As part of its mission to preserve and celebrate local history, the Christiana Historical Society has launched a new website.

Those who visit http://www.christianahistoricalsociety.com will be able to learn about topics such as the Underground Railroad and the Christiana Resistance, as well as find out about the society's upcoming events. Current members can renew their membership online as well.

In addition, the website provides a history of the William Penn Brinton House, the society's new headquarters, which is currently undergoing renovations. People are invited to contribute to the project by choosing the "Donate" button on the homepage.

The website, created by society member Terri Buchanan, was unveiled during a society meeting on Feb. 23.

An additional fundraiser for the renovation project is a "Buy a Beam" promotion, which invites people to "purchase" a beam that will be used in the house. "There are 22 joists that need to be replaced," explained society secretary Kathy Patterson. "(Society vice president) Jim Groff has sourced 22 age-appropriate joists so that we can replace the beams that are true to the period - 150 years old."

Donors will have their name or their family name imprinted on a plaque - up to 30 letters - that will be attached to the beam. "You will 'own' the beam forever," said Patterson. "We need the beams to keep the structure sound."

Those interested in purchasing a beam can click on the "Buy a Beam" button on the homepage.

After standing empty for several years, the two-story Brinton House, located at 17 Green St., next to Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church, was leased by the society from the Borough of Christiana in April of 2022.

The building will eventually be used by the society to host its meetings and showcase its artifacts and memorabilia. It will also provide additional space for its annual open house on Sept. 11, which commemorates the Christiana Resistance.

A great deal of restoration must be done in the building before it is ready to be occupied, including mold remediation. In February, workers from Vintage Stone of Christiana, owned by local resident Mike Weaver, volunteered to remove radiators and scrap from inside the house.

The Christiana Historical Society meets on the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Christiana Borough Hall, 10 W. Slokom Ave., Christiana. All meetings are free and open to the public.

On March 30, the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster will present a lecture about the Lancaster County Civil War Ladies Aid Society. "They will tell the story and be dressed in period garb," Patterson said, noting that refreshments will be served.

For more information about the historical society, visit the new website or search for "The Christiana Historical Society" on Facebook.