Whitehall Historical Preservation Society
2026 Calendar of Events
FYI: All program meetings are held at the Helfrich Springs Grist Mill, 501 Mickley Rd. Whitehall and are open to the public and free of charge unless otherwise stated.
Upcoming Events and Programs:
March 29, 2026 - Passport to History Open House and Mill Weekend - 10 AM to 2 PM
April 10, 2026 - Senior and Veterans Expo at St. Luke’s Sports Center - 9 am to 12 noon
- Come out and see us at the St. Luke’s Sports Center (Fieldhouse) located at 3321 7th St. in Hokendauqua for the 9th Annual Senior and Veterans Expo hosted by Sen. Nick Miller and Rep. Jeanne McNeill. A wonderful opportunity to check out this new location for the event and see what your community has to offer “mature” individuals and those that have served our country. It’s also a great way to meet new people and possibly run into friends you haven’t seen for a while.
April 19, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
April 25, 2026 - Historic Walking Tour of Hokendauqua - 10 AM
- Reservations are required. The cost of the tour is $5.00 per person, FREE to all WHPS members. Please call 610 776-7280 or 484 547-9692 (leave a message) to reserve your spot for this fantastic journey into the past. The tour will last approx. 11⁄2 to 2 hours. A rain date is scheduled for April 26. Further instructions will be given upon booking.
April 29, 2026 - 7pm Speaker Program - Past and Present of Farming
with Garry Hunsicker of Twin Maple Farms
- The fertile soil is what initially attracted immigrants to the area of Whitehall Township and beyond. You can say it was the first major “industry” of that era (18th and 19th century). Later, as discoveries were being made, farms were being sold for their use of mineral contents within the soil to be utilized in making iron followed by the manufacturing of cement.
May 16, 2026 - WHPS Spring Flea Market - 8 AM to 1 PM
- Non-members reserved 12’ x 20’ space is $15, $20 on the day of the event. WHPS members $10. Call: 610 776-7280. Event will be held at 506 Mickley Rd. in Whitehall, behind the Peter Grim Homestead. (Rain Date: May 17, 2026). Refreshments will be available.
May 17, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
May 23, 2026 - History Expo 2026 Lehigh County Heritage Museum - 10 am to 4 pm
- The Lehigh County Historical Society is hosting a “2026 History Expo” at the Lehigh County Heritage Museum, 432 West Walnut St. Allentown, PA 18102, to commemorate the birth of the United States, 250 years ago. WHPS has been invited to set up and display our information at this event. Come out and celebrate with us, our local history. The Allentown Band will present an open- air concert playing patriotic melodies.
May 27, 2026 - 7pm Speaker Program - From Past to Present: Iron and Steel with Mike Piersa
- This illustrated lecture will showcase the history of the iron and steel industry in the Lehigh Valley and how it helped shape the entire nation. Learn how the industry has shifted, where steel is made today, and what happened to key manufacturing sites. Utilizing images from the National Museum of Industrial History, Historic American Engineering Record, and other sources, historian Mike Piersa will connect the past and present in a journey spanning all 250 years of American independence. Written by Mike Piersa
June 3, 2026 - 10 am "Field Trip" - Bethlehem Steel Stacks and National Museum of Industrial History
- Join us as we take a stroll on the sidewalks and trestle among the ruins of the Bethlehem Steel Works, led by WHPS member Eric Quimby, an experienced Bethlehem Steel guide. Hear Eric explain the history of this industrial enterprise; from it’s opening to its closure. Learn the importance World War I and II had on the business, the former functions of the buildings and what it was like working at the plant.
- Following this tour, we will visit the National Museum of Industrial History. Located in the old Bethlehem Steel Electrical Repair Shop. Its objective is to share America’s industrial achievements and the successes of workers, innovators and entrepreneurs. A docent will guide us along the exhibits adding details to these displays.
- If you would like to join us as a group, please call 610 776-7280 by May 27, 2026. There is an admission fee to the NMIH. Prices will vary. Further details will be given when your call is returned.
June 14, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
June 24, 2026 - 7pm Speaker Program - From Past to Present: Railroads within Whitehall Twp.
with Keith Nonnemacher
- Keith is a railroad enthusiast and has had a fascination with them ever since he was a child. His father and other family members were employees of the Philadelphia-Bethlehem and New England Railroad.
- Keith is excited to share his knowledge of railroads that have served Whitehall Township and their contributions to the growth of our community and the nation. This includes, but is not limited to the Ironton, Lehigh Valley, Reading, and CNJ railroads. His slide show presentation will be enjoyed by all railroad fans from the novice to the veteran. Hope you will be able to join us.
June 28, 2026 - Passport to History Open House and Mill Weekend - 10 AM to 2 PM
July 11, 2026 - Easton Heritage Day at Downtown Easton - 9 am to 5 pm
- In 1776, on the 8th of July, Easton Center square was one of only 3 places that the Declaration of Independence was read to the public for the first time. On Heritage Day, a rendition of this historic occasion takes place. Come out and enjoy your own experiences. WHPS has been invited to set up and display our information at this event.
- The day will open with the Easton’s Farmer’s market, a 250+ year enterprise. Throughout the day you will see reenactors of the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and WWII. Demonstrations on how to make soap, blacksmithing, weaving and more will be available for your viewing. Tour one or all of the historic homes Easton has conserved. The Sigal museum offers an exceptional look into our past with amazing displays and artifacts. A must visit.
July 25, 2026 - 10am - 4pm The Civil War Encampment & Open House and Mill
A living history of the 153rd Regiment PA Vol. Infantry
- This group of brave men, of the 153rd , enlisted from areas in Northampton County, among other locales including a few from Whitehall Township, and the states of New Jersey and New Hampshire. They are known to have fought desperately in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg in 1863.
- For the past 13 years this not-for-profit group of volunteers has been “setting up camp” on the
Grim house lawn displaying and presenting a “living history” of a civil war soldier. This event has
been in conjunction with the open house of the Helfrich Springs Grist mill and Peter Grim House.
Mark your calendar so you are sure not to miss this opportunity. This is a free event for all to enjoy.
August 8, 2026 - 10 am "Field Trip" - Horner’s Cemetery
with Peggy Moser, the founder of the Horner’s Cemetery Historical Society
- Known to be the oldest cemetery in Northampton County, Horner’s has laid to rest several founders, prominent individuals, doctors, squires, veterans of 4 wars and other important figures of Northampton County. Learn how the cemetery has gotten its name and hear the stories of these important people and how they helped cultivate this region and beyond.
- If you would like to participate in this scheduled event, please call 610 776-7280 by Aug.1 so that we have your contact information in case of cancelation/rescheduling and also to provide you with any further communication in addition to supplying our host a head count. This is a FREE event; however, donations are always appreciated.
August 16, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
September 20, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
September 27, 2026 - Passport to History Open House and Mill Weekend - 10 AM to 2 PM
October 18, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
November 15, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
December 13, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
January 18, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
February 15, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
March 15, 2026 - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Open House and Mill
March 25, 2026 - 7pm Speaker Program - Past and Present of the Lenape People of PA with Barbara “Bluejay” Michalski
Previously Held Events