Lifestyles

SCHS to host long rifle production program

MIDDLEBURG -- The Snyder County Historical Society will present "Long Rifle Production in Snyder County," on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Snyder County Historical Society, 30 E. Market St., Middleburg. Richard Nornhold, an avid collector of Snyder County rifles, will explain the history and role of rifles originating in Snyder and Union Counties.

Nornhold will focus his presentation on the production of Pennsylvania-Kentucky rifles in Snyder and Union Counties during the early to mid-1800's. While gunsmithing in this area began around the time of the Revolutionary War, it wasn't until the beginning of the 19th Century that a style of weapon associated only with this area developed.

"Many believe that old Union County (Snyder and Union today) had more gunsmiths than any other county in the United States except Lancaster County," according to Nornhold. "Nearly 120 different Smiths have been identified and guns are known to exist from many of them and can often be found in museums and collections throughout the country. While they are often called a product of the Upper Susquehanna School today, the central area of production of that school was Snyder and Union Counties."

Nornhold will have a display of several local rifles from both the flintlock and percussion era available for visitors to view.

The program is free to the public. The Snyder County Historical Society is handicapped accessible. Light refreshments will be served following the program.

The Snyder County Historical Society Museum is open the first and third Sundays of the month from May to September from noon to 3 p.m. The library is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Other times are available by appointment by calling (570) 837-6191 or (570) 412-6458, or by emailing schs@snydercounty.org.