Because it is being held on the weekend of the Independence Day holiday, July's Saturday on the Porch event being presented by the Christiana Historical Society (CHS) on July 5 will have a patriotic theme.

The monthly social activity will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Brinton House, 17 Green St., Christiana, which is the CHS headquarters. The Christiana Singers, comprising members of the LanChester Chorus, will perform patriotic music in four-part harmony from approximately 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

"They will sing hymns and patriotic songs that were written and sung in the era of the 1800s, (and they will share) stories of why the songs were written and (information about the composers)," said CHS member Patti Shrom.

CHS volunteers will sell beverages, including coffee and cold drinks, such as lemonade, tea, soda and water. A special red, white and blue dessert will also be served. "There will be a yogurt parfait available. It will have strawberries, blueberries and yogurt," noted Shrom. Also offered will be homemade oatmeal raisin cookies, fresh-baked muffins and doughnuts.

In addition, special recognition will be offered to guests who are veterans. "We want to honor the veterans that day as well. They will get a U.S. flag, and we will have gift cards to a local pizza shop, while supplies last," said Shrom, noting that a Veterans Identification Card will be required for the gift cards.

There will also be a CHS mug available to purchase for a discount, which includes one free coffee refill.

CHS 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 the event has been well attended. "Some people come and go, and some people linger and talk for the whole morning. They are enjoying the porch; it is the perfect setting for relaxing," she said.

Different musical entertainment is offered each month. Past performers have included piano player Dan Harvey, the Haggans Family and accordion player Phara Blank.

"Weather has been a challenge, except for May, when we had perfect weather, but we have had good attendance," said Shrom. "(Attendees) enjoy it; they love getting out and talking. It's a time to put the phones away and get out and talk to other people. We get people from all over."

CHS uses the proceeds from the monthly events for the ongoing restoration of the 1867 Brinton House, which is associated with the Christiana Resistance of 1851. The Brinton family was also involved in the Underground Railroad, and the house was reportedly a stop on that network.

"As we peel back layers during this restoration, we always find things," said Shrom, whose brother, Jim Groff, is CHS vice president. "Jim always said that the house tells its own story as we work on it."

While the house is not yet suitable for occupation, visitors to July's Saturday on the Porch can get a sneak peek inside the house and view a display of photos about the progress of the projects. "We let people go into the one front room. You can step into the house a little bit," Shrom said.

The goal is to have the building renovated and open by the end of 2025. Those who would like to donate to the building fund may visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com/donate. "You can donate for supplies or donate specifically to the porch fund for maintenance," Shrom noted.

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.