Why be a member? Your support makes a difference!

Emma Nicodemus filled her restored Federal-era farmhouse with a thoughtfully curated collection of Early American decorative arts from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Those who knew her best often said she simply collected what she loved. Without formal training in art history or antiques, Mrs. Nicodemus trusted her own instincts, guided by advice from friends and fellow collectors, to develop a remarkable eye for beauty, craftsmanship, and history. Over time, her eclectic assemblage grew to include ceramics, folk art, silver, furniture, textiles, toys, books, and more—each piece carefully chosen to bring her period home to life.

Today, Emma’s collection forms the foundation of Renfrew Museum and Park’s holdings, which now encompass nearly 5,000 artifacts. With a special focus on Early American decorative arts, domestic life, agriculture, and craft from 1790–1830, Renfrew preserves and interprets the story of our young nation from a distinctly local perspective. Highlights include Pennsylvania German dower chests, fraktur, chalkware, and scherenschnitte, displayed alongside early English Staffordshireware, Canton China, and Federal-era Baltimore furniture. The collection also features locally made tall case clocks by Waynesboro artisans Jacob Wolf and Peter Grumbine, as well as historic folk pottery by the Bell family.

Since Emma’s passing in 1973 and the founding of Renfrew Museum and Park in 1975, we have served the community by preserving its historic Pennsylvania German farmsteads, built environment, cultural landscapes, and Early American decorative arts collection. Our work is made possible through the generosity of our members, whose support sustains our mission of community, recreation, education, and preservation. We invite you to become part of Renfrew’s growing family!

Members of Renfrew Museum and Park enjoy special benefits that help get the most out of experiences at their favorite farmstead. Discover Renfrew in new ways, be the first to know about events and institutional initiatives, gain exclusive access to our collections, historic buildings, fresh content, and more! Through your generosity, we can continue to create lasting connections to Renfrew’s distinctive character and dynamic heritage, fostering a meaningful sense of place for visitors of all ages for generations to come.

Read Renfrew’s 2026 Membership Renewal Letter below to learn more about the impact of membership!

“Cultivate Inspiration” with us by choosing the level that’s right for you!

Benefits extended to one (1) named adult age 18+

• 10% discount in Museum Shop (consignment items not included)
• Unlimited admission to General Farmstead Tours during our regular season
• Free or reduced admission to most lectures, presentations, programs, events, and workshops (excludes fundraiser events)
• Time Travelers reciprocal membership network – Enjoy benefits for over 400 museum and historic sites around the country!
• Invitations to Members-Only Events such as socials, special volunteer opportunities, and exhibit previews

All benefits listed above PLUS:

• Benefits extended to four (4) people: two (2) named adults & two (2) guests
• Choice of Royer House or Fahnestock House magnet (while supplies last)

All Benefits listed above PLUS:

• Benefits extended to six (6) people: two (2) named adults & four (4) guests
• Certificate of gratitude and recognition of membership at the Fahnestock level (or above)

All benefits listed above PLUS:

• Benefits extended to eight (8) people: two (2) named adults & six (6) guests
• 20% discount in Museum Shop
• Renfrew Tote Bag

All benefits listed above PLUS:

• Benefits extended to ten (10) people: two (2) named adults & eight (8) guests
• One (1) FREE pavilion rental reservation
• Copy of A Renfrew Sampler: Objects From the Collection by Lisa Benderson (while supplies last)

All of the benefits above PLUS:

• Benefits extended to twelve (12) people: two (2) named adults & ten (10) guests
• Behind-the-Scenes VIP Tour with the Executive Director for up to twelve (12) guests, once per membership year
• A handmade Renfrew French butter keeper (while supplies last)