At the open house of the Lynn-Heidelberg Historical Society, inside the museum in the old New Tripoli Bank building, there were many new items on display Dec. 5.

The one of which members were the proudest was a Pennsylvania Long Rifle used in the Revolutionary War. The gunwas donated by Joe Gilbert who found it in Mildred Gilbert's home.

The frontier bore the brunt of the French and Indian War. The war was fought mostly by militia made up of Pennsylvania German farmers who also provided horses and wagons.

The rifles were more effective than muskets because they had spiral grooves in the barrel making them more accurate.

George Washington became aware of them during the war and made the rifles the most important gun in the Revolution.

A new map of the major roads in the New Tripoli commercial district as of the 1930s had residential lots numbered and matched to pictures. The map was the project of trustees Ginny Woodward, Lynn Long and Lucille Snyder.

Richard Metzger provided pictures from his postcard collection.

But the most important part came from three people, Alma Koch, Luella Kistler and Sweetheart, who grew up in New Tripoli and shared their collective memories.

A collection of women's clothing on display in the museum was made by Mary Fretz in the late 1800s. The clothing was donated by her great-grandson David Diehl.

As the evening progressed, the front door opened for the entry of the Pa. German Belsnickel (Irwin Hamm) and his friend Santa Claus (Donald Meyers).

The two holiday helpers gave oranges to the good little boys and girls and some older ones, too. Punch, cookies and a fruit tray were provided as visitors talked among themselves.