The idea is to bring the community together to enjoy coffee, conversation and music," said Christiana Historical Society member Patti Shrom when describing Saturday on the Porch, a monthly activity held at the Brinton House, 17 Green St., Christiana. "It is a great setting, and on a beautiful morning, it's a wonderful place to sit."

The first Saturday on the Porch of the 2025 season will be presented by the Christiana Historical Society on April 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Music will be offered by accordion player Phara Blank from 10 a.m. to noon. The opening event will also feature children's crafts.

One room of the Brinton House will be open where volunteers will sell beverages, including coffee, hot chocolate, juice and water. Homemade baked goods, as well as breakfast sandwiches donated by local businesses, will also be offered for sale.

"Each time is different, but we always have sweet treats, snacks or breakfast items," noted Shrom. "Tables will be set up in the front room. It is limited in space, but people can gather their coffee and come back out (to the porch)."

Christiana Historical Society mugs will also be offered for sale. Those who purchase a mug can bring it to future Saturday on the Porch events and have it refilled for a discount.

Yvette the Hotdog Lady will be set up on the Brinton House grounds, selling gourmet hot dogs, including bacon-wrapped hot dogs and hot dogs with chili and cheese.

"Since it is the first one and it's close to Easter, we will have some 'welcome, spring' children's activities or crafts," Shrom said, adding that cornhole will also be offered on the grounds.

Members of the Octorara Area Junior-Senior High School Leo Club will assist with the activities. "They will help before with setup and help with the children's activities on the day of the event," noted Shrom.

After acquiring the building as its headquarters, the society began the Saturday on the Porch program in 2024. The event takes place on the first Saturday of each month, April through November.

Shrom said that people may stop by for a quick snack or stay for the entire morning. "Some people are walkers-by, and they stop by if they hear the music and have a cup of coffee," she said. "Others come specifically for the music and the conversation, and they stay with us all morning. We have more people that hang out than come and go."

The society will use the proceeds from the monthly events for the ongoing restoration of the 1867 Brinton House, which is located next to Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Visitors to the April event will be able to sneak a peek inside the house, but it is not yet suitable for occupation.

"They can also look in the windows at the ongoing process of the restoration," said Shrom, adding that there will be a display of photos so that visitors can learn about the progress of the project.

Once the building is open, which is scheduled to be sometime at the end of 2025, it can be used during Saturday on the Porch when there is inclement weather or when additional seating is needed. "When we get it opened, we will have some board games like checkers or chess that people can play when they visit," said Shrom. "Or we can get out of the weather if it's cold. (For right now), rain or shine, we are there."

For more information about the society, upcoming events and the restoration project, visit www.christianahistoricalsociety.com or search for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook. Those with questions may email info@christianahistoricalsociety.com.