PRESS RELEASE: Haverford Township Historical Society and the Friends of the Grange joined forces on June 15 to host a fundraising event at the historic Grange Estate in Havertown. The weather was perfect as the sun set over the Carriage House at the Grange Estate. Over 150 guests sampled wine from Chaddsford Winery, listened to live jazz music and perused silent auction items donated by local artists and businesses.

The gala evening was a huge success, raising over $4,000 to fund restoration and preservation efforts at the historic Grange Estate and the 2007 Heritage Festival planned by HTHS. As the first joint endeavor by HTHS and FOG in over thirty years, this was a landmark event for both organizations. HTHS and FOG are working together to find new ways for people to enjoy local historic sites and celebrate the unique character of Haverford Township.  Both organizations have welcomed many new members in the past year.  Long-term Township residents and more recent transplants have helped to breathe new life into their efforts to preserve and promote local history.

Overwhelming feedback from guests who attended suggests that more events like this one are in order.  HTHS and FOG look forward to finding more opportunities to work together in this way.  The Grange Estate is open for tours on weekends from April through October. Visit the website at www.thegrangeestate.org for more information. HTHS holds open houses at Nitre Hall and Lawrence Cabin, historic sites along Karakung Drive in Haverford Township. Check the web for dates and times: www.haverfordhistoricalsociety.org .

For more information about the Heritage Festival planned by Haverford Township Historical Society for May 6, 2007, please visit the HTHS website or contact Tricia Woodman at johnwman@msn.com . For more information about current restoration projects at the Grange Estate, please visit the Grange’s website or contact Simone Swantak at sswantak@verizon.net.