State Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, announced July 9 the Whitehall Historical Preservation Society and the township were awarded a Keystone Historic Preservation Grant for $12,360. The funds will be used for design accessibility improvements to the Helfrich Springs Grist Mill and the Peter Grim Homestead and garden, making them compliant under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The sites are located at Mickley and Lehnert roads.

“Both properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and have history dating back to the 1800s,” Miller said. “Preserving and maintaining them are of the utmost importance so that all future generations can enjoy.”

The funding will go toward the planning, design and construction to create ADA-accessible access to both locations, as well as updating the parking lots. A historic restoration and maintenance plan is also in the works.

“These facilities are open to the public as a museum with a well-maintained artifact and historic document collection of Whitehall history, at no charge,” Stephanie Tashner, WHPS board of directors president, said. “The planning grant will allow us to have appropriate design work that will hopefully result in greater access to the facilities.”

WHPS hosts regular tours and open houses, lectures and community meetings at the mill. The group is in the process of restoring the Grim Homestead, which houses the group headquarters and genealogical research library.

“Having tangible pieces of history is an incredible asset, and we want people to be able to visit,” Miller said. “By making the properties and the parking lots ADA compliant, we are welcoming everyone.”