George Taylor House Committee members gave an update on events and happenings at the historic site, located at Lehigh and Poplar streets, Catasauqua.

The Fourth of July celebration is scheduled to start 9 a.m., with hourly tours and a living history encampment. The reading of the Declaration of Independence and military salute will begin 11:30 a.m.

There will also be a food truck, popcorn stand and King Cole Winery display.

Recently, progress started on the restoration of the front porch. Catasauqua Borough, state and federal grants and community donations helped make this possible.

Regarding other improvements, volunteers Robert Martin and Doug Taylor reworked the chimney in the summer kitchen. The fireplace is a true hearth where the kettle is held by a chained damper. The hearth was closed for a long time.

Martin and Taylor got the authentic parging material needed and parged the chimney. The finish looks good, and it is expected everything will dry well. This will allow the hearth to be fired. The group will also take a look at having a sweep done.

Catasauqua Mayor Barbara Schlegel reported there is a grant for work needed on the ancillary buildings on the site. The slate roof in the summer kitchen needs to be removed and replaced.

In May, the committee held a Mother’s Day event. It was reportedly a great success for the first-time event. Many people who participated said they wanted to be at next year’s event.

Additionally, there was a school tour May 18 that was reportedly well received.