Preserve American History right here in Buckingham, PA

Hello Fellow American Preservationists,

My name is Chris Valeri and I am the President of the newly formed Buckingham Historical Society, a PA not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Please be advised, that although this historical society has the guidance and approval of Buckingham Township, we are a self-funded organization apart from the township. Our ultimate goal is the preservation of the General Greene's Inn ["GGI"] located at 4705 York Rd. in Buckingham, PA and convert it into a historical park for the community (much like the Moland House which is located in Warwick on York Road).

We are currently soliciting contributions to help remediate the cost incurred with forming this society [Commonwealth incorporation fee, registration agent fee, funds to create bank accounts, local newspaper publishing fee, mailing address fee, service filing fee, Facebook booster advertising, resident agent filing fees, etc.] and also, two possible upcoming historical ventures. One being, the discovery and excavation of the Centennial Time Capsule which was buried under a white oak tree back in 1876. Update: I have been recently informed that Buckingham Township will fund this effort and will work with the Historical Society on this endeavor.

We are currently in correspondence with our locally elected representatives to hopefully get their support behind this society historical preservation efforts.

Please realize that we are only collecting enough money right now to cover the recently expended costs and are not formally soliciting for donations to save the GGI.

So kindly donate in small increments as we are just trying to cover these expenses and have a small account ready to move on the smaller projects.

We will need to consult with attorneys, state representatives, other historical society's etc. to see what the best approach would be to secure funding on this large of a scale (current asking price for the the buildings and property is $2 million).

This might have to be extended on an national basis to raise the monies needed to make the purchase.

Also, the following is the speech that I made to the Buckingham Town of Supervisors in January 2024.

Best Regards,

Chris Valeri

Buckingham Historical Society

President

Good evening. My name is Christopher Valeri and I have been a resident of Buckingham Township since 2013.

I am here tonight to discuss the preservation of the building and the property located at 4705 York Road Parcel Number 06-010-240. Seems rather odd, doesn’t it, that I express my concerns for a building in such a straightforward fashion considering its national historical significance (let alone its local historical significance). If you live in or around the Buckingham area you have most likely passed this property many times and seen the worn down neglected condition of the building which has very little curb appeal if any at all.

However, this building is the General Greene's Inn (also known as Bogart’s Tavern) and it holds historical significance that transcends its physical structure. As a historical landmark, it provides a glimpse into the past and symbolizes the rich heritage of the region. I am standing here in front of this microphone to defend the preservation of General Greene's Inn by delving into its historical context, key figures, impact, influential individuals, perspectives, potential future developments, and taking a balanced approach to consider all aspects of such venture.

General Greene's Inn, built in the late 18th century, stands as a testament to the era of the American Revolutionary War. Located in Buckingham, it served as a gathering place for local militias, soldiers, and prominent figures of that time. The inn's historical context is closely tied to the life and contributions of Major General Nathanael Greene, who played a crucial role in the war.

Known as "Washington's most gifted and dependable officer," General Nathanael Greene proved instrumental in both military strategy and organizational efforts during the war. Greene's Inn, serving as his headquarters during the revolutionary period, became a hub for discussions, planning, and coordination of the infamous “Crossing of the Delaware River.” This effort by George Washington and the Continental Army to stave off the advancement of the Hessians soldiers and secure the city of Trenton stands as one of the most historical victories of the Revolutionary War. This association further elevates the significance of preserving the inn.

The preservation of General Greene's Inn here in Buckingham, has a profound impact in multiple domains. Firstly, it serves as a lasting testament to the valiant efforts of the patriots who fought for independence. The inn is a tangible remnant of their sacrifices and achievements, offering future generations an opportunity to connect with history.

In addition, preserving General Greene's Inn contributes to heritage tourism, attracting visitors who seek a deeper understanding of America's past. This generates economic benefits for the local community, bolstering the tourism industry, and creating job opportunities.

The preservation of the inn also fosters a sense of community pride and identity. Residents of Buckingham, as well as visitors, can feel a profound connection to the historical events that took place within the inn's walls. It serves as a symbol of unity, reminding us of the values that sparked a nation's struggle for freedom.

While the preservation of General Greene's Inn is undeniably important, diverse perspectives exist regarding its significance and potential future developments. Some argue that limited resources should be directed towards more pressing contemporary issues rather than maintaining a historical site, especially in a rapidly developing area like Buckingham.

However, it is crucial to consider the role historical preservation plays in shaping a community's identity and fostering an appreciation for the past. By preserving General Greene's Inn, we safeguard a piece of our collective history and provide a tangible connection to the Revolutionary War era.

Furthermore, the preservation of the inn can be leveraged to support educational initiatives, enabling students to learn about the nation's founding and the sacrifices made during the war. The inn itself could serve as an interactive museum, engaging visitors in an immersive historical experience.

To navigate potential future developments, collaborations between preservationists, local government, and community members are crucial. Balancing preservation efforts with sustainable development can ensure that the inn adapts to the changing needs of the community without compromising its historical integrity.

The preservation of General Greene's Inn is vital for preserving the region's historical heritage, educating future generations, and fostering community pride. By embracing and valuing our historical legacy, we can build a more cohesive and resilient society.

Going forward, I respectfully request the reinstatement of the Buckingham Historical Society as I was told is now defunct considering there aren’t any active members. If approved I will then file the paperwork, if not already done so, to make the historical society a not for profit (501c3) organization. From there, I intend to use that platform to solicit funding in attempt to have the historical society purchase the building and its property. From there, I intend to have the building and its property registered with the Pennsylvania State Preservation Office (SPRO) as a state historical site then onto as a national historical site as well.

Yes, I realize that this is a Herculean effort even to start this endeavor let alone raising significant funds in order to first purchase the property, having it registered as a state and then national historical site, solicit local, state, and federal historical sites for the funding of the preservation of the building and property while following local ordinances since the property is located on protected wetlands.

Nonetheless, I stand here tonight in front of this Board of Town Supervisors as a proud resident of Buckingham and as a patriotic American willing to give it my best as General George Washington and his men most certainly did on that fateful Christmas night back in 1776.

Thank you for your time and consideration.