About Us

Renfrew became a public museum and park in 1975 through the generosity of its last private owner, Emma Geiser Nicodemus, and her sister, Hazel Geiser.  In her will, Emma Nicodemus specified that her house be made into a museum and the surrounding 107 acres into a parkland.  The property was left to the Borough of Waynesboro.

Mrs. Nicodemus wanted the park to be called Renfrew in remembrance of two young sisters by that name.  According to local legend, the girls met their demise in 1764 on what is now Park property.

More than a quarter of a century after its creation, Renfrew has grown by leaps and bounds.  Research and restoration have expanded the scope of the site to include a visitors center in the Victorian period barn, several restored outbuildings such as the smokehouse and milkhouse, and the Fahnestock complex with its barn and farmhouse.