Lancaster County holds the roots of a rich history that predates the founding of the United States. As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania is among the first locations in America that European settlers decided to make their home several hundred years ago. Although this may seem like ancient history to modern-day Lancastrians, the area's wealth of historical buildings and artifacts reminds us that many stories in our history books took place right in our backyards.

One of Lancaster County's oldest structures is the Hans Herr House, which is now a part of the 1719 Museum, 1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street. The home was built by Mennonite settlers in 1719, and it served as the centerpiece for the entire Mennonite congregation in Willow Street. The building remains the oldest Mennonite meeting place in the country, as well as the oldest house in Lancaster County. In addition to preserving the Hans Herr House, one of the 1719 Museum's goals is to make the area's history easily accessible to the community. The museum accomplishes this goal by offering educational programs such as guided tours of the property.

Every year, the 1719 Museum invites members of the public to attend a training course to become qualified tour guides. The course includes four sessions, which are held at both the Hans Herr House and Mennonite Life, 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster. This year, the sessions will take place on Saturdays, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 24 and March 2. Each session will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., with the exception of Feb. 3, which will run longer. More details will be available closer to the date of the session.

During the courses, trainees will learn about the history of both Mennonite settlers and the Native Americans who preceded them. In addition to leading tours of the Hans Herr House, tour guides will be responsible for taking visitors through a replica of an indigenous longhouse. The replica is based on an archaeological discovery made in Washington Boro that is estimated to date back to the mid-1600s. Jess McPherson, a representative of local Native American advocacy group Circle Legacy Center, will give an educational presentation during the session on Feb. 3.

"One of our main points of focus is working toward a world where people learn both their own stories and stories that reach across boundaries," said Heather Strahin, the 1719 Museum's administrator. "Mennonite settlers and indigenous people both played an integral role in Lancaster's history; it's important to share their stories."

For more information and to sign up, visit http://tinyurl.com/1719guides.