History is yesterday's news and events. History is universal, and it's one of the few things that's both timeless and timely.

History is always relevant. But there are certain occasions and milestones that provide opportunities to shine a brighter light on it.

"These 100, 200 and 250 anniversaries and celebrations, they're just the markings of time," said local historian Ben Webber. "We take a moment in time and celebrate those things that happened. In July of 1777, and every year since, we celebrated Independence Day. The farther away from it we get, I think the more interesting it becomes. We no longer know what it's like to ride in a wagon. I think it's good to take stock of where we are today by studying history."

There may be no better time to recognize local history than during the celebration of America's 250th birthday.

Webber, who's been the president of the Manheim Township Historical Society for six years, is currently presenting a talk about Revolutionary Lancaster as part of his own personal contribution to the America250 celebration. Webber's talk focuses on what was going on in Lancaster in the 1770s and the role that the locale played in our country's fight for independence.

"I try to set the stage for what Lancaster was like less than 50 years after it was founded," said Webber. "We're still in the wilderness. We're still in the woods. We're still clear-cutting woods. But we have really good roads, and we're connected to Philadelphia. At that time, Lancaster is one of the oldest inland settlements in the colonies."

Webber has been speaking about Revolutionary Lancaster to interested audiences at more than 10 locations across Lancaster County over the past few months - some of which are private presentations and some of which are open to the public.

The Revolutionary War was fought between 1775 and 1783 and included the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia and the Treaty of Paris, which ended the fight. With assistance from European countries and led by General George Washington, the 13 existing colonies united to overthrow British tyranny.

Lancaster was in the middle of everything, geographically, politically and socially.

"We have a long history of answering the call," said Webber. "There was no military fighting here. But there was a lot of squabbling, and there was a lot of neighbor-versus-neighbor. There were a lot of pacifists and loyalists who lived here.

"I think most people know that the Continental Congress met here on one day in September of 1777," added Webber. "I think people know we provided a lot of stuff and we sent a lot of people. I think other things are shocking when people learn what the facts are."

The Pennsylvania long rifle was invented and developed in Lancaster, and the locale produced 90% of the shoes worn by the soldiers of freedom. Because of its proximity to Philadelphia, Washington and Boston, Lancaster became a destination for wounded soldiers and prisoners of war.

"The Pennsylvania long rifle had unheard-of accuracy," said Webber. "You could shoot something 250 yards away. It really did help us with guerilla warfare. When the war started and they started calling up troops, Lancaster County more than met the quota that was being asked of it. There were a lot of these incredible things that were happening in Lancaster during the revolution."

Among Webber's upcoming presentations of Revolutionary Lancaster are talks at Homestead Village, 1800 Village Circle, Lancaster, on Thursday, June 18, at 3 p.m. and at Willow Valley Communities, 450 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 1:30 p.m. Both talks are open to the public.

"The revolution is still happening," said Webber. "There are revolutionary times and things still going on. People can be a part of what's happening next. We're all citizens, and we can all participate."