In the News...
Community Invited To Join Saturday On The Porch
February 25th, 2025 - Written by, Francine Fulton
The idea is to bring the community together to enjoy coffee, conversation and music," said Christiana Historical Society member Patti Shrom when describing Saturday on the Porch, a monthly activity held at the Brinton House, 17 Green St., Christiana. "It is a great setting, and on a beautiful morning, it's a wonderful place to sit."
The first Saturday on the Porch of the 2025 season will be presented by the Christiana Historical Society on April 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Music will be offered by accordion player Phara Blank from 10 a.m. to noon. The opening event will also feature children's crafts.
One room of the Brinton House will be open where volunteers will sell beverages, including coffee, hot chocolate, juice and water. Homemade baked goods, as well as breakfast sandwiches donated by local businesses, will also be offered for sale.
"Each time is different, but we always have sweet treats, snacks or breakfast items," noted Shrom. "Tables will be set up in the front room. It is limited in space, but people can gather their coffee and come back out (to the porch)."
Christiana Historical Society mugs will also be offered for sale. Those who purchase a mug can bring it to future Saturday on the Porch events and have it refilled for a discount.
Yvette the Hotdog Lady will be set up on the Brinton House grounds, selling gourmet hot dogs, including bacon-wrapped hot dogs and hot dogs with chili and cheese.
"Since it is the first one and it's close to Easter, we will have some 'welcome, spring' children's activities or crafts," Shrom said, adding that cornhole will also be offered on the grounds.
Members of the Octorara Area Junior-Senior High School Leo Club will assist with the activities. "They will help before with setup and help with the children's activities on the day of the event," noted Shrom.
After acquiring the building as its headquarters, the society began the Saturday on the Porch program in 2024. The event takes place on the first Saturday of each month, April through November.
Shrom said that people may stop by for a quick snack or stay for the entire morning. "Some people are walkers-by, and they stop by if they hear the music and have a cup of coffee," she said. "Others come specifically for the music and the conversation, and they stay with us all morning. We have more people that hang out than come and go."
The society will use the proceeds from the monthly events for the ongoing restoration of the 1867 Brinton House, which is located next to Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Visitors to the April event will be able to sneak a peek inside the house, but it is not yet suitable for occupation.
"They can also look in the windows at the ongoing process of the restoration," said Shrom, adding that there will be a display of photos so that visitors can learn about the progress of the project.
Once the building is open, which is scheduled to be sometime at the end of 2025, it can be used during Saturday on the Porch when there is inclement weather or when additional seating is needed. "When we get it opened, we will have some board games like checkers or chess that people can play when they visit," said Shrom. "Or we can get out of the weather if it's cold. (For right now), rain or shine, we are there."
For more information about the society, upcoming events and the restoration project, visit www.christianahistoricalsociety.com or search for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook. Those with questions may email info@christianahistoricalsociety.com.
Christiana Resistance descendants sought for invitations to annual history luncheon
February 25th, 2025 - Written by, Staff
For its annual Descendants Luncheon in March, the Christiana Historical Society is looking for people whose ancestors took part in the Christiana Resistance in the mid-19th century.
The Christiana Resistance, also known as the Christiana Riot, happened on Sept. 11, 1851, a year after the Fugitive Slave Act was passed by Congress.
Free Blacks and others who had escaped enslavement participated in an armed resistance against a raid led by a federal marshal. The raid on the Christina farmhouse of the formerly enslaved William Parker was formed to recover four escaped slaves for Edward Gorsuch of Maryland. Quaker neighbors helped stand up against the raid. Gorsuch died from wounds he received in the fight.
More than three dozen people were arrested, then defended by lawyers including Thaddeus Stevens, and eventually acquitted.
The luncheon is from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Ave., Christiana. It’s open to the public.
The historical society wants to invite descendants of the Resistance, who have the family names Williams, Moore, Reed, Johnson, Caulsberry, Pernsley, Brown, Green, Clark, Holliday, Pindergast, Morgan, Thompson, Butler, Wilson, Jackson, Clarkson, Simms, Hunter, Gates, Hanway, Scarlett, Lewis, Woods, Carter, Parker, Berry, Hammond, Curtis, Ford and Buley.
visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com/events or http://www.facebook.com/christianahistoricalsociety
Christiana Historical Society to host special events
February 12th, 2025 - Written by, Francine Fulton
Members of the Christiana Historical Society have planned several special activities, including a spaghetti dinner, a historic lecture and a gathering that will focus on remembering the Christiana Resistance. The community is encouraged to participate in all events.
For the second year, the Christiana Historical Society and the Christiana Fire Company are teaming up to present the all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the fire company, 214 S. Bridge St., Christiana. The dinner will include spaghetti with homemade meatballs; salad; garlic bread; beverages; and desserts, including homemade baked items such as cookies, cakes and cupcakes.
It is recommended that dinners be purchased in advance. Diners can eat in or order takeout meals. There will be separate prices for people age 12 and up and children ages 4 to 11. Tickets will also be available at the door while supplies last. Dinners ordered in advance will be discounted.
Members of the Christiana Historical Society will have an information table set up during the dinner and will offer items for sale, such as mugs, historical books and postcards. "It will also be a membership table if people are interested in joining," said society member Patti Shrom. Members pay an annual fee, which helps support the society's activities, including its historical programs and speaker series.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to win gift baskets, containing items and gift cards donated by local businesses. "There will be at least 15 baskets to choose from," said Shrom. "There will be a cat lovers basket, a book basket, a jewelry basket and a basket from LanChester Grill & Hearth in Gap and Berevillo Pizzeria in Christiana."
In addition to those already mentioned, other local businesses that have donated basket items include Hostetter Realty in Gap and The Brass Eagle Restaurant in Gap.
