The invitation has been issued.

The vault at the Old New Tripoli Bank Building on Madison Street, New Tripoli, will be open for curious eyes.

Cookies will be arranged, waiting to be gobbled up. And for a few hours, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7, visitors can take a step back in time, a time where the beauty of oak and iron were sturdy signs of a bygone era.

It’s just what neighbors do at the holidays, and the Lynn Heidelberg Historical Society is just that kind of neighbor, delighted to share a large collection of precious items from the community’s local past, while visitors sip a cup of holiday punch.

“The open house is an opportunity to not only see the bank building and our collection of local history items, but to meet the trustees of the society in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere,” said Neil Oswald, historical society president. “It’s also a chance for the public to ask questions about local history and the society’s chance to reach out to those in the community who may be interested in joining and volunteering with us.

“What a better time of the year to reach out to and visit with old and new friends!”

Open house visitors can even do a bit of shopping for history buffs and the hard to please.

Replica maps dating back to 1876, books written by local authors and limited edition Ontelaunee Park ornaments are some of the unique items available for purchase.