to register.

Click the photo below for more information...

Hellertown will hold a family reunion next year for descendants of the borough's founder. Already, the response has been overwhelming.

08/25/2026

From our historic partner in Bethlehem...

Historically Speaking: Abigail Adams...
When future president John Adams visited Bethlehem during the American Revolution, he was captivated by what he saw. So much so that he eagerly shared his impressions in letters to his brilliant wife, Abigail. Their correspondence provides insights into one of the most captivating couples of the time and offers a powerful look into Abigail’s world.

Through her extraordinary letters, Abigail Adams emerges as far more than a witness to history, she is a force within it. Best known for her bold charge to “Remember the ladies,” she challenged the architects of a new nation to expand their vision of liberty. She spoke clearly about what mattered, pushing for education for all children, calling out inequality, and standing up for women’s rights and the responsibility of a new nation to do better. Her letters move easily between the person and the political, showing how everyday life played a real role in shaping early America.

On Oct. 10 at 7:30 PM at the Luckenbach Mill, join celebrated actor, historian, and interpreter Kim Hanley as she brings Adams’ story to life with her wit, intelligence, and unmistakable presence. Through this interactive program, the audience discovers the stress of British taxation, the strength of colonial families, and the dynamic between Abigail and John. It’s not just history being told, it’s shared in a way that makes you think about the lasting impact our early leaders had on the world.

Your ticket to Abigail Adams also includes light refreshments and admission to the Moravian Museum that day. Whether you’re drawn to powerful stories, strong voices, or fresh perspectives, this engaging program is the perfect opportunity to explore the past in a way that’s truly relevant even today.

08/18/2026

The recently changed cover photo shows the grave of Johan Simon Heller, son of Christopher Johann Heller, the builder and first owner of the Heller Grist Mill at our site on West Walnut Street, Hellertown, PA.

Simon Heller was born in Germany June 18, 1721. He came to America with his father, landing in Philadelphia in 1738. He married first Louise "Lowii" nee Dietz, daughter of Johann Adam and Anna Catharine Dietz in Bucks County, PA. He died on May 20, 1785 in Hamilton, Northampton County, PA and was buried in St. Peter's Church Cemetery, Plainfield Twp. Northampton County, PA near his first wife Louisa.

Simon built the Heller Grist Mill first as a sawmill in the period around 1761. In 1764, Simon sold the poroperty and moved to Plainfield Township, Northampton County. Simon Heller was a Revolutionary War patriot.

The translation of the gravestone reads in part...
"Born in Teussland (Germany) in (the town of) Petterheim in the Pfaltz (Palatinate); His decedents (ehe kinder) - 6 children, 54
living grandchildren and 4 great-grand children; His age was short of 64 years by 5 weeks and 2 day.

Funeral text: Romans 4 vs. 7-8 "7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."

Verse: "In the earth the body has its rests until the New Day (Resurrection)when I joyously arise to receive judgment spoken in my favor."

From "Stones of Faith"

Simon and his wife, Louisa had 12 children.

08/15/2026

Come down and say hi! We are at Hellertown Community Day in Dimmick Park, Hellertown. We have Boscov’s coupons for sale. The coupon is good for 25% off your entire order, in store or online, one day only October 21. Perfect for early Christmas shopping!! We also have free totes, ceramic bridge tiles, ornaments and our line or exclusive Hellertown pottery for sale. Cash or credit/debit cards welcome. There’s plenty here to see and do. There are plenty of food vendors and live music starts soon. We are here until 3pm.

08/10/2026

Find us at Community Day this Saturday in Dimmick Park, Hellertown from 10AM-3PM. We will be offering 'Friends Helping Friends' Boscov's discount coupons for $5/each. The coupon is good for 25% off your entire order, either in store or online, on October 21 only! Perfect way to start your Christmas shopping!!

We are also giving away free tote bags, selling some of our gift shop items, and the famous Hellertown Bottling Works ring toss game will be there -- ring a bottle and win a prize.

Dimmick Park is located at 570 Durham Street, Hellertown PA 18055. Plenty of onsite parking, food trucks, fun activities and live music. Come say hi.

08/04/2026

We are still at National Night Out in Dimmick Park. The Mayor was kind enough to stop by and say hi to our group. There’s still plenty of time to come down, get some food, play some games, dunk a cop and grab a Boscovs 25% off coupon at our tent good for 25% off your entire order, in store or online, one day only October 21. We are here until 8pm.