For 60 years, the Manheim Historical Society has focused on keeping the past alive. The organization recently received a certificate of congratulations from state Sen. Ryan Aument on reaching its six-decade milestone.

Aument presented the certificate at the Manheim Railroad Station, 210 S. Charlotte St., in July.

"Based in the Harry B. Shearer Heritage Center, the organization engages and educates the public on the people, places and events that have shaped the heritage and history of Manheim and the surrounding area," Aument read from the document. "Displaying outstanding commitment to the preservation of historic and cultural heritage of Manheim, the Manheim Historical Society has truly proven itself to be an asset to its community and this commonwealth."

Founded in 1964, the Manheim Historical Society began with a group of citizens who wanted to honor the town's rich history. The founding members were Dr. Loy C. Awkerman, J. David Young, Harry Shearer, Herman Hart, George L. Heiges, Eugene Hollinger, Doris Hollinger and Herbert Obetz.

Over the years, the organization has expanded to include multiple properties and projects in Manheim. The society houses documents and other artifacts at the Heritage Center, located at 88 S. Grant St.; operates two historically accurate homes - the Fasig and Keath houses; oversees Stiegel Glassworks, located next to the train station; and holds a variety of programs among the displays in the station. The historical society also maintains a trolley car at the station and is responsible for bringing the historic Howard Street Clock to the square in Manheim.

"We have been working very hard to maintain and preserve Manheim's history," said president Susan Williams. "Everything we do says, 'Take a look. This is important.'"

The historical society continually updates its displays, adding items to its collection regularly. Earlier this year, it acquired a circa 1880 3,000-pound safe created by Mosler-Bahmann & Co. for Manheim-based George H. Danner & Co. The safe now sits in one of the former waiting rooms at the train station, where passengers were separated by gender.

"We invite people to come in and see our acquisitions," said Peggy Cunha, chair of the society's programs and services and coordinator of the programs and events committee. "We want people to know where their money is going when they support us."

The Manheim Historical Society will host its third annual ice cream social and fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Manheim Railroad Station. It will feature celebrity dippers, including library staff members, local fire department personnel, Manheim Central student-athletes and Manheim Borough Council members. Marimba music by Stephanie Smith will be featured from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Ice cream will be donated by Kreider Farms. Tours of the building and model train exhibit will be offered, as well as trolley rides, weather permitting. Proceeds from the event will benefit the society's acquisition fund.

For more information on the Manheim Historical Society, visit https://manheimhistoricalsociety.org.