April Lynn Gibble Downey can trace her family's roots in Manheim back hundreds of years. Always fascinated with history, Downey knew her hometown would make a good subject for a book, so she wrote one. "Images of America: Manheim" was published in February. Downey, who currently lives outside of Baltimore, will sign copies of her book in the courtyard of REO Manheim Marketplace, 51 N. Main St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 1.

The book is part of the "Images of America" series published by Arcadia Publishing that focuses on towns across the United States. "I was in a bookstore, and I saw the series, and I thought, 'Wouldn't it be great if they had one for Manheim?'" Downey recalled. "There wasn't one, so I thought, 'I could write one.'"

She submitted her proposal for the book in December of 2019, received approval to begin working on it in January of 2020 and spent about six months researching and collecting historic photographs and documents for the book.

"The book has about 220 photographs, and almost all of them are from the Manheim Historical Society," Downey said, adding that a few were donated by individuals and she shot a few herself. "The book begins with a general history of Pennsylvania, talking about William Penn and then about Baron Stiegel, the founder of Manheim," she stated. "Each chapter has an introduction to the time period covered in it."

Downey, who is in the process of switching careers, is looking to get into historical research, especially after discovering how enjoyable it was to write this book.

"I find our past really interesting," she noted. "I have always loved history. I knew this book would be a cool idea, but once I got to the historical society, I started thinking, 'This is a really, really good idea.' There is just so much history in Manheim. There are so many old buildings, so many records and photographs from the past."

Once the book was published, Downey connected with Suzanne Reiley, who owns REO Manheim Marketplace and is also president of the Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce. Reiley said she was happy to help Downey promote the history of the town and host the book signing.

"April will have maps with corresponding page numbers for people to take and perhaps stroll around town to see the actual buildings from her book," Reiley remarked.

That was what really drew April into the project, she says - the fact that so many historic sites remain in Manheim. "I love seeing the old photographs and knowing you can still see those buildings today," she said. "I love being able to walk through town and feeling the town's history. I can picture the horses and carriages going down the street."

Proceeds from sales of Downey's book at the book signing will benefit the Manheim Historical Society. Tom Kauffman will provide live music during the event. For more information on the book signing, visit http://www.manheimchamber.org.