Heidelberg Heritage Society
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
1. To discover, collect and preserve materials, structures and landmarks which may help to establish, illustrate and arouse interest in the historic records of the areas comprised of Wernersville and surrounding townships commonly called the Heidelbergs.
2. To maintain a museum and non-circulating historical library for the area.
3. To preserve and encourage the ethnic characteristics of the area.
4. To own, acquire, lease or mortgage any real estate helpful, necessary or incident to the purpose of the Corporation.
OUR HISTORY
The Heidelberg Heritage Society, Wernersville PA was incorporated in September 1976.
The Lerch Tavern was acquired in 1977 to serve as the Society's headquarters and museum.
The land, which is the site of the Lerch Tavern, was purchased in 1752. John Yost Lerch constructed a two-story stone building on the site in 1797. The Mansard roof was added later by Benneville Lerch, a grandson of John Yost Lerch.
The Lerch Tavern was designed to serve stagecoach and other travelers of that time. Following the Lerch family, Henry Binkley operated the tavern until 1825. After the tavern was closed, the building was converted into living quarters for two families
and later renovated to accommodate various business establishments.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Pennsylvania Inventory, and the Berks County Conservancy.
Built in 1927 to replace a small frame structure which had served as the Lebanon Valley Railroad passenger station beginning
in 1857. The existing station was served by the Lebanon Valley Branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Company.
The Heidelberg Heritage Society has restored the Wernersville Train Station in the interests of historic preservation.
Society Membership
Membership in the Heidelberg Heritage Society is open to all
who are interested in helping to preserve local history.
Annual Dues (January 1 to December 31)
$10.00 - Individual Membership$18.00 - Household Memberhip $25.00 - Sustaining Member $50.00 - Patron $175.00 - Individual Lifetime Membership
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PO Box 51, Wernersville PA 19565
Located at 182 West Penn Avenue & 20 East Penn Avenue, Wernersville, PA
