New Freedom Heritage

05/20/2026

As we prepared for another series of High School graduations, let’s take a look at past high school activities in New Freedom. The New Freedom Community Center was once the New Freedom high school. The first class to graduate from the New Freedom High School was in 1908 and the last class was in 1951. The school was permanently closed in 1973. The New Freedom Community Center was dedicated on August 14, 1976.

We have the old school bell at the museum and Paul L. King’s Diploma from 1950.

05/17/2026

First photo drop of the great crowd we had for our first old timers get together. Maybe we should make this an annual event?

05/07/2026

Still have your Class Ring? Here’s are a couple of New Freedom High School class ring from 1929 and 1946. This rings were donated by Jean Glatfelter.

04/29/2026

This dance card is from the 1929 New Freedom High School Junior and Senior prom. Maybe dance cards are something that we need to bring back! What do you think?

04/24/2026

https://www.ydr.com/picture-gallery/news/history/blogs/york-town-square/2017/07/29/photos-new-freedoms-story---from-railroading-to-rail-trailing/104098908/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRYvdxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyck5JWU16UUwxbURvZlJVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhzSpkTWnAAhsz4RVukbQXH800HZHAR6SmNhEdoxxNPeBoI8_AUFlO-GYRtt_aem_lXtOBwBFdB4AUoq-zHAXvQ

YORK TOWN SQUAREPhotos: New Freedom's story - from railroading to rail trailingJuly 29, 2017Updated Nov. 26, 2018, 11:54 a.m. ETThe Hodle Tavern has been beside the railroad tracks In New Freedom for decades, opening in 1883. It captures New Freedom's past as a railroad hotel and its present, an eat...

04/22/2026

Last post from Edith Belle’s Autograph book. Did you know that the saying from Edith’s book was from 1896 and not the 1960s?

04/18/2026

04/15/2026

Your thought for the day, from the autograph book of Edith Belle. She kept the book from 1893-1898.

May 7, 1898
To Edith,

There is no use of refining
Where there is a will, there is a way.
Tomorrow the sun may be shining
Although it is cloudy today.

From, Dallas Thiruson (Not sure that the correct name)

04/09/2026

Did you ever have an autograph book as a child? I’ll bet you didn’t have one like this one. This book belonged to Edith Belle and includes autographs from 1893-1898. The handwriting and messages are amazing. Here’s one.

July 4, 1892
Fried Edith,
Dear Edith is fond and true.
These few lines I write for you.
Just wishing you joy untold
And peace of the heart with
Is better than gold.
From: Lee Ebaugh

04/02/2026

This beautiful wedding dress was worn at a wedding on October 9, 1906. The Bride was Asenith Blanche Gosnell. The Groom was Robert Leroy Bailey—who was from New Freedom. The dress was donated to the museum by the Bailey Family