When Roy Ziegler retired, he dreamed of only three accomplishments: run a marathon, learn to play the piano and get involved with the New Hope Historical Society.      

With the marathon completed and piano lessons abandoned, his focus now rests on preserving and publicizing local history as president of the historical society. This year, Ziegler has the opportunity of a lifetime: leading the society in the celebration of its 50th anniversary, which culminates with a gala dinner October 3 at Hotel du Village.

The New Hope Historical Society began in 1958 as a labor of love among residents and businesspeople who hoped to maintain the riverside borough’s historic appeal. Starting with small beautification and historic marker projects, the society’s efforts blossomed with the purchase of the Parry Barn on South Main Street, followed by the Parry Mansion — now society headquarters — in 1966. Since then, members have spent countless hours tending to the aesthetic needs of New Hope, preserving its historic charm and educating residents and visitors on its illustrious past.

Looking toward the next 50 years, Ziegler says the society hopes to “continue to be advocates for preservation, and to be educators.” He and the other members take an active interest in those pursuits, serving as docents and tour guides, coordinating fundraisers and assisting in the endeavors of other community-oriented organizations around New Hope. “The more I learn about this town, the more I enjoy it,” Ziegler says, “and we’re excited to share that with others.”