First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg (101 S. Decatur St.)

Presentation topic: C. Emlen Urban and Charles Demuth, presented by Robert Frick

First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg (101 S. Decatur St.)

Presentation topic: Before Strasburg Township: Local Landowners in the 1700s, presented by Christopher Scott

Before the formation of Lancaster County in 1729, there was a five-square-mile tract of land that straddled Pequea Creek, referred to as Strettleton Township. This land falls within modern Strasburg and West Lampeter Townships. Christopher Scott will present newly discovered information on the settlement and property ownership within this tract of land, tracing the rights from William Penn’s grant in 1681 through all the pioneers who purchased plots when the tract was subdivided in 1731. A detailed overlay of the original survey with a modern map will allow attendees to see exactly which current properties lie within this historic area. Those who live within the boundaries will learn about their shared legacy of ownership through the early 1700s.

Christopher Scott is a resident of West Lampeter Township who recently published an engaging book on his research into the history of his property. It was through his efforts that he discovered the reference to Strettleton Township, which had previously been lost to history. The book not only tells the history of the property, but also provides a highly readable account of the historical research process that will be of interest to amateur historians or genealogists.

Come visit a variety of beautiful Strasburg gardens that are normally hidden from public view! You can walk between some of them in town, but you will need your car to reach all nine of them, as well as the Strasburg Community Garden. 

Tickets are good for both days and can be purchased online below (small fee).  You will pick up your guide to the gardens on either morning of the tour, starting ½ hour before the tour at the Strasburg First Presbyterian Church, 101 South Decatur St.   These guides, which are your actual ticket, can also be purchased in person starting May 22 at either Main Street Antiques or the Speckled Hen Cafe in town (cash or check only, no fees). Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the tour (where they can be purchased at the Presbyterian Church by cash, check, or credit card). 

Children under 10 do not need a ticket. The tour will happen rain or shine; no refunds will be offered.

Thank you for your support of our non-profit organization and we hope you enjoy our historic town!

Come visit a variety of beautiful Strasburg gardens that are normally hidden from public view! You can walk between some of them in town, but you will need your car to reach all nine of them, as well as the Strasburg Community Garden. 

Tickets are good for both days and can be purchased online below (small fee).  You will pick up your guide to the gardens on either morning of the tour, starting ½ hour before the tour at the Strasburg First Presbyterian Church, 101 South Decatur St.   These guides, which are your actual ticket, can also be purchased in person starting May 22 at either Main Street Antiques or the Speckled Hen Cafe in town (cash or check only, no fees). Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the tour (where they can be purchased at the Presbyterian Church by cash, check, or credit card). 

Children under 10 do not need a ticket. The tour will happen rain or shine; no refunds will be offered.

Thank you for your support of our non-profit organization and we hope you enjoy our historic town!

Everyone is welcome to attend the May meeting of the Strasburg Heritage Society on Monday, May 20th at 7:00 pm at the Strasburg Presbyterian Church. There is no cost to attend. We will be hearing from Dr. Robert Frick, educator and historian. He will share PowerPoint presentations on two individuals who made significant differences in the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America:

Thomas Henry Burrowes, a native son of Strasburg, served Pennsylvania as a legislator and educator. One of his many outstanding contributions to our state was leadership in the passage of the Free School Act of 1834, that required every municipality to provide an education to all children, regardless of the wealth of their families.

Dwight David Eisenhower focused on leadership in both the military and his presidency. In both his military career and in his role as the chief executive of the United States, his insight and leadership enabled him to establish long-range goals and a focus in achieving their desired outcomes. 

Participants should prepare for lively presentations filled with interesting facts and peppered with humor. Dr. Frick’s goal is education with a smile. Hope to see you there.

In addition to the presentation by Dr. Frick, the 2024 Trustee elections will take place at the Society meeting on the 20th.

Dwight Eisenhower
Presented by Bob Frick

Meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg at 7 pm, followed by refreshments.

