Todd Hostetter turned a hobby into a passion, and from that process grew knowledge. Now Hostetter wants to pass that knowledge on to others.

A published historian, a collector of Lancaster County tools and a volunteer at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, Hostetter is an expert in the ways of local craftsmen, planemakers - a tool used in the making of window sashes, door and wood trim and wood moldings - and, to a degree, Lancaster County history from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s. His areas of expertise will be the focus of Hostetter's upcoming presentation at the Manheim Township Public Library (MTPL).

"I've always been a teacher, and it's just great to be able to share this information," said Hostetter. "I've always actively been imparting knowledge. Being able to speak is easy for me, and it's evolved. I'm a collector and I'm getting interested in different planemakers. You're doing more recording and all of a sudden, you've got all this information. It doesn't really cost anything to share this information."

Hostetter will address a gathering of local history enthusiasts on Saturday, Nov. 2, at MTPL, 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster. The hourlong presentation, which is free to attend and does not require registration, will include a show-and-tell session and a question-and-answer period near the conclusion.

The event is being sponsored by the Manheim Township Historical Society.

"It's designed to educate people about some history they probably aren't aware of," said Hostetter. "You'll learn about carpenters 50 years ago, 100 years ago, 200 years ago. The tools these guys use today are totally different than the ones used in the 1800s. I give some perspective on what a planemaker is. I introduce some of the collections at Landis Valley."

"Basically, the people who show up are interested in history," Hostetter added. "It's kind of cool to let people know these things. I love just sharing what I know and what I've learned. I like giving people a perspective on what tools were like in the 1800s. It's come a long way."

Manheim Township, Lancaster County and their residents played important roles in the evolution of tools in the United States.

"In this time frame (beginning in the 1700s), Lancaster was the largest inland city (in the country)," said Hostetter. "You had rapid growth in the mid-1800s, and things were changing. It was pre-Industrial Revolution. Lancaster craftsmen were great craftsmen, and (their tools) are well-collected today, just because of their skill sets. Lancaster is really important in tool-making history."

Hostetter gave several similar educational presentations at venues across Lancaster County in 2023, many in association with local historical societies.

"I'm a craftsman," said Hostetter. "I have a full workshop. I have my own tool collection, and I also have my own useable tools. I've made some small tools and I'm also a woodworker, so that gives me an appreciation for how hard it was to build these tools."

"I think a lot of people are already interested in history," he added. "I think there's a diverse group of interested parties who will show up. They just have an appreciation of skilled craftsmen. (The presentation) gives them a perspective. It gives them a little pause."

For additional information about Hostetter's presentation, call 717-569-6638 or email mthistoricalsociety@gmail.com.