Longswamp Township Historical Society

Description:

Longswamp Township Historical Society is a non-profit organization formed to preserve & collect the history of Longswamp Township.

The Longswamp Township Historical Society Museum (which houses a small historical library) is located at the top of the parking lot in the Longswamp Township Park, 1112 State Street, Mertztown, Pa. 19539. To recognize the importance of the railroad to previous (past) township residents and businesses, the museum was designed to mimic the exterior appearance of the area’s 1875 Mertztown Train Station. The museum complex is also home to a 1940 Reading Company caboose. Our featured museum display will showcase the Borough of Topton, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary this year. Topton was an original village of Longswamp Township which became an independent borough in 1876.

Our Reading Company caboose is also be open to visitors during select open house or special events.

Note: Once visitors follow the incline of the macadam lot to its very top, they’ll find about 4 dozen level, paved parking spaces to choose from. The pavement leading to the museum entrance is level and wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. However, the museum is not ADA compliant. The platform, entrance, and aisleway of the caboose is too narrow to be ADA compliant, but we have built wide, wooden stairs and a sturdy, wooden railing to aid in safely reaching the platform.

Our organization offers a number of programs and events.  Visit longswamphistory.org to view current events and programs.