The Hatfield History Museum.
(The following information was provided by Illustrated Designs, and first appeared in the Hatfield Township newsletter.)
Ever since the Hatfield Museum and History Society was formed in December 1991, it has been searching for a building to make Hatfield’s rich history accessible to the public. Now, after thirty years, the society’s goal of establishing a museum has finally been realized.
Thanks to the generosity of Hatfield Township, Hatfield Borough, and the community at large, the Hatfield History Museum is officially open!
The museum’s new home was formerly an office building for State Representative Robert Godshall. Following his retirement in December 2018, the society approached Hatfield Township about the possibility of transforming the space into a history museum. The building was in desperate need of repairs and slated for demolition, but the historical society saw the building’s potential, and the Hatfield Township Commissioners and Hatfield Borough Council agreed that it was an ideal location for the museum.
Both agencies pledged financial support for some of the much-needed renovations.
On July 11, 2019, the society kicked off the renovation process, and transforming the building into a museum was no small undertaking. The building received a new roof, windows, doors, lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems. A kitchen was also converted into an office, the bathroom received a full redesign and a basement entrance was added. In order to give the building a fresh new look with some historic charm, the historical society added a bell tower cupola to the roof and shutters to the windows.
The renovation stage was completed in January 2020, and the process of setting up the museum began. Brand new display cases, computers and television monitors were installed, and the society’s extensive collection of artifacts and treasures was finally moved in.
Like most events in 2020, the museum’s grand opening was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Things were initially on track for opening in May 2020, until progress was halted in mid-March.
Thankfully, the work resumed, the museum displays were completed, and the Hatfield History Museum opened its doors in August 2020. The historical society is looking forward to an official “Grand Opening” celebration when it is safe to gather in large groups once again.
Free admission to the museum is currently by appointment only. The Hatfield History Museum is located at 1702 Cowpath Road. For more information, visit www.hatfieldhistory.org.
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