The Zeller/Zellers was attended by about 100 Zeller members and their friends, on Saturday afternoon and evening at the Millcreek Lutheran chuch. the oldest attendee was 97 years old, and the Zeller family members that came the fartherest to the event was from Oregan.

On Sunday the attendence was about 250 Zeller family members and their fiiend, and neighbors. There was a great exchange of family information, some were surprised how and to whom they were related. and a great time was had by all even though the day was hot; it was cool with a nice breeze under the tent. After lunch the group toured Fort Zeller. 

TO ALL ZELLER DESCENDENTS:

(Regardless of the spelling of the name)

This year marks the 300th anniversary of the 1710 Zeller/Zellers emigration from present day Germany to America, arriving in New York and settling in Pennsylvania. We assume that our Zeller/Zellers lineage descends from Jacques Zeller who died en route to America in 1709-1710. Jean Henri Zeller and his mother Lady Clothilde de Valois Zeller did arrive in New York in 1710 to land they were allocated along the Hudson River. Finding this area to be unsuitable for them, they were reassigned to acreage in what is now the area of Berks and Lebanon Counties in Pennsylvania where they lived in a small log home for several decades. In 1745 a larger stone house, commonly referred to as a blockhouse or fort was built to give them additional protection from the Native Americans.

While all Zeller/Zellers and their families are proud of their heritage, we in Pennsylvania are especially exalted with the 1745 Fort Zeller which remains today in a well-preserved condition and listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites.

To commemorate this occasion, we would like to invite you and your family to Lebanon County for a weekend of sharing family lineage, wonderful fellowship, and an exciting opportunity to walk in the footsteps of J. Heinrich Zeller and his family at Fort Zeller.

Our celebration will begin with a social gathering at Millcreek Lutheran Church at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 17th, 2010 followed by a buffet dinner and an address by the Rev. Earl Zellers, recreating a chronological record of these 300 years, relating significant events and our group’s research of the family’s evolution. In the hours prior to the dinner, we encourage you to enjoy fellowship and be part of the exciting entertainment…brought back by popular demand…Bicycle man Bob Swaim…and this time he will have his rare 7 passenger conference bike every age can enjoy…plus other unique cycling creations.

On Sunday, July 18th, we will relive the history of Fort Zeller. Guests will be welcomed between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the farm of Eugene and Sylvia (Zeller) Hoffman where Fort Zeller is located. At the Fort, a fresh pork roast luncheon and refreshments will be served. Guided tours of the Fort will be provided throughout the afternoon. Chairs and tables will be provided under a tent, but bring your own lawn chairs if you like. Parking and restroom facilities will be available near the Fort. Event will be rain or shine.

The Zeller Family Association is sponsoring the 300th Celebration and we want everyone to be able to join in the festivities in the attached schedule. Your only cost will be the Saturday evening buffet and lodging if needed. Of course, there will be souvenirs available to commemorate your visit.

Attached is a reply sheet, which needs to be returned by July 3.

THE COMMITTEE