Historic Schaefferstown, Inc.

05/27/2026

We had an awesome afternoon celebrating the participants of our Oral History project, Saving our Stories. We started two years ago interviewing local residents regarding life in Heidelberg Twp. After transcribing interviews and group conversations , we compiled their responses to questions, memories, and shared experiences. Finally after many revisions, we published each participant’s story.
Today, we invited them for a get together. What a pleasure to watch their interaction with each other as they laughed and shared stories and memories!!
This book is available for purchase for $10, plus tax. You can get a copy at our office in the Brendle Museum during office hours on Wednesdays between 9AM- 1PM. Copies will also be on sale at our Cherry Fair and at our booth at the America 250 celebration at the Lebanon Expo center.

05/21/2026

Do you remember Hersheypark Day? Here is an ad from 1930. We finally finished our Oral History Project - Saving Our Stories, and we will be sharing that collection with our participants next week. Many of our participants shared fond memories of this community event. Do you have any old photos from this day? What are your memories of Hersheypark day? Please post your photos and share a favorite memory.

05/19/2026

Area Businesses, Vendors, Residents, and others !
BE PART OF THE STORY - WE ARE LOOKING for SPONSORS for our Cherry Fair and Harvest Fair, and also general sponsorship to support our ongoing preservation and restoration of the Alexander Schaeffer Farm, The Brendle Museum, and the Gemberling-Rex House.

Your sponsorship is more than support — it is an investment in preserving history, strengthening our community, and keeping our traditions alive.
Each year, our events bring families, visitors, and community members, creating a meaningful opportunity for local businesses to be seen, supported, and remembered.

Find the sponsorship level that works for you, and also support our activities and events. Check out the options in the photos. We also have attached sponsors specific to the fairs, with pricing that includes advertising in our fair program.

Send us a message if you are interested, or email us at [email protected] or [email protected]

05/18/2026

The Alexander Schaeffer House provided the backdrop for an Open Hearth Cooked Dinner on May 16. Guests bid on the opportunity to dine in the historic house and enjoy an authentic open-hearth-cooked meal. HSI Volunteers Dan Silfies, Michael Elmer, and others prepared and planned this unique event. Stay tuned for the possibility of another event later in the year! Come to our Cherry Fair and meet the folks who prepared the meal. Learn about the history of their food choices and how they cook each item.

05/18/2026

https://lebtown.com/2026/05/12/historic-schaefferstown-celebrates-local-history-amid-nations-250th-anniversary/
Thank you at LebTown for highlighting all the events we have planned for this year. Our Young Villagers and Cherry Fair are coming up in June, when we will officially start our celebration of America's 250th Birthday. Come to our Cherry Fair and experience an 18th-century experience along with an encampment of Revolutionary soldiers, the German Regiment of the Continental Army. Check out the article to learn more. We hope to see you there!

Historic Schaefferstown has planned a Young Villagers Workshop, Cherry Fair, WWII Weekend, Harvest Fair, Christkindlmarkt, and more.

05/06/2026

Our office is open today from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for those interested in purchasing our Pewter Cup commemorating America's 250th anniversary. The office is situated on the lower level of the Brendle Museum. Pictures do not capture its detail. The cup's design is truly exceptional. We extend our gratitude to Carlyn M Krall for the exceptional and detailed on-the-farm scene design. We invite you to visit and view it in person. Cost is $75 plus tax. Only 75 cups were made. Carlyn M Krall

05/02/2026

Congratulations Brian Beamesderfer! Well deserved recognition!

Every year PHMC has each site pick a Volunteer of the year and/ or an Outstanding Service Award for 2025. This year we were honored to have Brian Beamesderfer receive the Outstanding Service Award for the Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead for 2025. Below is his write up. Congratulations, Brian, and well deserved.

Brian Beamesderfer has been selected for the Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead 2025 Outstanding Service Award. Brian is from Myerstown, Pa., where he resides with his wife Annette and son Aaron. Brian has been employed in the Hardware industry for many years in Myerstown and Annville, Pa.
Brian’s story about getting involved with the Conrad Weiser Homestead starts in a unique way. His oldest son Tim was a member of the Weiser Battalion, a recreated French and Indian war unit, once commanded by Conrad Weiser. Already a history lover, it did not take Brian long to join the unit and become immersed in all things Conrad Weiser! Brian started attending the Homestead’s living history programs and, a bit later, started portraying a tavern keeper in the annual Candlelight tours. Not stopping there, Brian took lessons and became adept at 18th century leather sewing. One of his leather hunting bags was a raffle item at the site.
Not stopping there, Brian became a valued board member in 2009 and now serves as Vice President. He also took the reins and plans the annual Patriotic concert onsite as well as the Annual Friend’s banquet. Brian also coordinates with our Groundskeeper in scheduling cleanup days for the park.
Brian, being a proud Pennsylvania Dutchman, realizes the importance that Conrad Weiser brought to Pennsylvania in helping with the founding of Berks County, the town of Reading, and many more accomplishments.
Brian stated that Conrad Weiser was “A remarkable man.” Absolutely true. However, you will find if you meet Brian, he too is a remarkable man! We are happy he belongs to our group and site!

04/30/2026

We wrap up our Speaker Series this Sunday, May 3, with Ken Reinard, Ye Olde Colonial Angler. Ken will present "The Heritage of Angling". Join us at the Brendle Museum lower level (2 PM) for an interesting and informative presentation. The Museum will also be open for visitors before and after the presentation. (1 - 4 PM). Presentation is free to the public! Our Museum is always free to members and $5 for guests.

04/11/2026

Come and listen to local resident, Bradley Smith, share his knowledge about PA German Whisky Distilling. All of our Speaker Series Events are held in the lower level of the Brendle Museum. These events are FREE and start at 2:00 PM. The museum will also be open for visitors. We will also be unveiling a commemorative souvenir in recognition of America250.