Lebanon PA - 250PA, PO Box 23, Myerstown, PA (2026)

10/08/2026

📜 History Happens Here — Kauffman’s United Methodist Church, North Annville Township

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary and its own history dating back to 1768, Kauffman’s United Methodist Church will host a public open house on October 11 at 3 PM, followed by a tour of its cemetery at 5 PM.

The story of Kauffman’s Church begins in 1734 with a handwritten deed having a chain of titles originating with William Penn’s sons, Thomas and Richard Penn. This deed conveyed 195 acres to a German immigrant named Frederick Koffman and his wife Elizabeth. Koffman was both a farmer and a Mennonite bishop. In 1768, he sold one acre for three pounds sterling - about $15 - to be used only for a cemetery, church, school, and worship.

A log meetinghouse was built on the tract north of present-day Annville and shared by Mennonite and United Brethren congregations. The two congregations separated in 1851, after which Kauffman’s became a United Brethren Church served by circuit-riding pastors.

The present brick church was completed in 1856 as Mt. Zions Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Its separate entrances and seating divided men and women, while children sat at the front. Even the center pews had wooden partitions to maintain that separation. A belfry and bell were added in 1890. The bell called worshippers to Sunday services and, at funerals, tolled once for each year of the deceased’s life.

The creek behind the church was used for baptisms, including more than 30 immersions recorded around 1912. Snow rarely canceled services; families walked or arrived by horse-drawn sled and before a furnace was installed around 1910, two wood or coal-burning stoves heated the church.

🕰 Take a step back in time!
📖Learn about local history and its people!
📍Kauffman’s United Methodist Church | 380 Kauffman Road | Annville, PA

History Happens Here — in the Lebanon Valley.
Follow along each week as we continue to share historic stories and places in the Lebanon Valley. Celebrate history in the Lebanon Valley — stay, savor, and explore!
Link: https://visitlebanonvalley.com/

10/08/2026

📜 History Happens Here — Hokes Meeting House, Lebanon

Have you ever driven by Hokes Meeting House on Rte. 72 and wanted to know more about it? This historic Lebanon County site has deep roots in the local community and in generations of Hoke family history. Built in 1758 beside the David Hoke farm, the meeting house marked an important moment in the region’s early settlement and religious life. For many years, it also hosted the Hoke Family Reunion, helping preserve the family’s local legacy.

The Hoke surname is German in origin, derived from Höke or Hake, meaning “small trader.” The family’s presence in Lebanon County reflects the area’s German and English settler heritage.

The meeting house and its surrounding cemetery are tied to Lebanon’s early 18th-century history, reflecting the agricultural and community life of the time. The Hoke family’s long-standing presence in the area is evident in both the meeting house’s history and the cemetery’s memorials. The cemetery contains 76 memorials honoring members of the Hoke family and others connected with the meeting house. Additional info can be found on these sites: BillionGraves or Find a Grave.

🕰 Take a step back in time!
📖Learn about local history and its people!
📍Hoke’s Meeting House | 2081 Quentin Road | Lebanon

Nearby: Fairview Golf Course (1.6 mi), Plaza 422 Mall (2.7 mi), and Lebanon Country Club (3.1 mi)

History Happens Here — in the Lebanon Valley.
Follow along each week as we continue to share historic stories and places in the Lebanon Valley. Celebrate history in the Lebanon Valley — stay, savor, and explore!
Link: https://visitlebanonvalley.com/

09/29/2026

Continue the Celebration of America’s 250th with Bike Lebanon!

Get ready to explore history on two wheels on the Fort Swatara & Monroe Valley Chapel Ride!

This family-friendly ride will depart from Swatara State Park Monroe Valley Road parking area. Head to the Lickdale trailhead and canoe launch parking lot off Monroe Valley Road in Swatara State Park.

Join Bike Lebanon for a unique cycling experience where you’ll ride through scenic countryside and discover the stories tied to Fort Swatara and the historic Monroe Valley Chapel area—two meaningful landmarks that reflect the region’s rich heritage.

📆Saturday, October 10th | 12:00 PM
📍 Meeting Location: Monroe Valley Road parking area | Swatara State Park
🚴 Ride Details: 10–12 miles round trip. Easy pace. Great for riders of all skill levels.
🎟️ Free to attend.

🛑What to Know Before You Go:
- Children must wear helmets
- Adults are strongly encouraged to wear helmets.
- Close-toed shoes are recommended for all.