New this year will be an auction that will feature two items, a 24-inch Dimplex electric fireplace donated by LanChester Grill & Hearth and a handcrafted live edge walnut side table with hairpin metal legs crafted and donated by Meryl Ranck.
Winners will be announced beginning at 5 p.m. and need not be present.
Girl Scouts from Cadette Troop 4637 will also be on hand offering cookies for sale and assisting with the dinner.
Proceeds from the dinner will be divided equally by the two organizations. Christiana Fire Company is an all-volunteer fire company that serves Christiana Borough, Atglen Borough and Sadsbury Township. To learn more, visit http://www.christianafire.com or http://www.facebook.com/christianafirecompany.
The historical society will use the proceeds for the ongoing restoration of the William Brinton House, its headquarters, which is located at 17 Green St., next to Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church.
For more information about the dinner and to order tickets, visit http://www.facebook.com/christianahistoricalsociety or www.christianahistoricalsociety.com.
As part of its speaker series, the society will present a program by Gwendolyn Dickinson, who will speak about her grandfather William Chester Ruth, an African-American machinist, Lancaster County business owner and inventor. The talk will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the Christiana Borough Building, 10 W. Slokom Ave., Christiana.
Another upcoming event being planned by the historical society is a Descendants Luncheon set for Saturday, March 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Ave., Christiana. "We are trying to invite families of those involved in the Christiana Resistance," Shrom said, explaining that the notable event in local history involved a slave rebellion when community members defended slaves from capture by a slave owner who came to the area to claim them. "We are hoping residents bring pictures and things they can share."
The ticket fee will include a catered lunch. Community members are also welcome to attend to hear the stories that local residents will retell, including society president Darlene Colon, who is a descendant of one of the participants in the Resistance.
For more information about the activities, visit the previously mentioned website and Facebook page or email info@christianahistoricalsociety.com.
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Celebrating Christmas in Christiana
December 04, 2024 | By Francine Fulton
Holiday music and refreshments, appearances by Santa Claus, an open house at the Christiana Freight Station and more will be featured as part of the Christmas in Christiana celebration to be held on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15. Many events will be centered at the William P. Brinton House, 17 Green St., home of the Christiana Historical Society.
The event is being organized by several community organizations, including the historical society, the Christiana Lions Club and the Lancaster Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, which is headquartered at the Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Ave.
Events will begin on Dec. 14 when children age 12 and under can join Santa at the Freight Station from 3 to 5 p.m. Children will receive a hot dog dinner and a photo with Santa. There will also be hayrides and refreshments, including cookies. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
"Melodies of Christmas on the Porch" will be presented by the historical society at the Brinton House on Dec. 14. During the event, to be held from 4 to 7 p.m., a guitarist and carolers in period attire will provide live music on the porch. Free hot chocolate, coffee, tea and popcorn will be served by historical society volunteers while visitors enjoy the music and play board games, marbles or checkers. Information about joining the historical society will be available.
Guests will be able to ring a railroad bell next to the porch for a donation, with proceeds to benefit the ongoing restoration of the Brinton House. A bonfire will be tended by Boy Scout Troop 20.
Borough residents are asked to donate nonperishable food items for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard, which will be picked up by members of the Christiana Fire Company as they escort Santa Claus through Christiana and the surrounding area from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 14. Santa will be portrayed by Jim Groff, vice president of the historical society and a member of the Lions Club.
Tours of the Underground Railroad Center at Zercher's Hotel, 11 Green St., will be offered from 3 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 14 by women in period attire, who will also provide information about the Christiana Resistance.
A "Light Up Christiana" lighting and decoration contest will be presented by the Christiana Lions Club on Dec. 14. Judging of homes will begin at 6:15 p.m., and cash prizes will be awarded for the winners of Santa's Choice, Up-Town and Down-Town. There will also be three honorable mention prizes. Homes will be judged on amount of effort, curb appeal, use of luminarias and creativity.
In addition, Moores Memorial Library, 9 W. Slokom Ave, Christiana, will provide free refreshments and give away books on Dec. 14 from noon to 7 p.m., and New Beginnings Church of the Cross, 1 Penn Ave., Christiana, will present a live Nativity on Saturday evening.
A new activity this year will be a Santa's Christmas Shoppe being offered at the Brinton House on Dec. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. For the first time since the society acquired the building in April of 2022, local residents will get a peek inside the house, which has been undergoing a major renovation.
Two rooms will be open for the event, which will be decorated with Christmas trees and furnished for the event. "Santa will talk with the children about what gift they would like to give to a parent, teacher or guardian," explained historical society member Charlene Ranck. "Once they have talked with Santa, the children will go through the door to the Santa Shoppe in the other room. The children can pick small gifts, which have been donated. It may be a pair of socks or a flashlight or keychain. They can wrap it, put on sticker that says, 'Don't open until Christmas,' and they get to take it along with them."
While waiting for Santa, children may play checkers, marbles and other games, take part in a scavenger hunt around the Brinton House or complete Christmas crafts. Refreshments will be provided.
An open house will be held at the railroad station on Dec. 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. Visitors will be able to tour a retired Conrail caboose, enjoy a 10-by-30-foot model train layout and learn about the railroad history in Christiana through a display of photos and other artifacts. There is also a trackside deck, where people can watch actual Amtrak trains pass, traveling at 90 miles per hour.
In preparation for the weekend, the Lions Club will hold a sale of luminarias. Payment can be dropped off at Shivery Funeral Home, 111 Elizabeth St., Christiana. All orders are due by Tuesday, Dec. 10. The Borough of Christiana is also planning a gingerbread house competition on Dec. 14. Details about the event can be found at http://www.christianaboro.org.
For more information about Christmas in Christiana, visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com/events or http://www.facebook.com/christianahistoricalsociety.
