The Manheim Township Historical Society (MTHS) will host a presentation, "The Civil War Era and President James Buchanan's Retirement" program on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. at the Manheim Township Public Library, 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster.

Patrick Clarke will describe James Buchanan's retirement years, which coincided with the outbreak of the Civil War. During the first few months after Buchanan's return to his beloved Wheatland farm in 1861, he became acutely aware of his loss of power and the reality that he no longer commanded the public's attention. The escalation of the Civil War brought about anxiety and sadness for the Union, and his health challenges increased his desire to cherish the Christian hope that he be prepared to depart the world in peace.

Clarke has served as the director of President James Buchanan's Wheatland in Lancaster since 2005. He received degrees in history and museum education leadership and found his start in museums when, as a college student, he was hired to be a living history interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village. His first CEO position was at an 1830s industrial history museum, and the last three positions were political history sites, including President James Buchanan's Wheatland.

No registration is required. For more information, including how to access a livestream of the program via Zoom, contact mthistoricalsociety@gmail.com or 717-569-6638.