Whitehall Historical Preservation Society

Introduction

The Whitehall Historical Preservation Society is a US nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the historical heritage of Whitehall Township. The society focuses on protecting historically significant structures and sites within the township, while also collecting, archiving, preserving, and displaying items of local historical importance.

History and Projects

One of the key historical sites managed by the society is the Helfrich Springs Grist Mill, built in 1807 by Peter Grim and listed on the National Register of Historical Sites in 1977. The society began its preservation efforts for the mill in 1984, with the goal of establishing it as a hub for historical projects and programs, as well as a museum for the township's history. Today, the mill is open to the public for regular monthly meetings, special events, and by appointment.

The society has also been involved in the restoration of the Peter Grim Homestead, the residence of the miller, built in 1834 and added to the National Register in 1999. This homestead serves as the society's headquarters and houses a genealogical research library. Restoration efforts aim to reflect the mid-19th-century era aesthetic of the home.

Activities and Volunteer Work

The Whitehall Historical Preservation Society engages in various activities to promote historical preservation. These include:

• Outdoor Maintenance: Volunteers assist with yard work, gardening, painting, moving equipment, power washing, and other exterior tasks at historic properties.
• Indoor Maintenance: Tasks include periodic cleaning, organizing historic records, painting, sorting donations, and other tasks.
• Office Work: Volunteers help with research, documenting, archiving, social media outreach, advertising, and general office duties.
• Special Events: The society organizes annual events such as flea markets, yearly bingo nights, monthly speakers programs, open houses, and other special events to engage the community and raise awareness about local history.

Mission

The primary mission of the Whitehall Historical Preservation Society is to advocate for the preservation of historically significant structures and sites in Whitehall Township. By collecting, archiving, preserving, and displaying items from the township's past, the society aims to educate the public and ensure that the rich history of the area is preserved for future generations.