Heritage Days to highlight the history of Christiana
August 27th, 2024 - By, Francine Fulton
Heritage Days, which is designed to highlight the history of Christiana, including the Underground Railroad, the Quaker abolitionist movement, the railroad, local agriculture and the area's industrial history, will be presented by the Christiana Historical Society (CHS) on Friday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sept. 13 will be a music-only event, while the main festivities will take place on Sept. 14. All activities are free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.
The event will be centered at the William P. Brinton House, 17 Green St., but will also extend within a short walking distance to the Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Ave.; the Christiana Masonic Lodge, 115 E. Slokom Ave.; and the Underground Railroad Center at Zercher's Hotel, 11 Green St.
Planning for the event began last November by a committee composed of CHS members as well as people from the community. "We have a lot of different locations and a lot of fun stuff (planned)," said CHS member Terry Buchanan, one of the event organizers. "There is a lot happening; the day is action-packed. It has the potential to be a phenomenal event."
New this year will be a bluegrass music festival on Sept. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. The featured artist will be Hilton and the Pickers. There is no charge for the concert, and attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
On Sept. 14, free tours will be offered at the Christiana Underground Railroad Center. Visitors can learn about the local history of the Underground Railroad, the Abolitionist movement and the Christiana Resistance. People may preregister for tours online or at the hotel on event day.
The public will also have a rare opportunity to visit the Christiana machine shop, which is located next to Zercher's Hotel. "It has been a pillar of Christiana since (it opened) in 1878," Buchanan stated.
Also on Sept. 14, visitors will be able to take a guided wagon tour through town and learn about the historical significance of local landmarks, the people who lived there and their contribution to local history. Tickets can be purchased online or on the day of the event.
Entertainment will be provided throughout the day. Performers will include the Roland Zimmerman Family, which will perform bluegrass, old-time country music and folk music at 10 a.m.; acoustic guitarist Joel Stoltzfus at 11:30 p.m.; and HDMR, a solo artist who performs his own music, at 2 p.m.
Outside the Brinton House under a tent will be a demonstration by local tinsmith Karen Hurd, a program about the history of corn harvesting, a display of Civil War memorial and displays by the Sadsbury Friends Meeting and the Moores Memorial Library, among others. The Lancaster Fencibles will demonstrate molding Civil War bullets and discuss Civil War firearms.
Children's activities will include a petting zoo, face painting and entertainment by strolling magician Doc Yoder. Children will also be able to explore a fire engine from Christiana Fire Company and be able to put out a simulated house fire with an actual fire hose. A photo booth will also be available.
A special train will shuttle children and adults from the Brinton House to the Christiana Freight Station, where visitors can learn all about the railroad. The train ride is free.
Strollers in period attire will be around the Brinton House, and attendees will be able to talk to Civil War re-enactors who will set up a historically authentic encampment and demonstrate drills and shooting.
At the Masonic Lodge, there will be a program about the Christiana Resistance, a display of antiques, talks by authors Joel Moore and Harry Kendall and spinning and weaving exhibits, among other displays.
A chicken barbecue will be prepared on-site by Randy Yoder, with proceeds from sales to benefit CHS. Two food trucks - Mocha Motion Coffee and 22bbq - will also be on hand.
In the past, the main focus was to highlight the Christiana Resistance, a slave rebellion that took place on Sept. 11, 1851. This year, additional aspects of Christiana history will be featured. "The Resistance is the most fascinating piece of history, but Christiana is so rich in history in a lot of other areas," Buchanan added.
For complete details about Christiana Heritage Days and a schedule of events or to make a reservation for the museum tour or wagon ride, visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com/heritage-days-2024 or http://www.facebook.com/christianahistoricalsociety.
Christiana Fire Company to host car show
May 22nd, 2024 - By, Francine Fulton
The Christiana Fire Company will present the Cruisin' in Christiana Car Show on Saturday, June 1, on the grounds of the William P. Brinton House, 17 Green St., Christiana. Registration will open at 9 a.m., and the show will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Vehicle owners will be asked to pay a registration fee, with all proceeds benefiting the fire company. Dash plaques will be presented to the first 30 entrants. Those who register in advance will receive a discount. Registration forms are available at the Christiana Borough office, 10 W. Slokom Ave. Same-day registrations will also be accepted.
"All makes and models are welcome. We are talking tractors, rigs and motorcycles - you name it," said Shawnie Betts, who is co-chair of the event along with fire company trustee Brandon Maser.
In addition to the car show, there will be food for sale, including chicken barbecue prepared by fire company members. The Taco RV and Cool Summer Ice Cream food trucks will also be on hand, and music will be provided by The 45 Guy, who will spin vinyl records.
The first Cruisin' in Christiana Car Show was held last fall, but the event fell victim to inclement weather, so organizers decided to change the car show to spring. "We are hoping for better weather, so more people are apt to come out," said Betts, noting that planning for the event has been going on the past six months. "I would love to see 50-plus cars."
Those who attend the show will be asked to vote for their favorite vehicle. There will also be awards in various classes, such as best classic car and best motorcycle. "The community is going to judge. If they come out to see the cars, they will get an entry form to pick the winners," said Betts, noting that Best of Show will awarded in memory of her father, Terry Walker Sr., a car enthusiast.
Cruisin' in Christiana is being held on the same day as Saturday on the Porch, a program presented by the Christiana Historical Society on the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon. During the event, attendees may purchase hot coffee, hot tea and sweets and enjoy conversation and musical entertainment. The performer on June 1 will be Phares Blank, who plays accordion music.
In the event of rain, the car show will be held on Saturday, June 8. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/christianafirecompany.
Saturday on the Porch
March 13th, 2024 - By, Francine Fulton
When members of the Christiana Historical Society were able to secure the William P. Brinton House as their headquarters, they envisioned a place that would not only house their artifacts and historical exhibits but serve as a community gathering place.
