Founded January 7, 1993, the Conservancy is dedicated to work in partnership with government bodies, community organizations, business groups and concerned citizens. The mission of the Saucon Valley Conservancy is to preserve the unique historic and natural environment of the Saucon Valley as an educational and recreational resource for area citizens and visitors. The Conservancy is the major steward of the Michael Heller Homestead and the Saucon Creek corridor.

Description:
Celebrating our 16th year anniversary!
Located along the western banks of the beautiful Saucon Creek, the Heller Homestead, eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, is part of the township’s 14 acre Heller Homestead Park and includes the Heller House, the Widow’s House, a Root Cellar, Herb Garden and the remains of two barns, an early stone barn and a considerable later frame bank barn. The remaining 11.7-acre park parcel follows the creek south through undeveloped woodland and wetlands rich in the native habitat of birds and wildlife. Native brown trout offer excellent fishing in the Saucon Creek. The park serves as a passive recreation area and offers the community a nature trail, a picturesque picnic area and public parking. Visitors are invited to walk through the homestead site and park’s designated nature trail along the Saucon Creek. The Saucon Valley Conservancy, Inc., a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation registered in Pennsylvania, leases the 2.2 acre historic Heller Homestead from Lower Saucon Township.



In the spring and fall, we host a Civil War Living History Day. Members of Historical Impressions of America open their camp to the pubic and bring the homestead to life. During the fall event, activities at the Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse and Grist Mill are also planned. The Lower Saucon Township Historical Society and the Hellertown Historical Society will join us for a trip back in time to learn about the early days of Hellertown and Lower Saucon for the Third Annual Saucon Valley History Day.

In May, we hold our annual plant sale. Any gardener knows that you always need just one more plant or just a little more color over in this part of the garden. This year we have added a flea market and will have spaces available to the public for a small donation.

Since June of 2007, the Conservancy has hosted a series of changing exhibits featuring art works of local artists to professionally showcase their original art work. In addition to professional artists, the Conservancy partners with the Saucon Valley School District each spring to host a “Young Artists’ Exhibit & Reception” featuring original works by the students of Saucon Valley High School. This is a great opportunity to highlight the District’s visual arts education program and to foster the talent of young artists by providing a venue to showcase and celebrate their work to the community. The public is invited to attend and to offer encouragement to the participating young artists. The Art Gallery & Artist Receptions draw many visitors and we now have a waiting list for future exhibits.

In addition to the art gallery, the Conservancy operates the Antiques & Collectibles Gift shop on weekends and special events. It is open December through April on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 o 4 pm and May through November on Saturdays 1 – 4 pm & Sundays Noon – 3 pm. All proceeds benefit the Conservancy. Items can be donated or sold on consignment.

Plans for the Heller barn stabilization are on-going and we are pleased to be working with Lori Aument of John Milner Associates and Keast and Hood. The project has been approved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Love old barns? Want to learn about the different barn architecture from the experts at a morning lecture and then see the historic barns dotting our countryside on a self-guided tour? Join Us at the 3rd Annual Barn Tour on Saturday, September 11, 2010. A docent at each barn will help tell the story while pointing out some historic facts about the barn. It is another fun day.

Take a Journey through Time ~ Room by Room at the Historic Heller Homestead. Rooms with period furnishings will offer visitors a chance to experience the past as they step back in time at the historic Heller Homestead. In the Heller House, tour the 1950s Kitchen; the 1930s Living Room; the 1880s – 1900s Bedroom in memory of Heller descendant Perma Bokan and the 1880s Victorian Parlor in memory of Alice Morris. The Widow’s House, with three rooms to view the 1850s – 1900s, features a beehive oven in the kitchen. Tours are available by appointment.

Be sure to visit the recreated 19th century four-square herb garden which was a typical aspect of Pennsylvania German farm life at the Michael Heller Homestead. Specifically grown herbs were used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Flowers and vegetables were also grown in this 'kitchen garden', which was traditionally tended by the farmer's wife. Vegetables were stored in the nearby, below ground root cellar. The garden is dedicated in memory of Heller descendent, Wilson R. Heller, the great-great-great grandson of Christopher Heller and father of Conservancy Co-founder, Mrs. Terri (Heller) Koch.

There are many ways in which you can help. We would love to have you help with events as we look to the future. Everyone has his or her own special talents, and all can be used. So if you are interested in serving on one of the committees, staffing the gift shop and art gallery, helping with mailings or artist receptions, or giving tours of the homestead, please let us know.

Join us in preserving our past! Let’s leave a legacy for future generations by respecting the memories of an era gone

Contact person: Priscilla Deleon, President, (phone), (email)

Address:

1890 - 92 Friedensville Rd Bethlehem, PA 18015 (See a map)

Directions:

The historic Heller Homestead is located at 1890 - 92 Friedensville Road, (Water Street) Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, approximately one half mile west of Route 412 and Water Street in Hellertown. Turn west on Water Street, which. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Here are our special events...
	Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar: – Saturday, November 7~ Basket Bingo, Dewey Fire Company – Saturday, November 7 through Sunday, January 31, Bethlehem Palette Club Plein Air Group Exhibit – Monday, December 7, [snow date Tuesday, December 8] 6 to 9 pm ~ Annual Holiday Gathering & Artists’ Reception for Bethlehem Palette Club Plein Air Group
Number of clients/community members we serve in a year...
	500
Number of volunteers utilized in a year...
	40