Washington Boro Society for Susquehanna River Heritage

The mission of Washington Boro Society for Susquehanna River Heritage is to promote and conserve the rich history of the Lower Susquehanna River Valley through education, preservation and restoration; and to increase public awareness of its archaeological and historical resources, features and buildings, and their unique interrelationship to the local ecological systems. WBSSRH is a volunteer group comprised of people who share an appreciation and respect for the history and environment of the lower Susquehanna watershed. The current focus is to establish a physical presence along the river by restoring two historic structures for showcasing our heritage. These two buildings are the historic 1832 Wittmer Stone Mill located along River Road, south of the Blue Rock Road river access and the Wittmer 1856 German Bank Barn located adjacent to the mill, both with river vistas. These structures and surrounding lands will provide a variety of educational and recreation uses The WBSSRH will strive to integrate its facilities with viable river access and egress and to foster initiatives that encourage this. Amenities may include improved parking for fishing, boating, hiking, bird watching and horseback riding, Interpretive signage will be developed to identify plant and wildlife species, historic markers and monuments showing the linkage to our heritage. WBSSRH is committed to promoting respect for the natural and historic resources of the area.

The WBSSRH is a non-profit corporation formed in 2001 as a community response to river access issues on the lower Susquehanna River. This group brings together individuals who desire to preserve the unique relationship people share with the Susquehanna River and its ecology. Two historic structures - the 1832 Witmer stone mill and the 1856 Wittmer bank barn - are being restored to provide a community resource from which present and future generations will learn to appreciate the area's rich history, both cultural and natural. WBSSRH is located on River Road at Blue Rock Road, near the village of Washington Boro in Manor Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Our site looks out upon the Susquehanna River with views of the Conejohela Flats, an area rich in wildlife and recreational opportunities.