Wrightsville is full of history, and the town celebrates its past at two museums operated under the Historic Wrightsville umbrella. The Wrightsville Historical Museum, 309 Locust St., and the Burning of the Bridge Diorama, 124 Hellam St., recently reopened after being closed during the pandemic.

"Any Civil War buff will be interested in Wrightsville's participation in the Civil War," said Anne Kostas, a board member of Historic Wrightsville, "but anyone who is curious about Wrightsville's history would enjoy these sites."

The Wrightsville Historical Museum is currently featuring "The Families of Wrightsville," which showcases memorabilia donated to or purchased by the museum. "We have worked on this display for over a year, sorting items from five representative families," noted co-historian, Lisa Burk. "Items from local businesses, family Bibles, pictures, furniture and other memorabilia make for a fascinating trip back in time in and around Wrightsville."

On select Sunday afternoons, the museum will also host Kids Klub, led by kindergarten teacher Jeremy Young, as well as Memories and Munchies, hosted by Mary Ellen Kasian. "The programs are offered for elementary-school-age children once a month," Kostas said.

The building that houses the historical museum was built in 1871 and was the home of John and Mary Redman during the mid-20th century. Upon the death of the Redman daughters, the family donated the house to Historic Wrightsville, which had been looking for a home for its museum.

Historic Wrightsville also operates the Burning of the Bridge Diorama, which is located in a building that formerly housed a post office and barber shop. "The diorama is a model that gives a visual of Wrightsville in 1863, the advancing Confederate troops, and the eventual burning of the bridge, which prevented Gen. Gordon from moving toward Philadelphia and Harrisburg," explained diorama director and former history teacher Bob Heiserman. "The model is accompanied by a narrated video, and docents answer questions and provide additional information during the presentation."

To help raise funds for the museums, Historic Wrightsville will host a community yard sale and food truck event beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 5. "We'll have it set up at the museum on Locust Street, and we'll have a list of other yard sales in town happening that same day," said Kostas.

The Wrightsville Historical Museum is open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The diorama is also open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment for special showings. For more information on the yard sale event or Historic Wrightsville, search for "Historic Wrightsville Incorporated" on Facebook or call 717-252-1169.