CELEBRATING AMERICA 250: The Real Story of the Mason Dixon Line

On Sunday, March 1st, beginning at 3:00 pm, and again on Thursday, March 5th, beginning at 1:30 pm, the New Oxford Area Historical Society (NOAHS), is pleased to present our inaugural program for 2026 in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. On these dates, local resident and history detective David Peters will offer an insightful and revealing presentation entitled, The Real Story of the Mason Dixon Line. In this, Peters will share his insights about the fabled Mason Dixon Line and stories of conflict and violence that
existed at that time between the proprietors of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Both events are free and open to the public.

David’s presentation will provide valuable insights into how this border disagreement, which wasn’t settled until shortly after the conclusion of the French & Indian War, became such a significant episode in our local history. He will explain how it was decided to settle the border dispute, where the border should be, why Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon were chosen to survey the border, and offer photographs of some interesting places on the line.

This program will be offered on two different dates and times for flexibility and choice by
attendees. The Sunday, March 1st event will begin at 3:00 pm at the New Oxford Fire
Hall, located at 21 N Bolton St, New Oxford, PA. The Thursday, March 5th event will be
held in the CKV Theater, beginning at 1:30 pm, located in the Harmony Ridge Community
Center at Cross Keys Village and is part of the society’s CKV Afternoon History Series.

Persons wishing to attend the March 5th event are encouraged to pre-register by
March 3rd to ensure seating. No pre-registration is needed for the March 1st
event. Cross Keys Village residents can pre-register using the Cross Key’s
“Uniguest” app or by signing up at the Harmony Ridge Lobby. NOAHS
members and the public can pre-register by email or phone by sending
a note to NOAHS17350@gmail.com or calling (717) 842-6624, and
should provide all attendee names.

Both events are made possible by the generous donations of NOAHS
members and supporters. To learn more about NOAHS, visit the society’s
website at www.NewOxfordAreaHistory.org or visit NOAHS’ Facebook page
@NOAHS17350. Inquiries about the organization should be sent to
NOAHS17350@gmail.com.