Shaler Township plans to celebrate its 125th anniversary as a first-class township with a series of promotions and events throughout 2025.
Though Shaler was settled and established by the mid-19th century, the township only earned the Pennsylvania legal designation of a “first-class township” in 1900. This means that a town has a population density of at least 300 inhabitants per square mile.
For Linda Hartman, 62, the anniversary not only provides a time to see how the township has “progressed” but also to consider the future. Like many others, Hartman said she has remained in Shaler for her entire life. She joined the 125th anniversary committee to help plan the celebrations.
“It’s a good chance to look at where we’ve come from and where we want to go,” she said.
In addition to normal community plans, the township’s communications specialist, Mel Crawford, said Shaler will collaborate with local businesses, churches and the Shaler North Hills Library for special events.
That means a Shaler trivia night at Acrospire Brewing on Mt. Royal Boulevard, local history exhibitions at the library, as well as dedicatory Mass and socials at several churches, according to the township’s website. Residents also can purchase anniversary T-shirts and yard signs at the township office.
“(Shaler) means a lot to people,” Crawford said. “So, coming together to celebrate the special place that you live in, I think, is very exciting for everybody.”
Just before Memorial Day and as part of the quasquicentennial, Shaler Area High School’s Anderson Field will host The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica that’s three-fourths the size of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Crawford said residents can stay updated about events on the township’s website at shaler.org and its Facebook page.
Here is the scheduled lineup of special events so far:
• 7 p.m. Feb. 27: Shaler Township Trivia Night at Acrospire Brewing, 1702 Mt. Royal Blvd.;
• March 2: St. Bonaventure-St. Matthew’s Parish Mass intention for the township’s 125th anniversary;
• 6:30 p.m. March 13: Let’s Talk Local History at the Shaler North Hills Library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd.;
• March 24: Art contest begins at Shaler North Hills Library;
• March 29: Luncheon and meet-and-greet at Sharps Hill Volunteer Fire Department, 503 Berner St.;
• 7 p.m. April 15: Let’s Talk Local History at Elfinwild Church, 3200 Mt. Royal Blvd.;
• May 9: Deadline for art contest at Shaler North Hills Library;
• 7 p.m. May 22: Shaler Township Trivia Night with Acrospire Brewing at the Crawford Pool;
• May 23-26: The Wall That Heals at Anderson Field;
• 3 p.m. June 8: Ice cream social at Glenshaw Presbyterian Church, 300 Glenn Ave.;
• July 19: Bring a Buddy to the Pool Day for $1.25;
• July 27: Touch-a-Truck;
• Aug. 9: Bring a Buddy to the Pool Day for $1.25;
• 7 p.m. Aug. 28: Shaler Township Trivia Night with Acrospire Brewing at the Crawford Pool;
• Oct. 25: Fall Fest at Church of Our Saviour, 2405 Clearview Drive;
• Oct. 26: Reunion service and luncheon at Church of Our Saviour;
• Nov. 9: Shaler Township local history exhibit at Shaler North Hills Library;
• Dec. 7: Luminary Night throughout Shaler Township.