The spirit of Christmas past will come alive during the Lynn Heidelberg Historical Society free open house set for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 1.

Everyone is invited to wander through the rooms of the Old New Tripoli Bank building to share some holiday cheer and view treasures housed in the historic building will interest children and adults alike.

Children and adults can get up close to examine artifacts dating back from another era.

“Visitors can tour the old bank vault and see the original New Tripoli Bank currency, the old banking machines and related items in the original building including a crank phone,” said Sally Smith, an historical society trustee.

Trustee Lynn Long said visitors love to see the inside of the old bank which includes fancy iron work and marble teller counters.

“The safe is a big favorite,” Long said. “Kids love the cookies and snacks served in the old board room.”

“We decorate the window sills with holly and candles, and a traditional small Christmas tree is also decorated.”

“The contents of the bank effectively make it a museum.

“On exhibit are antique artifacts donated to the society, photographs, collections of historical calendars, books and clothes.

“Artifacts from Ontelaunee Park and the German Hotel in New Tripoli, post office boxes from the Lynnport Post Office, and a replica of the Liberty Bell and so much more will be on display.”

Shoppers may purchase unique gifts such as a limited edition Ontelaunee Park ornament.

“We sell some local history books including autographed copies of Johnny Applebutter and Penny Olive, Rachel Yoder’s books for children [written] in English and Pennsylvania Dutch,” Smith said.

The open house has become a holiday event.

“Approximately 12 years ago, it started as a singalong with local choirs at Fort Everett in the park,” Neil Oswald explained. “We’d sing Christmas carols, but attendance was small, since it was usually cold. We changed the holiday event to an open house at the bank.”

Smith said people who came in the past were always amazed at all the history and all the unique items in the building.

“There will be punch, cookies and snacks free for the public,” she added.