Local residents Patricia Yost and Emily Zacharda have been appointed by Catasauqua Borough Manager Eugene Goldfeder as co-directors of the George Taylor House, the borough's national historical landmark building.

Council approved the positions at its January meeting.

"The borough wants to try different events at the George Taylor House and bolster its presence in the Lehigh Valley," Goldfeder said.

According to Zacharda, a number of events are planned in the future.

"We have several events planned to make the George Taylor House and its grounds a destination location," she said.

Opening Day is set for May 16.

"The opening event is a smaller version of what we did for Old Home Week," Yost said. "Crafters, artisans and food vendors are on the schedule."

Sunday afternoon picnics will be planned on the grounds during the summer months.

"The traditional July 4 celebration is always well attended and we want to keep that going," Zacharda said.

The Independence Day celebration includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence. A student art show might be added to the event this year.

July 18 is a dine-and-dance event under the stars.

"This event replaces the wine-tasting event," Yost added. "There seem to be plenty of wine tastings and it is hard to get enough people to attend to attract more wineries.

Most wineries seem to prefer the tastings they host on their own grounds.

"On this special day, we will have reserved tables, food and music for the evening festivities," she said. Families will be able to reserve a table or picnic on the grounds.

The month of August is open for a barbecue and square dance event that will be announced as soon as the logistics are worked out.

Yost has coordinated several successful barbecue events at the Willow Brook Farm in North Catasauqua.

"We might also do something in conjunction with the Gas House Anniversary celebration at the end of August," Zacharda said.

In October, the house and grounds will be open in conjunction with the borough's Fest O' Fall celebration.

The new directors tossed around a few other ideas that they want to develop, which include enhancing the decorations at Christmas to include interior decorations, tango and jitterbug lessons and a celebration that includes a red rose event. The lease for the George Taylor House requires that the owner annually present one red rose as payment.

"We want to see more people come to the house and enjoy the venue, so we will be contacting area groups to come by for special tours," Zacharda said. "We have plenty of tables and tents that we can use to support special events."

The new directors held their first committee meeting Jan. 13 to dole out tasks.

Kimberly Brubaker is working on a logo for the site and a website is up and operating. For more information, email GeorgeTaylorHouse@yahoo. com.

"We are always anxious to have volunteers who are interested in helping get this site recognized," Yost said. "Anyone can volunteer using the website or they can give one of us a call. The George Taylor House is one of the few remaining homes of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. We have a good story to tell visitors to the borough."