From archaeological finds that are thousands of years old to modern-day run-ins with ghosts, the Manheim Historical Society's 2025 program series will feature a wide range of topics. Programs will be held once a month from April through November at the Manheim Railroad Station, 210 S. Charlotte St.

"We strive to offer a variety of subjects so that everyone can learn about a topic of interest and visit our museums," explained Peggy Cunha, chair of programs and services and coordinator of the programs and events committee for the Manheim Historical Society. "Some programs were carried over from last year due to limited space, while others were new and had been featured at other events."

The series will kick off with a presentation by Debbie Saylor on Sunday, April 27. She'll discuss "What the Ancient Ones Left Behind," sharing archaeological artifacts from the nomadic people who lived in the area.

On Sunday, May 18, historical researcher, consultant and author April Lynn Downey will present "Pennsylvania Dutch Traditions: Hex Signs and Powwow."  

"She will present on cultural traditions of the German-speaking settlers of the 17th and 18th centuries who brought us hex signs and powwowing," Cunha said, explaining that the latter refers to a blend of European folk-healing and Christian faith healing.

Todd Hostetter, a Lancaster County tool historian and collector, will present "Planemakers of Manheim 1806-1847 and Others of Lancaster County" on Sunday, June 15.

On Sunday, July 20, retired special education teacher and guitar teacher Matthew Dodd will make a return appearance from last year, presenting "Songs and Stories of the Old Railroad Days."

The historical society will hold its annual fundraiser and ice cream social, featuring celebrity dippers, on Sunday, Aug. 17.

"Music will be provided by the Stone Soup String Band, who play traditional 'old-time' and Celtic/American folk music," Cunha said.

The program on Sunday, Sept. 21, will feature Dan Snyder, who will present "Digging Deeper Into the Hessian Ditch: Revolutionary POWs at Elizabeth Furnace."

"The furnace was a POW working prison for Revolutionary War-captured Hessian soldiers in addition to many local German workers," Cunha said, noting that Snyder is a history buff who has held a walking tour of the site and will share that tour in this program for people who are unable to traverse the property.

Rick Fisher, local ghost hunter, author and founder of the Paranormal Society of Pennsylvania, will present "Ghosts of Lancaster County" on Sunday, Oct. 19.

Journalist Larry Alexander will wrap up the 2025 series at the railroad station with "The Accidental Author: Stories of WWII and More" on Sunday, Nov. 16.

All programs will be held at 2 p.m., with the exception of the Aug. 17 fundraiser, which will run from 1 to 4 p.m.

The historical society's museums, including the railroad station and the colonial Fasig and Keath houses at 30-32 E. High St., will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. on the days of the programs for free tours.

The historical society's colonial homes will feature programs once a month from April through September plus a program in December. Among the programs will be "19th-Century Gardens," presented by Master Gardener Michael Cassidy at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, in the Fasig House.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11, the annual native plants fundraiser and giveaways will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Plants will be supplied by Hungry Hook Farm. On Sunday, Linda Ferich from the Lancaster Conservancy's Community Wildlife Habitat Initiative will have a table with information for all stages of gardeners.

The annual Kids Fair will be held on Sunday, June 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. It will feature an ongoing interactive children's educational program from the Govenor Dick Environment Center called "The Fact Is ..." facilitated by a park ranger.

James Buckner will present as a re-enactor in costume for a program on Sunday, July 13, at 3 p.m. "Voyage of the Mayflower as Told by John Howland" will showcase Buckner's ancestor, a passenger on the historic ship.

On Sunday, Aug. 10, at 3 p.m., the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster, a living history organization, will present "A Civil War Ladies Aid Society," discussing a group of women who collected goods, raised money and traveled to Gettysburg to care for the wounded after the battle there.

A traditional crafts market, featuring demonstrations and vendors, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m., and the historical society will conclude its 2025 programs with "Christmas in Manheim" on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, from 1 to 4 p.m.

"We want to educate the public," Cunha said. "Holding a variety of programs and interests helps the public to want to also visit the museums, and they then learn about Manheim's history. History doesn't stop at the borders of a town or township."

For more information, visit https://manheimhistoricalsociety.org.