Langhorne Borough kicks off yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary

Langhorne Borough will officially launch its 150th anniversary celebration with a community-wide kickoff event designed to set the tone for a full year of reflection, history, and togetherness. Titled “Langhorne 250/150 Starts Here!”, the kickoff takes place on Friday, January 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Richardson House, located at the corner of West Maple Avenue and South Bellevue Avenue. The evening will feature a ceremonial tree lighting illuminated in red, white, and blue, along with music and food and beverage offerings from local favorites including Aristaeus Craft Brewing Company, Innocenti Family Wines LLC, El Limon, and Langhorne Coffee House. 

Organizers say the event is meant to be welcoming and celebratory, bringing residents and visitors together as Langhorne Borough begins a yearlong series of historic, cultural, and community-focused activities marking 150 years since the borough’s incorporation in 1876.

The kickoff serves as the official commencement of the anniversary celebration, but it is only the beginning. Throughout 2026, Langhorne Borough plans to highlight its deep history, strong volunteer spirit, and evolving community through a mix of long-standing traditions and anniversary-themed programming. The full-year calendar, prepared by the Langhorne Borough 150th Anniversary Planning Committee, includes confirmed events, proposed ideas, and flexible plans that will be finalized as the year unfolds.

Borough Council President Kathleen Horwatt, who has served on council for 43 years, recalls arriving in Langhorne in 1976, the year of the borough’s centennial. “When I first moved to town in 1976, they were having their 100th anniversary and it was the first event I participated in,” she said. “We hadn’t made settlement yet, but we came here for the events because we knew we were buying the house. It was a wonderful event.” One of her strongest memories from that time is the burial of a time capsule at the Richardson House. As a result, the 150th anniversary will include digging up the existing time capsule and creating a new one, slated for June’s Heritage Week. She noted that current junior council members and students from local schools have expressed interest in leading that effort.

Horwatt also pointed to the importance of documenting Langhorne’s story. During the centennial, the borough produced a comprehensive book, “Langhorne Centennial 1876 to 1976”, which chronicled the first 100 years of the borough’s history. Updating that record is another idea under discussion. Rather than producing a new printed volume, she said the borough may use social media to share historical updates and timelines, making the information more accessible to residents while still preserving the original book through Historic Langhorne.

At the heart of the anniversary planning is Langhorne’s volunteer-driven identity. “Whenever I meet new people who move into town, I explain to them right away that this is a volunteer town,” Horwatt said. “You won’t find another town that has as many volunteers in all the organizations that exist here.” She emphasized that the celebration is meant for everyone, not just borough residents, and that the goal is to showcase the many churches, civic groups, and organizations that give Langhorne its character and sense of belonging.

Marianne Stahl, chair of the Langhorne Borough 150th Anniversary Planning Committee, echoed that inclusive message. “We are the ones throwing the party and everyone’s invited,” she said. “We want everyone to really enjoy the history and the memories and the livelihood that the borough has provided to the community.” Stahl noted that the committee envisions a year where existing annual events incorporate the theme and meaning of the 150th anniversary, allowing the entire community to celebrate together.

One focal point of the year will be June, when the borough’s official anniversary falls. A multi-day Heritage Week, leading up to Father’s Day, is planned, with details to be announced. The popular LBBA Classic Car Show, traditionally held the Saturday before Father’s Day, will again anchor the month. Other June highlights include summer concerts, the Historic Langhorne Association Strawberry Festival, and additional programming designed to highlight Langhorne’s past and present.

The calendar for 2026 is full. Following January’s kickoff event will be February’s “Show Your Love for Langhorne,” a month-long initiative inviting residents to share stories, photos, and memories on the borough’s Facebook page. February 28 will feature an African American Museum of Bucks County reenactment event at the First Baptist Church of Langhorne Borough, portraying the Rhode Island Regiment and Black soldiers from other wars. 

March brings the annual Easter Egg Hunt, April includes the Historic Langhorne Association’s Annual Tea and a borough-wide scavenger hunt launching in spring, and May features the Memorial Day Parade and the opening of the LBBA Summer Concert Series. Events continue throughout the summer, including a community celebration in June or July, and then into fall and winter featuring events such as Porch Fest, Ghost Tours, Olde Langhorne Harvest Day, and the beloved Dickens Night in December. Some events, such as a proposed Red, White & Blue Dinner highlighting local restaurants, are still in the planning phase.

Stahl said one of the most exciting aspects of planning this anniversary celebration has been learning and sharing stories that even longtime residents may not know. She pointed to the Richardson House itself, built in 1738 as a home and general store, and its continued role as a gathering place today. “It remains a very active part of this town,” she said, noting its use for events, concerts, and community organizations. For Stahl, uncovering these stories has been eye-opening. “I’ve lived here for 13 years, and I didn’t know a lot of the history,” she said. “I’m learning this stuff in real time, and I’m really excited for others in town to learn about the rich history right in their backyard during this anniversary celebration.”

The anniversary also looks ahead, not just back. Mary Zimmerman, Langhorne Borough Manager, described the celebration as an opportunity to reinforce community pride and engagement. Annual events will continue, but with a different spin that reflects the 150th anniversary theme. 

Anniversary organizers plan to use its website and social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, as key communication tools to share event information to reach younger generations.

Administrative Assistant and Borough Clerk Gabe Tenaglia described the anniversary celebration as a collaborative effort that reflects what residents value most about Langhorne: deep involvement, shared responsibility, and a strong sense of place. “The events will be evolving throughout the year,” Tenaglia added. “A lot of exciting events are coming. Stay tuned.”

Together, borough officials, volunteers, and community organizations are shaping a year that honors Langhorne’s past while engaging residents in its present and future. As the kickoff event lights up the ceremonial tree at the Richardson House in red, white, and blue, it will mark not just the start of a celebration, but an invitation to the entire community to take part in telling Langhorne Borough’s story,150 years in the making, and still unfolding.

For more information about upcoming events throughout the year, visit www.langhorneborough.com/150th-anniversary-celebration/.