Located on the southern border of the United States during the decades preceding the Civil War, Wrightsville was a hub of activity at the time. A network of concerned citizens helped freedom-seeking slaves attempting to cross to the North by offering safe houses, barns and churches as shelter. Local historian Scott Mingus will discuss York County's role in the Underground Railroad at Historic Wrightsville's Olde Town Night. The event will be held on Friday, March 18, at Wrightsville Hope United Methodist Church, Fourth and Hellam streets. Social time and light refreshments will begin at 6 p.m., with the program starting at 6:30 p.m.

As Lisa Burk, co-historian of Historic Wrightsville, explained, Mingus is the perfect choice for the presentation. "Historic Wrightsville has had a relationship with Scott for quite some time, and I have often thought it would be great to get him to speak at one of our Olde Town Night events," she stated. "I think what he'll be talking about is a particularly hot topic right now."

Mingus has completed extensive research on the Underground Railroad, she noted, and he will discuss the network of abolitionist supporters in the area. He'll also talk about Hybla, the property on the northwest end of Wrightsville that is also known as the Mifflin Farm, and the work being done to preserve it.

Historic Wrightsville has been holding Olde Town Night since the mid-1970s, when the organization began, Burk noted. "Historic Wrightsville came about due to the bicentennial in 1976, when there was a lot of interest in the town and looking into its history," she explained. "Historic Wrightsville was incorporated, and they have held an event called Olde Town Night almost every year since. It always features topics of interest to the community."

Along with Olde Town Night, Historic Wrightsville hosts fundraisers and events throughout the year, supports local veterans and features a rotating display in its museum, located at 309 Locust St., Wrightsville.

Burk noted that the Olde Town Night program will offer an opportunity to learn more about Historic Wrightsville as well as the history of the town. "Come out and enjoy the socialization," she stated. "You'll get to meet new people, and you'll learn a lot about our local history and the role Wrightsville played in that history."

Registration is not necessary for the program. For more information, call the museum at 717-252-1169. Updates on programs and activities can also be found by searching for "Historic Wrightsville Incorporated" on Facebook.