Part of that vision became reality as the society presented its first Saturday on the Porch program on March 2. During the event, the community was invited to purchase hot coffee, hot tea and sweets, including whoopie pies, brownies and cookies, while enjoying conversation with friends and neighbors. Also available for sale were historical society mugs.
Musical entertainment was provided by The Smith Family Singers of Coatesville, which included Mary Smith; her husband, Steven Rogers; and her sister, Keisha Smith.
Among those in attendance were historical society members Darlene Colon, society president, and Jim Groff, vice president, who were both pleased with the turnout despite the damp weather. They reported that nearly 50 people stopped by over the course of the morning. Lap blankets were available for people to borrow. "People are enjoying the conversation," said Colon.
Saturday on the Porch will be held on the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to noon through November. The next scheduled event will be on April 6.
Groff reported that the historical society will use the proceeds from the monthly events for the ongoing restoration of the 1867 Brinton House, which is located at 17 Green St., next to Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church. "We really need the funds to fix this house up," he stated.
In addition to the previously mentioned uses, the house and surrounding property will provide extra space for the society's annual open house on Sept. 11, which commemorates the Christiana Resistance. Colon is a descendant of one of the participants in the Resistance.
Visitors to the March event were able to sneak a peek inside the house, but it is not yet suitable for occupation. There was also a display of photos offered so that visitors could learn about the restoration project. Groff reported that the rotted joists inside the house are currently being replaced and that the building needs a new heating system.
For more information about the society, upcoming events and the restoration project, visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com or search for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook.
Those with questions may email info@christianahistoricalsociety.com.
Christiana groups partner to host spaghetti dinner
February 14th, 2024 - Francine Fulton
For the first time, two local nonprofit organizations - the Christiana Historical Society and the Christiana Fire Company - are teaming up to present a fundraiser.
An all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner to benefit both groups will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the fire company, 214 S. Bridge St., Christiana. The dinner will include spaghetti with sauce, homemade meatballs, salad, bread and breadsticks, beverages and desserts, including homemade whoopie pies.
All food items will be prepared by fire company volunteers. "We are doing strictly eat-in," noted fire company president Michael Ross. "This is our first eat-in dinner since (the pandemic)."
"We will make the meatballs on Friday night, so everything will be fresh," added Tim Manley, the fire company's fundraising chair.
It is recommended that dinners be purchased in advance. There will be separate prices for people age 12 and up and children ages 4 to 11. Tickets purchased in advance will be discounted. Tickets will also be available the door while supplies last.
Members of the Christiana Historical Society will have an information table set up during the dinner and will offer items for sale. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win gift baskets.
"We have an assortment of baskets from local organizations. There will be at least 15 baskets to choose from," said historical society member Patti Shrom. "Latte Luv has (donated) a coffee basket, and Dutch-Way (Farm Market) has (donated) a snack basket." Other businesses that have contributed items for the baskets include Limestone Pizza & Grille, the Town Clock Cheese Shoppe, Hostetter Realty, Glenwood Foods and Florals in Time.
The winners of the basket giveaway will be announced at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 17. "People do not have to be present to win. The baskets will stay at the fire company, and the winners can arrange for pickup," noted Shrom.
Girl Scouts from Cadette Troop 4637 will also be on hand offering cookies for sale and assisting with the dinner.
Proceeds from the dinner will be divided equally by the two organizations. The all-volunteer fire company, which serves Christiana Borough, Atglen Borough and Sadsbury Township, is looking to acquire an additional fire truck. "A new one costs over $1 million - bare bones - and there is a six-year wait," said Ross, noting that instead the company will purchase a used vehicle from a neighboring fire company. "A lot of the fire companies get a new fire truck every six to eight years and they sell the old ones."
The historical society will use the proceeds for the ongoing restoration of the William Brinton house, its new headquarters, which is located at 17 Green St., next to Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church.
"We have joists that are rotted inside the house that have to be replaced and there is no heating system, so there is a ton of work in there," noted Jim Groff, historical society vice president.
The building will eventually be used by the society to host its meetings and showcase its artifacts and memorabilia. In addition, it will provide extra space for its annual open house on Sept. 11, which commemorates the Christiana Resistance.
The society also hopes the building will someday serve as a community gathering place. "We want this building to be a social hall," Groff commented. Pointing up to the porch, he added, "Wouldn't it be nice to see people up there playing cards, checkers or chess? They can just stay here all day."
For more information about the dinner and to order tickets, visit http://www.facebook.com/christianahistoricalsociety or http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com. Tickets can also be purchased at http://www.christianafire.com.
Celebrate Christmas in Christiana
December 6th, 2023 - By, Francine Fulton
The community is invited to enjoy Christmas in Christiana on Saturday Dec. 9. The celebration will include activities at the Christiana Freight Station, an appearance by Santa, a "Light Up Christiana" decorating contest and events at the Brinton House, the new headquarters of the Christiana Historical Society.
"It's a wonderful day for Christiana. We get between 700 and 800 people from all around (who attend)," said Jim Groff, vice president of the Christiana Historical Society and a member of the Christiana Lions Club. Groff will portray Santa throughout the day and will spend the morning visiting area seniors and homebound individuals.
Later, Santa will be on hand at the Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Ave. Children age 12 and under who are accompanied by a parent or guardian can join Santa for a hot dog and a picture from 3 to 5 p.m. There will also be free children's train rides on a miniature train at the freight station starting at 3 p.m.
The Underground Railroad Museum, once known as Zercher's Hotel, 11 Green St., will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. Tours will be given by Darlene Colón, historical society president.
