You may think you know the Amish, but come to a special presentation by Bill Earhart, and chances are, you'll learn something new. Earhart will present "Our Neighbors - the Lancaster County Amish" at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19. The program, presented by the Maytown Historical Society, will be held in the East Donegal Township building, 190 Rock Point Road, Marietta. Earhart will speak from 6:30 to 7 p.m. and then host a question-and-answer session with input from the audience.

Earhart, a former Donegal teacher and assistant principal, was a tour guide at the Amish Experience for many years. During his time there, he learned details about the Amish that he plans to share at the February program.

"My tours I used to give were an hour and a half to three hours long, so I'm going to be condensing things down a bit," he said with a laugh. "I'll hit some highlights."

He hopes to discuss a little bit of history of the Amish, as well as how the population came to settle in central Pennsylvania.

He also plans to focus on trends among the Amish community, including the migration of Amish families into the Mount Joy and Elizabethtown areas in recent years.

"The Amish are increasing in numbers in this area," Earhart said. "They are spreading out in all parts of the county, and we're seeing them more and more outside of Lancaster."

He emphasized that although the Amish have a reputation for tradition, they are not opposed to change. In fact, he said, they embrace it.

"They are a creative and innovative people," he said. "Whatever needs to be done, they will find a way to do it."

For example, he noted, the Amish are the largest users of solar power in the state, powering up batteries, farm equipment and more to use on their farms and other businesses.

They have also expanded beyond farming as a way of a life, he said.

"In 1950, 90% of Amish families were farmers," Earhart remarked. "Now, less than 50% are farmers."

Many Amish have gone into business for themselves, and they've beaten the odds in that industry.

"After five years, 90% of Amish businesses are still in business, compared to 50% of other small businesses," he said. "The Amish know what they're doing, and they're doing it well."

Another trend among the Amish is the expansion of produce farms popping up throughout the county, he said, noting that he lives near one in Elizabethtown.

He hopes people will come to his program to learn more about their neighbors.

"They are making changes and adapting, and I think a lot of people might not know that," he said.

Earhart's talk is free and open to the public. For more information on the Maytown Historical Society, visit https://maytownhistory.com.