About Us

The Redbank Valley Historical Society, Inc. is a nonprofit group of individuals whose interest is in researching and preserving a factual and accurate history of the area comprising approximately the same area as the Redbank Valley School District. We have established a Redbank Area Heritage and Genealogy Center in New Bethlehem and to collect and preserve artifacts pertinent to the history and genealogy of the area for display at that center which is open for public use and enjoyment. We provide monthly educational meetings about subject matters of local history to the group. The building showcases rotating exhibits throughout the year for the community. The Redbank Valley Historical Society has open memberships to anyone who is interested in and willing and able to contribute to our society’s goals.

Goals

  • 1

    Research and compile historical data for the publication of books about the area.

  • 2

    Continue to gather information for Redbank Area Heritage and Genealogy Center in New Bethlehem.

  • 3

    Collect and preserve artifacts relevant to the history and genealogy of the area.

  • 4
    Display the collected artifacts at the Heritage and Genealogy Center for public use and enjoyment.
  • 5

    Invite guest speakers to present interesting subject matters of local history to the group.

  • 6

    Educate our youth by working with local schools to provide history projects and displays for students to have a hands on experience of learning about their heritage.

  • 7

    Maintain an open membership policy, welcoming anyone interested in and willing to contribute to the society’s goals.

Remembering the Past

In touch with the Present

Meet The Redbank Valley Historical Society Directors & Board Members

Deb Huffman
Deb HuffmanPresident

Deb currently works as an Advertising Executive for the Leader Vindicator newspaper in New Bethlehem. She has over 20 years’ experience working as an an Executive Director and raising funds for nonprofits for the Charlotte Catholic School System, the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas, Lutheran Family Services of the Carolinas and the Clarion University Foundation.
Peggy Bish
Peggy BishVice President

Peggy is a retired rural mail carrier with nearly thirty years of service to the public in the Mayport area.  She is currently the NDI (Education) Director at the Hawthorn Church of the Nazarene.  She has researched and authored several stories for the RVHS publication “Voices from the Redbank Valley.”  She currently serves on the Genealogy Committee, the Taste of the Valley Cookbook Committee and is a member of the program committee.
Judy Williams
Judy WilliamsSecretary

Judy retired as Manager of Financial Services after 40 years at the Charles P. Leach Agency. The position included selling and servicing individual and group benefits as well as securities.  Serves as co-president of church’s Women of Faith and chairperson of church finance committee.  She also serves as chairperson of Civic Club’s annual AMBA Blood Screening Program.  Is a member of the RVHS program committee and Taste of The Valley Cookbook committee.

Ali Mortensen
Ali MortensenBoard Member

Ali is a 3rd Generation Chocolatier at Char-Val Candies in New Bethlehem. She has a decade of experience in marketing, specifically on social media. She currently serves on the website committee.
Amanda Coon
Amanda CoonBoard Member

Amanda is currently the Branch Manager at First United National Bank. She has been in banking for over 25 years and 17 of those years have been in New Bethlehem. She has volunteered for several local organizations and served on several boards. She is currently on the website committee for the Historical Society.
Judie Maholtz
Judie MaholtzBoard Member

Judith is a Human Resources Business Partner for the Global Information Technology function at Eaton. In this role, Maholtz is responsible for providing strategic HR leadership to the Chief Information Officer’s Senior Leadership Team. As the HR business partner, she drives the global functional talent management strategy, organizational effectiveness, all levels of talent assessment/selection, and employee relations management. She joined Eaton Corporation in 1989 and held a variety of human resources generalist positions with increasing levels of responsibility.

Donald Shilling
Donald ShillingBoard Member

Donald Shilling is an Armstrong School District retired Elementary teacher. He has been actively involved with the Redbank Valley Historical Society since 2010, presenting local history community programs. He is the author of “History of the Low Grade Railroad” and researched and contributed articles for “The U. S. Civil War and its Impact on the Residents of the Redbank Valley” and “Voices from the Redbank Valley.” He currently is on the program committee and the genealogy committee.
Brenda Shilling
Brenda ShillingBoard Member

Brenda Shilling is an Armstrong School District retired Family and Consumer Science teacher. She has been actively involved with the Redbank Valley Historical Society since 2010, presenting local history community programs. She researched and contributed to “The U. S. Civil War and its Impact on the Residents of the Redbank Valley” and “Voices from the Redbank Valley.” She currently is on the program committee and the genealogy committee.