SUPPORT

The Longswamp Township Historical Society (LTHS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable, self-funded, voluntary organization. (EIN # 30-072 0739). All monetary donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
We rely on support from our members and area businesses, donations, and sales of our "Village series" booklets and other merchandise. Monies raised from your purchases fund our public programming; museum collection acquisitions and care; operating expenses and publication design and print costs. You can lend your support in several ways:
We also invite you to browse our merchandise online available from our web store.
Donate!
The Longswamp Township Historical Society uses the donations and membership fees it receives to cover costs associated with normal operating expenses as well as free public programming, publication printings, building restoration, and other initiatives, the most important of which is to raise the needed funds to build a museum and historical library that will mimic the interior of the 1875 Mertztown Train Station. Groundbreaking for this structure is expected to begin before the end of 2023; construction of the interior of the building will move forward, using volunteer labor as well as tradesmen, as the requisite funds become available.
In June, 2023, the LTHS raised the needed funds to acquire a 1941 Reading Company caboose, which now resides in the Longswamp Township Park (1117 State Street, Mertztown, Pa.) on land leased to the Longswamp Township Historical Society by the Board of Township Supervisors. Our museum building will likewise reside in this location.
LTHS uses the donations and membership fees it receives to cover costs associated with public programming, publications, building restoration, and other initiatives. In late April, 2019, the LTHS acquired the Mertztown Train Station and is currently involved in the planning, moving, restoring and repurposing of the station to become our organization's headquarters, a museum housing and displaying items of relevance to the Longswamp community, and a non-circulating, historical library. (Learn more by visiting the Mertztown Train Station page.)
Area business owners can show their support by helping us to reduce program and event expenses through the donation of goods or services.
You can show your support through a monetary gift in any amount:
Become a member!
Membership in the Longswamp Township Historical Society is a vote for saving the past and historic heritage of the Longswamp area. We offer a variety of membership levels. To join, you can download a membership form, or become a member via our webstore. Member privileges include a members-only, bi-monthly newsletter.
The LTHS has a Facebook community page where you can share information about Longswamp area history. We also maintain an official Facebook page.
We rely on support from our members and area businesses, donations, and sales of our "Village series" booklets and other merchandise. Monies raised from your purchases fund our public programming; museum collection acquisitions and care; operating expenses and publication design and print costs. You can lend your support in several ways:
- Monetary donation
- In-kind donations of goods or services
- Become a member
- Attend our programs and events
- Museum collection donation
- Volunteer
We also invite you to browse our merchandise online available from our web store.
Donate!
The Longswamp Township Historical Society uses the donations and membership fees it receives to cover costs associated with normal operating expenses as well as free public programming, publication printings, building restoration, and other initiatives, the most important of which is to raise the needed funds to build a museum and historical library that will mimic the interior of the 1875 Mertztown Train Station. Groundbreaking for this structure is expected to begin before the end of 2023; construction of the interior of the building will move forward, using volunteer labor as well as tradesmen, as the requisite funds become available.
In June, 2023, the LTHS raised the needed funds to acquire a 1941 Reading Company caboose, which now resides in the Longswamp Township Park (1117 State Street, Mertztown, Pa.) on land leased to the Longswamp Township Historical Society by the Board of Township Supervisors. Our museum building will likewise reside in this location.
LTHS uses the donations and membership fees it receives to cover costs associated with public programming, publications, building restoration, and other initiatives. In late April, 2019, the LTHS acquired the Mertztown Train Station and is currently involved in the planning, moving, restoring and repurposing of the station to become our organization's headquarters, a museum housing and displaying items of relevance to the Longswamp community, and a non-circulating, historical library. (Learn more by visiting the Mertztown Train Station page.)
Area business owners can show their support by helping us to reduce program and event expenses through the donation of goods or services.
You can show your support through a monetary gift in any amount:
- Donate by visiting our webstore.
- Mail a check to our postal address: Longswamp Township Historical Society, P.O. Box 610, Mertztown, PA 19539.
