Raise a glass to the past and toast the people who helped shape a nation. At A Taste of History - America250 in Manheim, guests will step into the era of the American Revolution while sampling wine, savoring gourmet bites and discovering the stories of patriots whose lives intersected with Manheim. The fundraiser, benefiting the Manheim Community Library and the Manheim Historical Society, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at the Kreider Farms Cultural Center, 547 N. Penryn Road, Manheim.

"This (adults-only) event offers a unique evening of wine tasting and delicious hors d'oeuvres or desserts at five themed stations, each paired with fascinating history presentations about notable patriots - Henry William Stiegel, Robert Morris, John Dickinson, Sarah Franklin Bache and William Shippen Jr. - and their connections to Manheim during the era of the 1776 Declaration of Independence," explained Peggy Cunha, chair of programs and services and coordinator of the programs and events committee for the Manheim Historical Society. "Guests can enjoy live music by Tri-M Music Honor Society students, and a cash bar for wine and beer will be available. Bottles of wine may be purchased to take home."

Two types of tickets are available. One will grant full access to all activities, while the other will also include a personalized commemorative wine glass and one complimentary glass of wine.

Wines will be presented by Manheim-based Glasshouse Wineworks, and food will be provided by Rettew's Catering. Cunha noted that several local businesses have provided generous sponsorships to make the event possible.

"Each guest will also receive a passport highlighting the patriots, wines and food pairings," Cunha said. "All proceeds will support the historical society in preserving and maintaining local history and the community library in promoting reading and lifelong learning."

As Cunha explained, the idea for the event came about after a conversation she had with representatives from the library.

"(We) were chatting about doing more things together, and another volunteer mentioned he'd spoken with Krista from Glasshouse Wineworks about a joint wine-tasting and history event last year," she recalled. "So we all came together to share our ideas."

Cunha emphasized that the event will provide an opportunity to celebrate the history of Manheim while also enjoying a fun evening out. It's also an opportunity to highlight both the library and its programs as well as the Manheim Historical Society and its impact on the region.

"We celebrate and share the rich history of Manheim Borough, Rapho Township and Penn Township," she said, explaining the mission of the historical society. "Our research center offers support for genealogical studies, and we have four museums in Manheim. Visitors from nearby towns, across the nation and around the globe come to explore our museums and enjoy our free monthly seasonal presentations. Students and their teachers from our local schools and homeschools visit for educational purposes."

Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. for the event, and wine and food stations will start at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets must be purchased in advance no later than Friday, April 10. To purchase tickets, search for "A Taste of History - America250 in Manheim Fundraiser" on Facebook or visit https://manheimhistoricalsociety.org or https://manheimlibrary.org. Payment by check will be accepted by mail to the historical society and must be mailed by Friday, April 3. Checks should be made payable to the Manheim Historical Society, and orders should include the number and type of tickets.