A new activity this year will be "Melodies on the Porch" being presented by the historical society at the Brinton House, 17 Green St., beginning at 3 p.m. The community is invited to enjoy hot drinks, Starbucks coffee, snacks and music on the building's newly renovated porch. The refreshments are free, but donations will be accepted. Historical society mugs will be available to fill with coffee for a suggested donation. The music will be presented by Victorian-dressed carolers and a fiddler beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Santa Claus will be driven around town from 6 to 8 p.m. He will be aboard a sleigh on the back of a flatbed truck and escorted by Christiana Fire Company. During that time, residents will be asked to donate nonperishable food items for the Octorara Area Food Cupboard. "People can put bags of food in front of their houses. At the tail end of the parade there will be truck gathering the bags," explained Patti Shrom, a member of the Christiana Historical Society and the Lions Club.
From 6 to 8 p.m., residents can enjoy hayrides through town to see the Christmas lights, and cookies and refreshments will be available at the Freight Station. There will be a live drive-through Nativity at New Beginnings Church of the Cross, 1 Penn Ave., and refreshments will also be available at the Moores Memorial Library, 9 W. Slokom Ave. A display of gingerbread houses will be featured at the Christiana Borough Hall, 10 W. Slokom Ave., from 3 to 8 p.m.
A "Light Up Christiana" lighting and decoration contest will be presented by the Christiana Lions Club. Judging of homes will begin at 6:15 p.m., and cash prizes will be awarded for the winners of Santa's Choice, Up-Town and Down-Town. Homes will be judged on amount of effort, curb appeal, use of luminarias and creativity.
For more information about Christmas in Christiana, visit http://www.facebook.com/christianahistoricalsociety, choose "Events" and then select "Melodies of Christmas on the Porch."
Historical burial ground tour slated
October 11th, 2023 - Written by, Staff
The Christiana Historical Society and Sadsbury Friends Meeting will present a "Talking Tombstone Tour" on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Sadsbury Friends Meeting burial ground, 1089 Simmontown Road, Gap.
Participants will be able to meet some of the "residents" of the burial ground and hear their stories from the mid-1800s and the Christiana Resistance.
Tour times will be at 4, 4:30, 5 and 5:30 p.m. There will be separate prices for adults and for children ages 10 to 13.
Refreshments will be included. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com. Tickets can also be purchased after 3:30 p.m. on tour day. For more information, call Monica at 856-313-0745.
Cruisin' in Christiana
October 4th, 2023 - By, Francine Fulton
Borough to present first car show
The Borough of Christiana will present the Cruisin' in Christiana Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 17 Green St., on the grounds of the William P. Brinton House. Registration will open at 1 p.m., and the show will take place from 2 to 5 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will benefit four nonprofit organizations: the Christiana Fire Company, the Christiana Historical Society, Moores Memorial Library and the Christiana Lions Club.
"The library will have a table with grab bags for the kids with coloring books and crayons," noted Shawnie Betts, a member of the Christiana Lions Club and one of the car show organizers. The fire company will provide attendees with an opportunity to win prizes, and representatives from the Lions Club and the historical society will be on hand throughout the day.
Betts said that all makes and models of vehicles are welcome at the first-time event. "We would love to have tractors or old fire trucks," she said. "We will have an ugly duckling prize and a fan favorite (as voted on by attendees). "Christiana Mayor Mark Carner does custom interior work, and he is sponsoring a prize for best (car) interior."
Music will be provided by The 45 Guy. "He will spin vinyl records, and he's a car guy," said Betts.
Food trucks that will be on hand include Butch's BBQ, which will offer hamburgers, french fries, sausage sandwiches and pork barbecue sandwiches, and the Softie Whirl ice cream truck.
Betts explained she came up with the idea to hold a car show after visiting with Christiana borough manger Bobbi Maser. "Bobbi said we should offer more (activities) for the community," said Betts, who is the manager of Britain Hill Venue & Vineyard. "We brought the idea to the mayor and borough council for approval. They thought it would be good use of the space."
An organizing committee has been planning the event for the past several months. Jenn Semple, the borough's administrative assistant, designed the car show poster and helped with fundraising.
Vehicle owners who register in advance will receive a discount. Registration forms are available at the Christiana Borough office, 10 W. Slokom Ave. Same-day registrations will also be accepted.
Betts said that community events are what make small towns so attractive to residents, citing the annual Christmas in Christiana event. "That is what sold me on this town. I love a close-knit community," she said. "With Christmas in Christiana, (it makes) you believe in Santa all over again."
For more information about the car show, call the borough office at 610-593-5199, visit http://www.christianaboro.org/news-announcements or search for "Christiana Borough" on Facebook.
Heritage Days to celebrate Christiana history
September 6th, 2023 - By, Francine Fulton
The Christiana Historical Society (CHS) will present Christiana Heritage Days on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9 and 10. The event is designed to celebrate the history of Christiana, which has a motto of "Freedom Began Here," and to highlight the Christiana Resistance, a slave rebellion that took place in Christiana on Sept. 11, 1851.
Activities will take place on the grounds of the William P. Brinton House, 17 Green St., Christiana. The building, which is currently undergoing renovations, was once owned by the Brinton family members, who were stationmasters on the Underground Railroad.
Events that will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 9 include historical displays, an appearance by Civil War re-enactors and exhibitors. "The Christiana Fire Company will provide activities for children," said Kathy Patterson, CHS secretary, noting that a photo booth will be available.
A chicken barbecue will be prepared on-site by Randy Yoder, with proceeds from sales to benefit CHS. Two food trucks - Mocha Motion Coffee and 22bbq - will also be on hand.
Historic wagon tours of the borough will be offered for a fee. Costumed tour guides will provide information about each site on the tour.
Heritage Days is also designed as way for area residents and visitors to learn about the Christiana Resistance, which occurred when a slave owner came from Maryland to retrieve a slave, whom he deemed to be his property. The black community took a stand and refused his demands. With the black residents receiving help from their Quaker neighbors, a confrontation ensued, which ended with the death of the slave owner. About 40 people - both black and Quaker - were arrested and held for trial on the charge of treason. A team of lawyers, led by Congressman Thaddeus Stevens of Lancaster, came to their defense and won.
