Historic Schaefferstown among 177 groups awarded grants in $4m round

A Lebanon County organization was included in a recent $4 million round of Cultural and Historical Support Grants awarded by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

Historic Schaefferstown Inc., the nonprofit steward of three historic sites in Schaefferstown, Heidelberg Township, received a $9,000 grant, PHMC announced last week.

Historic Schaefferstown maintains the Alexander Schaeffer Farm, the Gemberling-Rex House, and the Brendle Museum.

Historic Schaefferstown president Lynn Wenger said in an email to LebTown that the organization is “delighted to receive notice” of the grant.

“We rely on these grants to cover operating expenses and in our case, this covers the bulk of our insurance expense for the year – our single largest annual expense,” she said. “Our thanks to Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission for their consideration of small museums like ours.”

Historic Schaefferstown’s award was also recognized in a press release by local legislators.

“This organization preserves much of the history of the Pennsylvania Germans in our region. Its interactive classes appeal to everyone from older adults to children as young as fourth grade,” said state Rep. Russ Diamond.

“Historic Schaefferstown Inc. does a tremendous job in recognizing and preserving our community’s rich heritage and traditions for future generations,” said state Sen. Chris Gebhard. “I’m happy to see this grant will go towards fulfilling that mission.”

Find more information about Historic Schaefferstown, Inc., on the organization’s website.