The building at the corner of Grant and Ferdinand streets in Manheim has often intrigued people. With what appeared to be covered-up windows and a plain exterior, the space didn't highlight what it held inside - until now.

On June 20, the Manheim Historical Society unveiled six new murals painted in the former window sites on the side and front of the organization's Harry B. Shearer Heritage Center, 88 S. Grant St.

"People didn't know what this building was, even though there's a sign outside," said Eugene Engle, a volunteer with the historical society. "This shows the history of Manheim."

The murals were completed by local artists Jason and Katherine Horst. Each depicts significant events or objects in the town's past.

One mural highlights the founding of the town, with a surveyor pictured and the year 1762. Another spotlights the glass factory and hand-blown glass that Manheim is famous for.

A third mural shows a red rose and a church, representing Zion Lutheran in town, where congregants pay a rent of one red rose annually to an heir of town founder Baron Stiegel.

A clock, a spinning wheel and carpentry tools underscore the creativity that's part of Manheim's past, while a fifth mural shows the town's former transportation options, including a mail buggy, a sled and a doctor's buggy. The last mural depicts Stiegel's home with a layout of the town behind it.

"The president of the historical society gave an introduction at the mural unveiling," said museum curator Linda Frey. "She introduced Jason and Katherine, and Scot Funk, the mayor of Manheim, also spoke. ... Everyone liked the murals. They represent the different aspects of the history of Manheim."

The mural project began several years ago, when a committee formed to come up with ideas to spruce up the building's exterior.

The Horsts painted the murals with the help of several other people, including Manheim Central graduates Riley Enck, McKenna Watt and Aliyah White, over a few weeks this spring.

"We chose to work with the Horsts because they are part of the historical society, and they've worked with us for years," said Peggy Cunha, chair of programs and events. "We wanted to keep as much of this project in Manheim as possible."

The committee chose muted colors for the murals, keeping with the historical aspect of the building.

"This was a multifunctional building over the years," Engle said. "It started as a Boy Scout hall and was a union hall. There was a Catholic congregation that worshipped here for a while, and it was also a pecan research facility."

The group debated what to depict on the murals, originally considering highlighting some of the people who played major roles in Manheim's history before settling on the various scenes instead.

"What we show in the murals is what made Manheim," said Cunha. "It wasn't just people that made this town."

The Heritage Center, which is open Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and other times by appointment, invites people in to research Manheim history or explore displays and programs throughout the year.

It's just one of several properties owned and maintained by the Manheim Historical Society. The railroad station at 210 S. Charlotte St. features displays, a model train setup and a trolley car, and it hosts programming once a month from spring through fall. The Stiegel Glassworks are also located at that site. The group operates two historic homes on the first block of East High Street - the Fasig and Keath houses - and the organization also maintains a historic clock located in the mini park off Market Square.

The committee members hope the murals will draw more attention to the Heritage Center.

"We want to point out where this building is and what its function is," Engle said. "It's not a dead space."

Added Cunha, "Of all our buildings, I think this is the least well-known. The murals educate people about Manheim's history, what is here, what was here and get the word out about what we do."

For more information on the Manheim Historical Society, visit https://manheimhistoricalsociety.org.