"We meet people that know a little bit about the Resistance but not the whole story," noted Patterson. "We will fill in a lot of personal details."
Darlene Colón, society president, who is a descendant of one of the participants in the Resistance, will be at the Underground Railroad Museum, 11 Green St., on Sept. 9 to offer guided tours. Once known as Zercher's Hotel, the building was used to hold those who were arrested during the Resistance while they awaited transport to Philadelphia for trial.
Also on Sept. 9, there will be demonstrations of early American crafts, including yarn spinning and tinsmithing, at the Christiana Masonic Lodge, 115 E. Slokom Ave.
The Heritage Days celebration will continue on Sept. 10 with a worship service at 10 a.m. followed by a potluck lunch at noon under the tent at the Brinton House. The Lancaster Choir will perform at 2 p.m. at Latta Presbyterian Church, 23 Green St., which is located next the Brinton House.
All proceeds from Heritage Days will benefit the Brinton House restoration project. For more information, to reserve wagon tour tickets or to register for a museum tour, visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com and choose "Events." More information is also available by searching for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook.
Christiana Historical Society launches new website, announces fundraiser
March 22nd, 2023 - By, Francine Fulton
As part of its mission to preserve and celebrate local history, the Christiana Historical Society has launched a new website.
Those who visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com will be able to learn about topics such as the Underground Railroad and the Christiana Resistance, as well as find out about the society's upcoming events. Current members can renew their membership online as well.
In addition, the website provides a history of the William Penn Brinton House, the society's new headquarters, which is currently undergoing renovations. People are invited to contribute to the project by choosing the "Donate" button on the homepage.
The website, created by society member Terri Buchanan, was unveiled during a society meeting on Feb. 23.
An additional fundraiser for the renovation project is a "Buy a Beam" promotion, which invites people to "purchase" a beam that will be used in the house. "There are 22 joists that need to be replaced," explained society secretary Kathy Patterson. "(Society vice president) Jim Groff has sourced 22 age-appropriate joists so that we can replace the beams that are true to the period - 150 years old."
Donors will have their name or their family name imprinted on a plaque - up to 30 letters - that will be attached to the beam. "You will 'own' the beam forever," said Patterson. "We need the beams to keep the structure sound."
Those interested in purchasing a beam can click on the "Buy a Beam" button on the homepage.
After standing empty for several years, the two-story Brinton House, located at 17 Green St., next to Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church, was leased by the society from the Borough of Christiana in April of 2022.
The building will eventually be used by the society to host its meetings and showcase its artifacts and memorabilia. It will also provide additional space for its annual open house on Sept. 11, which commemorates the Christiana Resistance.
A great deal of restoration must be done in the building before it is ready to be occupied, including mold remediation. In February, workers from Vintage Stone of Christiana, owned by local resident Mike Weaver, volunteered to remove radiators and scrap from inside the house.
The Christiana Historical Society meets on the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Christiana Borough Hall, 10 W. Slokom Ave., Christiana. All meetings are free and open to the public.
On March 30, the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster will present a lecture about the Lancaster County Civil War Ladies Aid Society. "They will tell the story and be dressed in period garb," Patterson said, noting that refreshments will be served.
For more information about the historical society, visit the new website or search for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook.
Open House Set at Christiana's Zercher Hotel
February 22nd, 2023 - By, Francine Fulton
The Christiana Historical Society will present an open house at the Zercher Hotel, 11 Green St., Christiana, on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will be able to hear the story of the Christiana Resistance, a slave rebellion that took place in Christiana on Sept. 11, 1851.
The historic events occurred that day when slave owner and farmer Edward Gorsuch came from Maryland to retrieve four runaway slaves, whom he deemed to be his property. He arrived at the Christiana home of William Parker, an African American who was giving the slaves refuge. The black community took a stand and refused his demands. With the black residents receiving help from their Quaker neighbors, a confrontation ensued, ending with the death of Gorsuch. About 40 people - both black and Quaker - were arrested and held for trial on the charge of treason. A team of lawyers, led by Congressman Thaddeus Stevens of Lancaster, came to their defense and won.
Those who visit the museum on Feb. 25 will also be able to view exhibits, artifacts and photographs. "There is a map of all the Underground Railroad stationmasters from our area that we have documented," said Darlene Colón, society president. "There is also a storyboard with photos of the son of Edward Gorsuch, photos of the three Quaker gentlemen who were at the Parker home when the event took place and the last two gentlemen who were alive when the home was torn down."
"We also have some artifacts from an archaeological dig we did in 2016," she continued. "That was done by Kutztown University on the site where the house used to stand on Lower Valley Road."
This is the first open house being held at the site since the pandemic, and it is taking place during Black History Month. "Before COVID, we used to have open houses once a month from April to September leading up to our September (anniversary) events," said Colón, who is a descendant of one the participants in the Resistance.
The museum is now open by appointment only. The society is planning to launch a new website at the end of February, which will allow people to make reservations for tours online. "We get a lot of calls from people who want to stop in with groups, and we are interested in (volunteers) who want to learn the story and learn how to tell it," she noted. "Some people who live in the area still don't know about (the Christiana Resistance), and we have people visiting the area who have never heard of it."
She also reported that progress is being made on the Brinton House, which will become the society's headquarters when repairs are completed at the property. The two-story house, located at 17 Green St., next to Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church, is owned by the Borough of Christiana, but it has been leased to the historical society.
"We are still working on getting grants," Colón noted. "We are doing what we can with volunteer labor. We recently had a group come in and take out debris."
