Neshaminy Mall Diorama Finds Home At Bensalem Twp. Building

BENSALEM, PA — A diorama of historic imagery that has been a fixture at Neshaminy Mall since the 1960s has gotten a new home at the Bensalem Township building.

Artwork depicting colonial life in Bucks County and the American Revolution story, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence, were installed at the former Strawbridge and Clothier store at the mall.

That store location would eventually become Macy's, which closed in 2017. Since then, historic preservationists have been working to preserve the diorama.

The multi-part display was removed from the mall this week and the parts that depict the signing of the Declaration were moved to the lobby of the township building.

"They truly are a part of Bensalem and the unique history we hold," said Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo. "As soon as we received information these precious fixtures were going to be demolished, the Bensalem Historical Society jumped into action. Between our administration, the Neshaminy Mall management and the muscle of our Public Works Department, we were able to save these integral pieces of the past."

Officials say other parts of the diorama, which used to move and have audio attached, will be put into safe storage until locations for them are found.

Bensalem Historical Society President Sally Sondesky said she is pleased with the plan.

"While I love all the scenes, I have a penchant for the signing of the Declaration of Independence," she said. "We celebrated Bensalem’s tricentennial in 1992 and re-created the entire signing scene with people, costumes, and an exact replica of Independence Hall, where the Declaration was signed."

That event, she said, was the beginning of Bensalem's annual fall festival.

Currently, Bensalem's township building is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Officials hope that will be changing soon so visitors can see what they call a "beautiful piece of priceless history."