The Hellertown Historical Society is proud to announce that the historic Heller-Wagner Grist Mill site, located at 150 West Walnut Street, has been officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation, confirmed in August 2025 by the National Park Service, recognizes the site’s architectural, cultural, and historical significance dating back to the mid-18th century.

The Heller-Wagner Grist Mill was built in 1761 by Simon Heller and later owned by Christopher “Stoffel” Wagner. For centuries, the mill stood as a cornerstone of local life in Hellertown and the Saucon Valley, serving both agricultural and community needs. The listing on the NRHP highlights the enduring importance of the mill site and secures its place as one of Pennsylvania’s notable historic landmarks.

The road to recognition stretched over three years and brought together community members, historians, and preservation experts. Research was first initiated by HHS volunteer Chip Wagner, a direct descendant of Stoffel Wagner, who gathered critical background information before the project was advanced by the HHS Board. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission unanimously endorsed the nomination in June 2025, before forwarding it to the National Park Service for final approval.

“This recognition is a milestone not only for the Historical Society but for the entire Hellertown community,” said HHS President Donald Mills. “The grist mill connects us to the lives of those who built this town more than 250 years ago. Being included in the National Register ensures that future generations will understand and appreciate the role this site played in shaping our region’s history.”

The process leading to the designation was completed in collaboration with Artefact, Inc., a local historic preservation firm. The project received wide community support, including financial contributions from the Borough of Hellertown, individual donors, and a $10,000 Keystone Grant.

For more information, email info@hellertownhistoricalsociety.org

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