Benjamin Franklin
Presented by Stephen Shaw

Meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg at 7 pm, followed by refreshments.

Family Connection Old Strasburg Bank
Presented by Rob Martin

This month, our speaker will be Rob Martin. He will be telling us about the Strasburg National Bank and his experiences in that historic building which still stands on the corner of Main St. and Decatur St. Rob’s father, and then Rob, owned the building for many years. He found many interesting things in the building when he was restoring it. The Strasburg National Bank was only the 42nd bank in the nation to be chartered; now there are thousands. Come and hear about the bank and other historical memories. We invite everyone in the community to join us.

Meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg at 7 pm, followed by refreshments.

Show and Tell - Member Participation
Member Penny D'Alessandro will kick off the evening with stories of her family's fascinating history, accompanied by photos of treasured heirlooms.

Afterward, the floor will be open to any other members or aspiring members.  All are encouraged to bring an item of historic interest to share. There are no requirements on the age of the items - just bring something that recalls some element of history. We especially encourage members to bring items pertaining to local history. If you're comfortable doing so, we would like you to say a few words about your item to explain its origin, significance, or story.

At the end of the meeting, we will have a reception for the homeowners who opened their homes this past December for the Holiday Home Tour. This was a highly successful event, and it couldn't have happened without the generosity and hospitality of the homeowners. Be sure to stay to thank them - and have a piece of cake!

Meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg at 7 pm, followed by refreshments.

Don’t miss our 12th Annual Holiday Home Tour! Join us as we visit homes and churches from the 1800’s to the present, all with unique holiday décor.

[LEARN MORE]

As Santa arrives on the Strasburg Fire Company truck, enjoy caroling, cookies & hot cocoa, kids activities, and more. Co-sponsored by the Heritage Society, the Lampeter-Strasburg Women's Club, and Strasburg Borough.

Watt and Shand Department Store
Presented by Nancy Groff

Meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg at 7 pm, followed by refreshments.

“The History of Boehm's Chapel,” presented by Marvin Adams. Held at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg.

“Cornwall Colonial Furnace,” presented by Richard Martin. Held at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg.

Please join us the 2nd weekend in June to take in the beauty of blooms of several gardens in Historic Strasburg and the surrounding area.

Saturday June 11, 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday June 12, 12 noon - 4 pm

Tickets available online [here].

Advance tickets: $15 (+ $2.55 online ticketing fee)

Advance tickets also available for in-person purchase (without online ticketing fees) at Main Street Antiques and The Speckled Hen in Strasburg.

Tickets Day of Tour: $20 (+ $2.55 online ticketing fee)

Day of tickets available for in-person purchase (without online ticketing fees) at the Historic Shroy House located at 122 South Decatur St., Strasburg.

For more information, call 717-687-3534 or email thestrasburgheritagesociety@gmail.com

Monthly lectures on local history are presented from September through May on the third Monday of each month. The lectures are held at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 101 South Decatur Street in Strasburg, two blocks south of the square. Refreshments are offered starting at 6:30 PM. The presentation begins at 7:00 and finishes by 8:30.

Monthly lectures on local history are presented from September through May on the third Monday of each month. The lectures are held at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 101 South Decatur Street in Strasburg, two blocks south of the square. Refreshments are offered starting at 6:30 PM. The presentation begins at 7:00 and finishes by 8:30.

Monthly lectures on local history are presented from September through May on the third Monday of each month. The lectures are held at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 101 South Decatur Street in Strasburg, two blocks south of the square. Refreshments are offered starting at 6:30 PM. The presentation begins at 7:00 and finishes by 8:30.

Dan Ness, historian, will share about the underground railroad in Lancaster County.

Ken Hoke, the leader of the Conestoga Historical Museum, will be our guest

Rick Brouse will discuss the large amounts of charcoal that were made for the iron industry.

Steve Shaw will talk of this Pennsylvania scientist with many interests.