The Lititz Historical Foundation will host a program and book signing on Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Lititz Public Library, 651 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz. The presentation will begin at 1:30 p.m.

The event will focus on the book "Souls of Iron: A Remarkable Story of an Industrial Family Dynasty Spanning Over 150 Years" by local historian Jim Polczynski. He will tell the story of a multi-generational iron mining and iron manufacturing family dynasty in central Pennsylvania that began before the Revolutionary War and lasted until shortly after World War I.

At the age of 16, Robert Coleman immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland, arriving in Philadelphia with two months' worker wages in his pocket. By the time of his death in 1825, he was one of the wealthiest iron masters in Pennsylvania. He owned the majority in the Cornwall Iron Ore Mines, three iron furnaces and multiple forges and ironworks. Through the next four generations, his descendants perpetuated his businesses, all of which were purchased by Bethlehem Steel for tens of millions of dollars. The family weathered multiple scandals, recessions, an economic depression, five wars, and radical changes in technology.

Polczynski has worked as a consulting knowledge engineer for various steel companies, including Bethlehem Steel, Lukens Steel, Dofasco Steel and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel. He developed an interest in the iron and steel industry in Lebanon and Cornwall while renovating and restoring the Cornwall Company Store, now known as the Cornwall Inn. Polczynski also is currently president of the Friends of the Cornwall Iron Furnace.

Reservations are requested by calling the Lititz Public Library at 717-626-2255.