Visit the Manheim Historical Society's railroad station on Sunday, Sept. 20, and you can travel through time when the organization hosts a 100th anniversary celebration for Conestoga Transportation Co. Trolley 236. The festivities will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at the station, 210 S. Charlotte St., Manheim.

"This event is a wonderful chance to experience a piece of Manheim's history up close. Our 1926 Birney trolley has been part of the community for a century, and this dedication celebrates both its past and its future," said Peggy Cunha, chair of programs and services and coordinator of the programs and events committee. "Visitors can step inside the trolley, ride the trolley, meet the people who care for it and hear from experts who bring its story to life. It's a rare opportunity to see local history in motion and to be part of a milestone that only comes around once every hundred years."

For two decades, trolley car No. 236 operated between Penn Square, the railroad station and Rocky Springs Park. It was built in St. Louis, Mo., by the American Car Co., a subsidiary of the Philadelphia-based J.G. Brill Co., and was known as the Birney Safety car. The car was retired in 1947 and nearly forgotten until it found its new home in Manheim in 1990. There, it was restored by the society to its current working condition.

"The society uses it when we have our seasonal Sunday programs/events and other special occasions," Cunha said. "Previously, its operation was weather-dependent, but by the September program, it is scheduled to be fully weather-protected."

Matt Nawn, executive director of the Baltimore Streetcar Museum, will serve as master of ceremonies for the ribbon-cutting dedication at 1 p.m. and will share insights about the trolley.

"Confirmed VIP attendees include Sen. James Malone, Rep. Mindy Fee, mayor Scott Funk, Gary Russell from the Choo Choo Barn and several members of the Manheim Area Chamber of Commerce," Cunha remarked. "Following the ceremony, Matt will give a presentation inside, featuring a PowerPoint about the Birney trolley and other historic trolleys."

She encourages anyone with an interest in history or transportation to come to the event and to learn more about the society.

"If you've never visited before, the Manheim Historical Society is the perfect place to discover the stories that shaped our town. The Railroad Station is one of Manheim's hidden gems - home to the beautifully restored 1926 Birney trolley, a rare piece of local transportation history," Cunha said. "It's a welcoming, hands‑on experience that lets you step right into the past. Come see why this little corner of Manheim continues to inspire curiosity, pride and community connection."

She added that the Manheim Historical Society maintains three additional museum properties in town: the Fasig house, the Keath House and the Heritage Center.

"Each site offers a distinct view into Manheim's early domestic life, craftsmanship and community heritage," she said, "creating a well‑rounded picture of the town's past."

For more information, visit https://manheimhistoricalsociety.org.