I feel fortunate to be allowed this monthly column to explore and celebrate one of the most intriguing and unique aspects of life in Bucks County: its historical riches. I never cease to be astounded by the ability of Bucks County residents and visitors alike, in the course of their everyday activities, to move intimately among numerous buildings and artifacts older than our country itself. This opportunity is rare in America.

I wanted to write this column because I sometimes feel we are spoiled by their ubiquity, and take such rare symbols of our shared history for granted. It’s not that I believe no one knows about all the architectural creations or the many natural sites in our county that were host to countless native and immigrant societies. I just think many people take their presence for granted as just so many quaint features along the roads, without knowing their true significance.

My conversations with younger people have revealed that many—though certainly not all—of them view these places and items as irrelevant to their own modern lives. When I hear something like this, it makes me deeply sad and a little frightened. If we don’t address the source of this disconnect between our society’s future and its past, we fail not only our children, but our ancestors. To allow historical treasures to fade into obscurity is to mock the great costs of the legacy left us by our forebears.

It is my goal, through this column, to bring these places and things into sharp focus, and to applaud those whose efforts share in this work. I hope the information shared here helps those who may be unaware of them to open their eyes to the unmatched treasures in their midst, and reminds those who are aware of them of their good fortune with renewed appreciation.

This is everyone’s column, and I’d appreciate your calling my attention to any historic places, events, artifacts or organizations you feel are important to Bucks County. Please send your ideas for future column topics to me here at the Herald, or email them to me at BackThen@thewordforge.com. I look forward to hearing from you.