Iconic Historic Langhorne Association Library Connects Present With Past

The building that houses the Historic Langhorne Association almost always catches one’s eye. In the roughly 125 years since it was erected, it has been part of the Bucks County library system, an independent library and now a research library and local museum.

The structure was built as a result of Anna Mary Williamson leaving $12,000 to a group of Langhorne library trustees when she died in 1887. The stipulation for the library insurance was that the building must remain a library “forever,” explains literature within the research center.

The building at the corner of Maple and Hill avenues was opened in 1888 as a library and served in that role until the Bucks County Free Library moved to its current location on Pine Street. The Historic Langhorne Association, which was formed in the 1960s, officially began occupying the former public library in 1977.

Jim Maier, the president of the association, has lived in Langhorne since 1990. Starting in 2002, he started going to the library to research a family farmhouse. After spending enough time there, Maier became a volunteer and eventually the president of the group.

“We’re here to help the townspeople,” Maier explained. He said the volunteers of the association work hard to help residents with questions they may have. These inquiries include requests from people who might be moving into the area and want to know Langhorne’s history.

The library aspect of the association focuses on local history, housing books on the borough and the surrounding areas, such as Parkland, Penndel, and even some parts of Philadelphia. In addition to local histories, the library houses books on railroad and other different aspects of life from throughout building’s tenure in the area.

Free public programs draw large attendance from Langhorne residents. Programs that the association has presented in the past include revolutionary war re-enactors, genealogy presentations, and more. Other draws throughout the year include a ghost tour around Halloween and Santa visits around Christmas time.

“[Being involved] has been very rewarding. It keeps me busy,” Maier said.

Maier does all kinds of work at the association, including maintenance to keep the building up and running, as well as scanning photographs and doing general research for the association.

Through the years, much of the inside of the association has remained the same. The biggest change to the building came in the early 1960s, when the balcony was added to the inside of the building in an effort to create more space, Maier explained.

Of note, the structure is believed to be the first public building in Bucks County with electric lights.

The association has a board which holds monthly meetings. The public is welcome to attend the meetings.

The association’s hours are Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

People interested in the association can go to historiclanghorne.com, call 215-757-1888, or send an email to historiclanghorne1@verizon.net.