The Millersville Area Historical Society (MAHS) will host a presentation titled "Blacksmith to Inventor - The Wm. Chester Ruth Legacy" when it meets at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, in the Millersville Borough Administration & Police Building, 100 Municipal Drive. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 9:15 a.m.

The speaker will be Gwendolyn Ruth Dickinson, granddaughter of William Chester Ruth and president of the Wm. Chester Ruth Legacy Project.

William Chester Ruth (1882-1971) was an African American machinist and entrepreneur who lived in Lancaster and Chester counties and was well known for his inventions, among them the combination baler feeder and self-lifting farm elevator. Dickinson will share her grandfather's story through memorabilia and pictures; her own experiences and recollections; and a short documentary featuring firsthand accounts of farmers, patrons, and neighbors who knew him and used his machine shop to keep their farms and businesses running. A question-and-answer session will close the presentation.

Dickinson, a native of Gap, continues to honor her grandfather's legacy and memory as she leads the Wm. Chester Ruth Legacy Project that was launched in 2021. In addition to her work with the project, she is active with her church and community as a volunteer. She is a graduate of Hahnemann University College of Allied Health Sciences and served as a primary care physician assistant for more than 30 years.

Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. For more details, contact Phil Gerber at 717-872-8837 before noon or at pge8507@aol.com.