In 1763, a camp of peaceful Conestoga Native Americans was attacked by a band of armed men called the Paxton Boys. By the end of the conflict, 20 people, including women and children, had been massacred, effectively wiping out the tribe. Local journalist Jack Brubaker takes a look at the event and its aftermath in his book "Massacre of the Conestogas: On the Trail of the Paxton Boys in Lancaster County." He will talk about his book and have copies for sale at a program at the Manheim Historical Society. The program will be held on Sunday, July 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the society's historic railroad station, 210 S. Charlotte St. Brubaker's talk will begin at 2 p.m.

"This is a bit of local history I didn't know much about, so I'm really looking forward to hearing about it," said Susan Williams, president of the historical society. "We haven't done programs on Indians in the area, and this sounded like a very interesting topic."

In addition to Brubaker's talk, the event will feature local historic artifacts from the Lower Susquehanna Archaeological Society Chapter 28 as well as information about the Archaeology Citizen Scientist Program. Debbie Saylor, president of the chapter, will be on-site to answer questions. The Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology is a volunteer organization that promotes the advancement of scientific research, investigation, collection and preservation of archaeological remains and materials in the state, with a focus on the Lower Susquehanna water basin.

The event will also feature tours of the railroad station, trolley rides and an opportunity to view the model railroad on-site. The Henry William Stiegel exhibit will also be open.

"We have some new items in the exhibit," Williams said, specifically mentioning a copy of a letter Stiegel wrote to the Commonwealth pleading for his release from debtor's prison.

Fresh-roasted peanuts will also be available for purchase at the event. "We have an old-time peanut roaster set up outside, and we roast raw peanuts," Williams noted.

Off-site, the historical society also operates the Fasig and Keath houses, 18th-century log houses located on East High Street. Both will be open for tours. All of the activities on July 16 are free.

Williams added that the program offers an opportunity for the historical society to showcase everything it offers to the Manheim community.

"We've been working on a lot of things," she said, noting that the projects include repainting box cars on-site, restoring them to their original red and green colors. "We had a gentleman come in, and he re-hand-lettered all of words on the cars, and it looks very nice. ... I'm really excited about all the things we've been doing here. We have a lot of hardworking volunteers."

For more information on the Manheim Historical Society, visit http://www.manheimhistoricalsociety.org or follow the organization on Facebook or Instagram.