This ride is part of our monthly historic ride series (May–October), highlighting unique local sites and stories across Lebanon County. It’s a great way to get active, connect with others, and experience the history that shaped our community.

Pedal the Past Program https://bit.ly/Pedal_the_Past
VLV Events Page https://visitlebanonvalley.com/

09/24/2026

📜 History Happens Here — Weigley Mansion (Heidelberg Hall) in Schaefferstown

Built from 1876 to 1882 for prominent businessman and philanthropist William M. Weigley, Heidelberg Hall is a grand Second Empire mansion and enduring example of Lebanon County’s Gilded Age.

Designed by Philadelphia architect Isaac Harding Hobbs, the 12,000-square-foot home was built from sandstone quarried on Weigley’s property. Its mansard roof, twin towers, ornate interiors, nine fireplaces, and American chestnut woodwork distinguish its 30 rooms. The design appeared in Godey’s Lady’s Magazine and Scientific American in 1875.

Born in 1818, Weigley owned stores, farms, a quarry, and a grist mill while generously supporting local churches, fire companies, Sunday schools, and civic groups. He died in 1887. The mansion remained in his family until the 1940s; Wayne David Hand acquired it in September 2020 and began an extensive restoration.
As the only known structure based on Hobbs’ Design L###VII, Heidelberg Hall remains one of Lebanon County’s finest preserved historic homes. See a peek inside through photos shared on Facebook.

🕰Take a step back in time!
📖Learn about local history and its people!
📍Heidelberg Hall | 1373 Heidelberg Avenue | Schaefferstown, PA

History Happens Here — in the Lebanon Valley.
Follow along each week as we continue to share historic stories and places in the Lebanon Valley. Celebrate history in the Lebanon Valley — stay, savor, and explore!

Link: https://visitlebanonvalley.com/

09/23/2026

Natalie Caruso has traveled across our Commonwealth with a goal to see every Bells Across PA installation. She has seen 109 so far! 🔔✨🎨

Hear from her as she shares her experience and hopes to inspire others to do the same! ⬇️

In August 2025, I was on an audio tour of Valley Forge Park with a friend. Along the way, we saw the bell at the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge with information about Bells Across PA. Always up for an adventure, I decided to investigate.

I started locally, visiting the bell in my home county, Chester County, and the two bells in neighboring Delaware County. But my bell chasing soon brought me to all 67 counties, and I have been able to see so much of Pennsylvania thanks to my bell quest. Along the way, I’ve visited the Flight 93 National Memorial, Horseshoe Curve, the Little League Museum, Kinzua State Park and the Zippo Museum. I’ve found the groundhogs in Punxsutawney, the World’s Largest Coffee Pot in Bradford and the highest point in Pennsylvania at Mount Davis. I’ve also discovered new restaurants and more than a few ice cream shops along the way.

I struggle to pick a “favorite” bell, since they are all so beautiful and unique. The bell at Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia is absolutely stunning, with an applique of the church itself. One of the Westmoreland bells is mosaic tile, which made it stand out to me. The bell in Juniata County features the covered bridge where it is located and has a book for visitors to sign. Each bell highlights features of its county or location, and I am amazed at the artistic talent and creativity of each one.

The people have become part of the adventure, too. A family walking their dog helped me find the bell in Snyder County. When I showed them a picture from the America250PA website, they realized they knew the artist, so they walked over to see it, too. I also met a woman from Clearfield County who is on the bell quest, and we started sharing information about the bells.

My coworkers know about my quest, and those who live in Pennsylvania have begun visiting bells near them. I even saw the bell at Citizens Bank Park with my son, his fiancée, and my five-month-old granddaughter at her first Phillies game.

I hope to finish my quest by the end of the year with a few more trips around the state. I am truly thankful to everyone involved.

✨If you have also traveled to visit our Bells Across PA installations, send us a message for a chance to be featured!

09/17/2026

📜 History Happens Here — Cornwall United Methodist Church

Cornwall United Methodist Church has been part of Lebanon Valley history for more than 230 years, with its earliest recorded congregation dating back to 1793. From its first Sunday School in the Old Mill House to the construction of the current church in the late 1870s, this Cornwall landmark reflects generations of faith, community, and craftsmanship.

