The Strasburg Heritage Society will meet on Monday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, 101 S. Decatur St. The program is open to the public.

Gwendolyn Ruth Dickinson will present the story of her grandfather William Chester Ruth, an African American machinist, business owner, and patented inventor who lived in Lancaster County. Dickinson will present Ruth's story through memorabilia and pictures; through her own experiences and recollections; and by showing a short documentary film featuring firsthand accounts of farmers, patrons, and neighbors who knew Ruth and utilized his machine shop in Gap to keep their farms and businesses running.

Dickinson was born and raised in Gap. After graduating from Hahnemann University College of Allied Health Sciences, she dedicated over 30 years to health care as a primary care physician assistant. Now retired, Dickinson is deeply engaged in her church; volunteers in her community; and embarked on the Wm. Chester Ruth Legacy Project in 2021, honoring her grandfather's memory.