For more information about the open house or the Brinton House project, search for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook or email Colón at Quamony@aol.com.
Heritage Days To Celebrate The History Of Christiana
September 7th, 2022 - By, Francine Fulton
The rich history of Christiana will be celebrated on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, as the Christiana Historical Society presents Christiana Heritage Days.
Events that will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 10 will include wagon tours of Christiana, an appearance by Civil War re-enactors, food trucks and children's activities. The celebration will continue on Sept. 11 with a worship service followed by a picnic lunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
New this year is that most activities will take place on the grounds of the William P. Brinton House, 17 Green St., Christiana, which the society acquired as its headquarters in April. The building was once owned by the Brinton family members, who were stationmasters on the Underground Railroad.
According to Darlene Colón, society president, the annual event is designed to highlight the Christiana Resistance, a slave rebellion that took place in Christiana on Sept. 11, 1851, when a slave owner came from Maryland to retrieve what he deemed to be his property. The black community took a stand and refused his demands. With the black residents receiving help from their Quaker neighbors, a confrontation ensued which ended with the death of the slave owner. About 40 people - both black and Quaker - were arrested and held for trial on the charge of treason. A team of lawyers, led by Congressman Thaddeus Stevens of Lancaster, came to their defense and won.
On hand during the event will be members of the Thaddeus Stevens Society, as well as students from the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster who are helping to restore the Brinton House.
"We will also have first-person interpreters who will stroll through town known as the Pennsylvania Past Players," said Colón. "They will portray stationmasters and conductors on the Underground Railroad. There will also be Victorian-era games for kids to play."
Wagon tours of the borough will also be offered for a fee. Costumed tour guides will provide information about each site on the tour.
There will be a family-oriented, walkable scavenger hunt, as well as book signings by authors Harry Kendall and Joel Moore.
Colón, who is a descendant of one of the participants in the Resistance, will be at the Underground Railroad Museum, 11 Green St. Once known as Zercher's Hotel, the building was used to hold those who were arrested during the Resistance while they awaited transport to Philadelphia for trial.
An exhibit of historical postcards from the Lancaster County Postcard Club will be located in the Christiana Masonic Lodge, 115 E. Slokom Ave. Christiana Borough Hall, 10 W. Slokom Ave.; the Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Ave.; and the Moores Memorial Library, 9 W. Slokom Ave., will all be open with historical exhibits.
Food vendors will include an Amish food truck, which will offer breakfast and lunch; SoulCountry Vegan; Randy Yoder preparing chicken; and Brinson's Barbeque.
For more information about Christiana Heritage Days, search for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook or email Colón at Quamony@aol.com.
Christiana Historical Society Has A New Home
April 6th, 2022 - By, Francine Fulton
After standing empty for several years, the Brinton House in Christiana will soon be the home of the Christiana Historical Society, with future plans calling for the establishment of a community room, a meeting space and an area to display historical exhibits.
The two-story house, located at 17 Green St., next to Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church, is owned by the Borough of Christiana, but has been leased to the historical society.
According to Darlene Colón, society president, the building once operated as a family nursery. "The Brinton family was very active in the Underground Railroad. One of the children married, so they built that house for him in 1867," she explained. "(The property) was a nursery and they raised flowers. Years ago, there were greenhouses there. They sold the property to the Smallwoods, and they ran the nursery, which is why the smokestack by the barn has the name 'Smallwood' on it. They grew magnificent roses."
A great deal of restoration work must be done in the building before it is ready to be occupied, including mold remediation. "The foundation is solid. Some of the floors have buckled (because of a water leak), so we have to get that done," said Colón. "We will have to do major fundraising and we are looking at some grants."
Assistance will be provided by students from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster. "Thaddeus Stevens College has agreed to work with us and give us some of their students because all students have to do community service now," said Colón. "(It is appropriate) since they are learning about painting, electrical work, carpentry and masonry."
The building will eventually be used by the society to host its meetings and showcase its artifacts and memorabilia. In addition, it will provide additional space for its annual open house on Sept. 11, which commemorates the Christiana Resistance. "(The property) is on 6.7 acres, so we will be able to use it for events," said society vice president Jim Groff, who was instrumental in acquiring the building for the society.
"The building will be used as a home for the historical society, and we also want to have a community room there," Colón added. "It may be a little community cafe. We want to keep history alive."
"One thing about Christiana is we always had a place where people would sit and socialize and talk. We have lost that in our town," said Groff. "I feel that this building can bring that back. People can sit down and get to know each other again like it used to be."
Colón said she is looking forward to when the building can open its doors to the public. "It will be a boon for the community. I can see all kinds of things happening here. Communities are not in touch like they used to be, and we want to bring that back. We want to be like Mayberry," she said with a smile, referring to the town on the 1960s sitcom "The Andy Griffith Show."
For more information, search for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook or email Colón at Quamony@aol.com.
Christiana Historical Society To Present Gardening Program
March 16th, 2022 - By, Francine Fulton
The Christiana Historical Society will host a lecture titled "19th-Century Victorian Working Gardens in Pennsylvania Dutch Country" on Saturday, March 26, at 2 p.m. at the Christiana Freight Station, 10 Railroad Ave., Christiana. The guest speaker will be Lancaster County Master Gardener Mike Cassidy.
During the event, Cassidy will talk about the characteristics of Victorian gardens and compare them to today's more common gardens.
Society members first met Cassidy during their annual anniversary open house last fall, which highlighted the Christiana Resistance, a slave rebellion that took place in Christiana. "We had an event on Sept. 11 and we met Mike, who was a re-enactor, and we also found out he is a Master Gardener and he volunteered to (host the lecture)," said society member Kathy Patterson.
Cassidy is a Master Gardener volunteer with Penn State Extension and lectures about historic gardens for the Lancaster Master Gardener Speakers Bureau. He is also an active volunteer in the Idea Gardens at Penn State's farm near Landisville.