- Attend one of our events and donate in person or patronize our fundraising events.
- Purchase museum supplies through our Amazon Wish List.
Become a member!
Membership in the Longswamp Township Historical Society is a vote for saving the past and historic heritage of the Longswamp area. We offer a variety of membership levels. To join, you can download a membership form, or become a member via our webstore. Member privileges include a members-only, bi-monthly newsletter.
The LTHS has a Facebook community page where you can share information about Longswamp area history. We also maintain an official Facebook page.
Shop!
The Longswamp Township Historical Society has researched, written, and published its Village series of booklets. These items, and other merchandise, are available at all of our events and on our webstore. You can also purchase booklets at the Courtesy Desk of Radcliffe's Great Valu (953 State Street, Mertztown), the Longswamp Township Building office (1112 State Street, Mertztown), and Firefly Book Store, 271 West Main Street, Kutztown.
Attend!
Show your support by attending our lectures, programs, and special events and/or patronizing publicized fundraising events. You can learn about upcoming activities from our News or Events pages.
The Longswamp Township Historical Society has researched, written, and published its Village series of booklets. These items, and other merchandise, are available at all of our events and on our webstore. You can also purchase booklets at the Courtesy Desk of Radcliffe's Great Valu (953 State Street, Mertztown), the Longswamp Township Building office (1112 State Street, Mertztown), and Firefly Book Store, 271 West Main Street, Kutztown.
Attend!
Show your support by attending our lectures, programs, and special events and/or patronizing publicized fundraising events. You can learn about upcoming activities from our News or Events pages.

Help us to Grow our Museum Collection!
As part of its mission, the Longswamp Township Historical Society has been actively acquiring documents, manuscripts, books, photographs, memorabilia, and many other artifacts related to the history of the Longswamp Township community. Our holdings, which exceed 2,000 items, has benefited from generous donations from residents, past and present, and acquisitions.
If you have any item(s) you'd like to share (so that we can photograph) or donate (to add to our growing collections), please contact us at LongswampHistory@gmail.com.
Pictured: (right): This bottle of castor oil, an item in our artifacts collection, came from the office of Dr. William (Dr. Billy) Long, who practiced medicine in the township in the first part of the 20th century.
Volunteer!
If you'd like to make a non-monetary contribution, consider volunteering your time, talent, and knowledge.
As part of its mission, the Longswamp Township Historical Society has been actively acquiring documents, manuscripts, books, photographs, memorabilia, and many other artifacts related to the history of the Longswamp Township community. Our holdings, which exceed 2,000 items, has benefited from generous donations from residents, past and present, and acquisitions.
If you have any item(s) you'd like to share (so that we can photograph) or donate (to add to our growing collections), please contact us at LongswampHistory@gmail.com.
Pictured: (right): This bottle of castor oil, an item in our artifacts collection, came from the office of Dr. William (Dr. Billy) Long, who practiced medicine in the township in the first part of the 20th century.
Volunteer!
If you'd like to make a non-monetary contribution, consider volunteering your time, talent, and knowledge.
- Join a sub-committee: Current committees include Building, Fundraising, Marketing, Membership, Museum, Programs, and Publications. You can volunteer as little or as much as you wish!
- Join the Board of Directors: The minimum requirements for joining the Board include attendance to and active participation in monthly Board meetings and the willingness to serve for at least one year. Monthly meetings generally run 90 minutes in length.
Support our programs and special events:
We can do more with the support of community members willing to donate their time to make our individual programs or events easier and more successful. Some examples of volunteer opportunities include serving as a greeter and handing out programs or other printed material, helping to set up/tear down lecture hall tables and chairs, or serving as a volunteer at a fundraiser event. No matter your background, please email us at LongswampHistory@gmail.com or attend any of our meetings to learn more. * Longswamp Township Historical Society has been designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a non-profit organization under IRS Tax Code 501(c)3 and a public charity under Tax Sub-code Section 509(a)(1). All contributions are considered tax deductible for federal tax purposes under current IRS regulations. |
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