The New Holland Area Historical Society (NHAHS) is looking for a few good people, both ladies and gentlemen. An interest in history, especially local history, is desired but not required.

"It's primarily for people who want to preserve and respect the connection with history," said Bill Gable, the treasurer of NHAHS. "It's an opportunity to spend time with people who share the same sentiment. There's a sense of satisfaction that comes from doing things that are beneficial to the area. You enjoy what you're doing, and it makes you feel good you're contributing."

NHAHS has a need for new volunteers that is both general and very specific. The local nonprofit, which tasks itself with preserving and promoting history related to the New Holland area, is seeking to add to its roster of unpaid helpers and to fill particular needs.

Among the roles that NHAHS is looking to fill are for a person willing to clean its museum at 207 E. Main St., New Holland - dust, vacuum and mop; a handy person capable of general maintenance like changing light bulbs, filters and batteries; a creative lead or someone who can implement ideas for, design, research and utilize artifacts for exhibits; a grant writer, who can research, apply for and connect with suitable funding sources; and a docent or tour guide, who understands exhibits and can point museum visitors in the proper directions.

"We believe any way we can involve a greater number of people in the life of the museum, the better," said Gable. "If I get you to volunteer, you're going to learn about us and you're going to have an opportunity to share what you learned with family and friends. There are a lot of people in town who don't know we exist or what we do. A lot of people currently involved (with NHAHS) are of a mature age. We're struggling to look to the future. It's about expanding services and keeping the organization vital so there are people who can continue to deliver its services."

The civically minded individuals that NHAHS is looking for would be asked to volunteer between two and four hours a couple of times each month. There are no specific requirements for becoming a volunteer.

Interested individuals can reach out to NHAHS at 717-419-1511 or NHAHS@nhhistorical.com.

"If someone expressed an interest, we would like to set up a meeting and have a conversation," said Gable. "We don't have formal job descriptions, and it would be a consensus decision. It's about establishing a relationship with someone and finding a good fit for the kinds of people we'd like to have."

"We're not looking for a 40-hour-a-month commitment," he added. "We can find ways to accommodate your needs and work with your schedule."

NHAHS is an all-volunteer organization made up of 24 individuals with interests in the New Holland area.

"The majority of them are people who have lived their lives in the New Holland area and been part of businesses, clubs and civic organizations," said Gable. "There have been a number of people who moved to Garden Spot Village and became volunteers."

NHAHS meets eight times a year, at 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of most months, at its two-story museum, which features as many as 10 exhibits of local history. NHAHS, which was formally established in 2005, also conducts scavenger hunts for kids, visits with Santa Claus, walking tours of the town and regular educational programs at Garden Spot Village.

"New Holland will be celebrating the 300th anniversary of the founding of the town in 2028," said Gable. "It was the host for the first public school in Pennsylvania. Some large organizations were founded in New Holland. There are countless small businesses that have risen to success. There are a number of historic buildings in New Holland. There are a lot of things that have happened in New Holland that are noteworthy and that people would enjoy learning about."

For additional information, go to https://nhhistorical.com.