A former state legislator, Cassidy previously served on the board of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County and is a past president of the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association and the Maytown Historical Society.
He and his wife, Jeanne, restored two log homes in Maytown (circa 1790s and 1810) and designed gardens and outbuildings around them that are appropriate to the 19th century. Their "working garden" includes fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers, including historic varieties and native species that attract birds, bees and butterflies.
The lecture will be free, but donations will be accepted. "This is a membership drive initiative for us. If they come to the lecture and enjoy it, we are hoping they will join our group," Patterson stated.
Information about membership will be available at the event. "(Members will be) part of an exciting new future for the Christiana Historical Society. We will be holding community events and historical events," Patterson said. "Members pay an (annual) membership fee, which gets you free entrance to any event that we hold."
To register for the program on March 26, email quamony@aol.com. Walk-ins will also be welcome. For more information, search for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook.
Christiana Historical Society Sets Anniversary Event
September 1st, 2021 - By, Francine Fulton
The Christiana Historical Society will hold its annual anniversary open house on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities will include historical exhibits and programs, re-enactors, book signings by local authors and a treasure hunt.
The event is designed to highlight the Christiana Resistance, a slave rebellion that took place in Christiana. According to a history provided by the society, on Sept. 11, 1851, slave owner Edward Gorsuch and his associates came from Maryland looking for runaway slaves, whom Gorsuch believed to be his property. They surrounded the home of former slave William Parker, where the fugitives were said to be hiding. Both African Americans and members of the local abolitionist Quaker community took a stand and refused his demands. Gorsuch was killed in the conflict, and others were wounded. About 40 people - both black and Quaker - were arrested and held for trial on the charge of treason. A team of lawyers, led by Congressman Thaddeus Stevens of Lancaster, came to their defense and won. The event marked one of the first episodes of African American resistance to the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act.
Events on Sept. 11 will be held at what was once known as the Zercher Hotel, 11 Green St., Christiana, the building in which those arrested were held while waiting to be transported to Philadelphia for a trial at Independence Hall, as well as at the neighboring historic property of William Brinton.
Because it is the 170th anniversary of the Resistance, this year's celebration will offer even more attractions, according to Christiana Historical Society president Darlene Colón. She is also a re-enactor and portrays Lydia Hamilton Smith, business partner of Thaddeus Stevens.
New this year is a Victorian mourning hair accessory exhibit and lecture by Lucy Cadwallader, a historical hair artisan. Attendees will be able to design their own Victorian mourning hair accessory in a program to be held at 1 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 115 E. Slokom Ave., Christiana. A fee will be charged. To register for the workshop, email Colón at Quamony@aol.com. Payment will be due on the day of the event.
There will be a family-oriented, walkable treasure hunt, as well as book signings by authors Harry Kendall and Joel Moore.
Visitors will be able to meet the 3rd United States Colored Infantry re-enactors and talk to the men from the Invalid Corps. Many of the men from the African American community of Christiana enlisted during the Civil War to further the fight for freedom.
Food, including barbecue chicken and rib dinners, will be offered for sale by Art Brinson.
According to Colón, who is a descendant of one the participants in the Resistance, the goal of the day is to ensure that the important role that Christiana played in history will never be forgotten. "Ezekiel Thompson was my third great-grandfather," she said. "He participated and was arrested. I (feel it is my duty) to preserve his legacy."
For more information about the event, email Colón or search for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook.
Historical societies to remember Christiana Resistance
with Sept. 11 open house, bus trip
August 20th, 2021 - Written By, Staff
The Christiana Historical Society will host its annual Anniversary Open House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11.
The event will bring “history to life” and explore Christiana’s role in the Underground Railroad. Volunteers will also share details of the Christiana Resistance of Sept. 11, 1851. That’s when a slave owner from Maryland came to Christiana to retrieve a slave; the Black community refused his demands and a confrontation ensued resulting in the death of the slave owner. A large group of Black and Quaker individuals were held for trial and were either acquitted or had their charges dropped.
The event will also feature exhibits, including a replica of the box Henry “Box” Brown used in his escape to freedom, food prepared by A. Lee Brinson and work from 19th-century hair artisan Lucy Cadwallader.
Military reenactors will also be on site.
The event will be held at the Zercher Hotel, 11 Green St., Christiana.
The African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania is sponsoring a Melard Motorcoach bus to the event, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., including commentary on the trip by historical guide Daniel Ness. Tickets for the trip are $14 per person and can be reserved by calling Barbara Dorsey at 717-471-8107.
The bus leaves from Red Rose Commons on Fruitville Pike.
visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com/events or http://www.facebook.com/christianahistoricalsociety
Christiana Historical Society asks council to allow use, restoration of buildings on Green St. property
July 8th,2021 - By, Marcella Peyre-Ferry
What happened: Christiana Historical Society President Darlene Colon asked council to consider allowing the organization to restore and use the buildings on the borough’s Green Street property.
Background: In the past month, the borough authority completed the purchase of the 7-acre parcel at 17 Green St. in Christiana. The borough is primarily interested in the water wells on the property, but there are also two residences and a barn on the site that are in disrepair.
Why it’s important: The historical society would like to restore one or more of the buildings to use for their meetings, events and displays.
Quotable: “We thought that would be a nice home for us. We don’t know what you had in mind for the property. We know that there would be an expense to renovate it,” Colon said.
Paying for repairs: The buildings are not in good condition, and restoration could be expensive. The historical society would be seeking grants to make repairs and bring the structures into usable condition.
What happens next: Council agreed to allow volunteers to work on maintenance of the grounds outside the buildings, with the help of borough public works employees when they are not otherwise occupied.
visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com/events or http://www.facebook.com/christianahistoricalsociety.