Hempfield supervisors already are working with local historians to plan for the township’s 250th anniversary in 2023.
Township leaders, in anticipation of the celebration, appointed Supervisor Doug Weimer as event coordinator. He will oversee planning of events related to the celebration.
“There’s a lot out there and I think a lot to show about what’s happened in Hempfield over the last 250 years,” Weimer said.
According to the township website, Hempfield in 1771 was one of the original six townships created as part of Bedford County. On April 6, 1773, it became part of the formation of Westmoreland County. Today, Hempfield is one of the oldest local municipalities in Western Pennsylvania.
Weimer said he hopes to work with members of the Baltzer Meyer Historical Society to learn more about the township’s history. In addition, he wants to highlight the township’s future during the 250th anniversary.
“We’re already looking to the future, we’re going to be building things in the future,” Weimer said. “I think by the time we get to 2023, we’ll have a good handle of what’s happening with the comprehensive plan, what it has told us, and so we’ll be able to highlight those things that are coming up.”
Supervisors in July issued a request for proposals for a consultant who will help guide work on the comprehensive plan, which has not been updated for about 14 years. The plan will help the board make decisions related to zoning changes and development within the township, among others.
Township officials are currently setting up interviews with consultants for the plan.
In addition, Weimer plans to meet with community stakeholders including businesses, schools, nonprofits, churches, the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library and others to see who is interested in hosting events related to the anniversary throughout 2023.
“I think it’s just a perfect time for us, a lot of great things have already happened here, and we’re already on the cusp of thinking about a lot of great things to happen in this township in the years ahead,” Weimer said. “I think it will come together rather nicely.”