Submitted by Leona Baker for the Historical Society of Salisbury Township

After Joan Lorenz and her assistants published "The History of Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania," those who had gathered several times a month to share their research decided that not all the stories had been told and that they should continue to gather them.

The solution was obvious: form a historical society. Keep researching, asking people for stories and committing to paper (computer, today) the rich history of this little corner of the world. For the last 25 years, dedicated township members have done just that. Throughout those years, several attempts were made to acquire a building to house the growing collection of objects and stories donated. All was cataloged and carefully stored, and many objects were brought out for the living history events and the exhibit case at the township building. The historical society kept looking for a suitable place to pull it all together under one roof.

First, it was the Francis Jones house on Mine Road, the oldest house in Salisbury Township, but there was no room for parking; then, the freight station next to LanChester Hearth and Grill, but negotiations proved too complicated. Amtrak did donate bricks, window frames and the 18-foot primary roof beam. The builders' initials are inscribed on it. Amtrak also prepared and printed a history of the Gap Station, the only Queen Anne style structure on the line.

The historical society even had a building sold to it for one dollar - that little white one on the southwest corner of Newport Road and Lincoln Highway. Adapting the two large rooms on the first floor to the society's needs had just begun as PennDOT construction on Newport Road started. It is unknown if it was the new drainage portals or the heavy equipment so close to the house, but very soon the west wall began to sink and cracks appeared. The cracks grew. No amount of conservation would guarantee its stability. Houston Run bought it back to round out their acreage before their own land dissolution. Their generous offer formed the largest donation the historical society has received and has allowed it to consider a new venture - a standing museum. All the while, the society continued accepting, cataloging, and storing township family treasures.

A serendipitous meeting in 2025 matched the society with an iconic Salisbury Township business, the old Lengacher Cheese House, 5015 Lincoln Highway, next to Roamers' Retreat. Half of the building was for rent, the most conservative option for a nonprofit society to choose today. The historical society signed on and began renovating, often able to negotiate reasonable reductions in cost. Many established museums donated display items they no longer used. Yard sales and Roots Market in Manheim were sources for chairs and kitchen items. At last, the huge Denlinger murals could come out of storage.

By this past June, the society was ready to bring out some of the collections for display. Members got a preview after the annual picnic at White Chimneys Estate, a loyal sponsor of 15 years. The society was at the annual living history event also at White Chimneys in July. Then, it was time to think about officially opening the Historical Society of Salisbury Township Museum.

That is just what is happening at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17. The public is invited to the official ribbon cutting, with a tour of the building (5015 Lincoln Highway, Kinzers) and refreshments afterward.