Years of exposure to the elements have taken a toll on the eastern wall of the National Apple Museum in Biglerville. Museum volunteers had worked to caulk gaps between the aging boards, but as volunteer Edy Sarnoff explained, “Then, the boards started to crumble.” It became clear that more substantial repairs were necessary to preserve the historic building for future generations.
In April 2025, the Biglerville Historical and Preservation Society (BHPS) received a $9,512.50 Historic Preservation matching grant from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, sponsored by the Gettysburg Chapter of DAR. The grant supports restoration of the museum’s eastern wall siding at the historic property located at 154 West Hanover Street. BHPS will match the grant through donations from the public, reflecting strong community support for safeguarding this local landmark. Oversight of the restoration is being provided by barn restoration specialist David Maclay, whose experience with historic structures helps ensure the work is done with care and authenticity.
The National Apple Museum highlights Biglerville’s rich apple-growing and processing heritage through exhibits, artifacts, tours, and special events. In addition to its museum displays, the site offers rental space, a gift shop, seasonal music and food, blogs, podcasts, and other programming that connects visitors to the region’s agricultural roots.
Adding a hands-on educational dimension to the project, students from the Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI) are contributing their skills to the restoration effort. Beginning in November 2025, students in ACTI’s Building Trades program started repairing and repainting the eastern exterior wall as part of a real-world learning experience. ACTI serves 11th- and 12th-grade students from Bermudian Springs, Conewago Valley, Gettysburg, Littlestown, and Fairfield school districts, offering career and technical training across a wide range of fields…