New Holland Area Historical Society (NHAHS) board members Don Horning and Wilbur Horning, along with Preserving New Holland capital campaign organizer Larry Shirk, are excited about the legacy the society will be able to leave to future members. "When you take the weight of a mortgage off the shoulders of an organization, it changes the way you can operate," said Don. "... and when we turn it over to the next generation, they will get something (special)."

"We will give them a solid foundation for the future," said Shirk.

Don noted that over the last year while the museum was closed, the board members had time to talk about the opportunity to purchase the building where the society museum has been located since 2011. The board felt the timing was right to move ahead.

The building, commonly known as the Kauffman Building, holds a unique place in Lancaster County history. According to Wilbur, the building at 201 to 207 E. Main St., New Holland, is the second-oldest building in the county that has been in continuous use since the 1700s. "The oldest one is in Lititz," Wilbur said.

The board enlisted Shirk to oversee the capital campaign with a goal of raising $250,000 to satisfy the mortgage and complete brick repairs on the outside of the building. A significant portion of the funds has been raised or pledged. "A lot of generous people have gotten us to this point," said Don. "Now we need to finish." Shirk noted that any funds raised beyond the goal amount will be used to maintain the building in the future.

It is believed that the Kauffman Building dates back to the 1780s, with additions constructed before 1795 and again in 1831. A general store, hotel, and town hall have all been part of the building's history, with the local fire company being organized in the town hall. The building was once owned by Anthony E. Roberts, who was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1855 to 1859. Museum artifacts include those pertaining to the New Holland Machine Company, Victor F. Weaver Inc., and artist Myrtle Trembly.

NHAHS was founded in 2005 with the goal of collecting, organizing, and preserving information and historical materials relevant to the New Holland area. The museum is currently open on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors are required to wear masks and practice social distancing. Private tours can be arranged by calling 717-538-3079 or 717-575-3148. Readers who would like to donate to the campaign or learn more about the historical society are welcome to visit https://nhhistorical.com.