The Lansford Historical Society and the Panther Valley Public Library are planning a joint holiday open house and art show this Sunday, Dec. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. Both organizations are headquartered at 117-119 E. Bertsch St. in Lansford. The public is encouraged to attend. Admission is free.

The Lansford Historical Society will host an open house upstairs at the town's new local history museum. Visitors will be able to view local history exhibits and artifacts and check out the donations received during this past year that are now on display. The society will serve free hot chocolate and home baked goods to visitors. They will not be presenting the 'Victorian Christmas in Lansford' program this year as it has done during the past two years.The society is in need of a permanent heating system to heat the museum area upstairs and is currently investigating options. Anyone interested in the history of the Lansford/Panther Valley area in encouraged to stop by to talk with society officers and volunteers.The Panther Valley Public Library will also be hosting an open house and art show downstairs in the library headquarters. The art show will feature artwork from the Panther Valley Elementary School (grades 1-5). The art teacher is Tanya Lilly. The show will include a special painting of the headquarters building of the Library and Historical Society that was painted by Panther Valley High School student Judy Lin. Free holiday punch, coffee and home baked goods will be served by the library.The holiday open house will be held rain or shine.