The church’s story includes a donated acre of land for its first permanent home, a cornerstone laid in 1877 for the current structure, European glass in its rose window, a bell once tied to the Burd Coleman Furnace, and stained-glass details that honor Cornwall’s mining heritage.

Today, Cornwall United Methodist Church continues to serve the Greater Lebanon area while preserving a remarkable connection to the people, places, and traditions that shaped the community.

🕰 Take a step back in time!
📖Learn about local history and its people!
📍Cornwall United Methodist Church | 50 Freeman Dr, | Lebanon, PA 17042

History Happens Here — in the Lebanon Valley.
Follow along each week as we continue to share historic stories and places in the Lebanon Valley. Celebrate history in the Lebanon Valley — stay, savor, and explore!

Link: https://visitlebanonvalley.com/

09/10/2026

📜 History Happens Here — Lebanon Brewery, now Lebanon Valley Craft Brewery

The Lebanon Brewery opened at 840 North 7th Street in 1856, launching a local brewing tradition that would last more than a century. Incorporated as the Lebanon Brewing Company in 1887, it produced porter, cream ale, and four la**rs (about 7,000 gallons a year) and even welcomed female tour guests to a tea house.

After weathering Prohibition, the brewery entered a new era in 1933, when William Donmoyer invested about $250,000 to reopen and expand it into Lebanon’s largest brewery. The eight-building complex could store 60,000 barrels and continued operating until 1959, when the Lebanon Valley Brewing Company closed.

Today, the original boiler house, horse stable, and a towering 1930s brew kettle still help tell its story. Since 2017, Lebanon Valley Craft Brewery has brought brewing back to the property while preserving its remarkable heritage.

Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the brewery’s early years, its Prohibition-era changes, historic bottling operations, and how b**r is made there today. From 1856 to today, this Lebanon landmark is still brewing history!

🕰Take a step back in time!
📖Learn about local history and its people!
📍Lebanon Valley Craft Brewery | 849 N. 7th Street | Lebanon, PA

History Happens Here — in the Lebanon Valley.
Follow along each week as we continue to share historic stories and places in the Lebanon Valley. Celebrate history in the Lebanon Valley — stay, savor, and explore!

Link: https://visitlebanonvalley.com/

09/10/2026

Did you get your 250th t-shirt to commemorate this historic year?

Visit Lebanon Valley has a selection of Lebanon 250 t-shirts and baseball caps available for purchase.

🎆The price is $10 each 🎆

Stop by their office located at 115 Springwood Drive, Suite 500, Lebanon, Monday - Friday from 9 AM - 5PM
Get yours before they’re gone!

09/09/2026

If you started the Wooden Nickel History Trail, now is the time to complete it! 🪣🥨🚂⛑ 🇺🇸

Visit Lebanon Valley has a limited number of the FREE tokens left and they will not be ordering more. Stop in and finish your collection! The VLV office is open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.

The Lebanon County Wooden Nickel History Trail invites travelers to discover key historic and cultural sites throughout the Valley.

🔗History Trail Events – America 250 Lebanon County https://visitlebanonvalley.com/america-250-history-trail/

09/08/2026

Continue the Celebration of America’s 250th with Bike Lebanon!

Get ready to explore history on two wheels at the Fort Indiantown Gap and National Guard Museum! Join Bike Lebanon for a unique cycling experience where you’ll ride through the past and discover the stories behind one of the region’s most significant military and National Guard heritage sites.

This family-friendly ride will depart from the middle parking area of Memorial Lake State Park and includes a mix of local roads and scenic surroundings near Fort Indiantown Gap. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a casual cyclist, or just looking for a fun outdoor activity, this event offers the perfect blend of fresh air, local heritage, and community.

📆Saturday, September 19th | 12:00 PM
📍 Meeting Location: Memorial Lake State Park | Grantville
🚴 Ride Details:10–12 miles round trip. Easy pace. Great for riders of all skill levels.
🎟️ Free to attend.
🛑What to Know Before You Go:
- Children must wear helmets
- Adults are strongly encouraged to wear helmets.
- Close-toed shoes are recommended for all.

This ride is part of our monthly historic ride series (May–October), highlighting unique local sites and stories across Lebanon County. It’s a great way to get active, connect with others, and experience the history that shaped our community.

Pedal the Past Program https://bit.ly/Pedal_the_Past
VLV Events Page https://bit.ly/VLV_Events

Lebanon PA - 250PA

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