For more than 100 years, Pennsylvania was the iron-making center of the country. Iron played an important part in establishing the United States, as the material was used in everything from agriculture to industry.

Manheim was at the heart of the iron industry, and the town's role will be in the spotlight during a presentation at the railroad station operated by the Manheim Historical Society, 210 S. Charlotte St., Manheim.

Dan Snyder, a volunteer with the historical society, will present "Stiegel's Iron" at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19.

"The talk will be about the archaeology of the iron furnace, Elizabeth Furnace," said Susan Williams, president of the Manheim Historical Society. "The archaeology digs have been ongoing for 21 years."

The history of the Elizabeth Furnace dates to 1746, when John Jacob Hunter patented 400 acres of land in northern Lancaster County. He built a furnace for casting iron in 1750. In 1752, his daughter, Elizabeth, married Heinrich Wilhelm Stiegel, who bought the land from his father-in-law, rebuilt the furnace and renamed it in honor of his wife. Many Colonial-era buildings survive on the site to this day, and excavation is revealing more about the history of the property.

Snyder, who has resided in Manheim since the 1980s, has always had an interest in local history, Williams shared. "Upon his arrival in Manheim, the history of Stiegel and the town has become a great priority for him," she explained. "He has been involved in the archaeological explorations at Elizabeth Furnace for years."

The program fits in perfectly with the historical society's mission statement - loving Manheim by preserving its past. "We wanted to share the early history about the founder of Manheim and his history of iron working in helping to establish the town of Manheim," Williams said, noting that the organization holds informational presentations throughout the year on various topics.

From 1 to 4 p.m. on May 19, the railroad station will be open for tours, and free trolley rides will be offered, weather permitting. The Manheim Historical Society maintains a heritage center, located at 88 S. Grant St., as well as two historic homes available for tours - the Keath house, located at 32 E. High St., and the Fasig house at 30 E. High St. Additional projects of the Manheim Historical Society umbrella include Stiegel Glassworks and the Howard Street clock, located in the mini park off the Manheim square.

The Manheim Historical Society has a variety of programs planned for the upcoming months at 2 p.m. on select Sundays. On June 16, Mike Gerhard will present "Dowsing, Water Witching, Rutengehen or Gift." On June 30, Craig Hall will provide a living history program in "A Conversation with Ben Franklin and His Friend from Paris." Adam Zurn of Uncharted Lancaster will speak on "The Mysterious Petroglyphs of Safe Harbor" on July 21. In August, the society will host its third annual ice cream social and fundraiser featuring celebrity dippers. It will be held on Aug. 18. "Lancaster County's Early Toolmakers" will be the topic of a presentation by Todd Hostetter, with woodworking demonstrations by Doug Shaw and Colin Nunemacher on Sept. 15. Shawn Patrick and Nick Sieber will wrap up the programs for 2024 with "For Your Listening Pleasure," featuring vintage phonographs and music on Oct. 20.

Williams hopes people will visit the railroad station to see historical artifacts in person and learn more about Manheim's history at any of the programs, and she encourages people to attend Snyder's lecture.

"Come and hear a great presentation about the history of the iron furnace and its operation and how Stiegel was involved," she said.

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