On Sunday, March 15, you're invited to step back in time, immerse yourself in a celebration and solve a murder, all to benefit the Manheim Community Library.

The library will be the beneficiary of a performance of "Murder at Mount Hope 2026." The show will be held at Mount Hope Mansion, 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 1 p.m.

The show is set in 1876, when people are enjoying the centennial celebration at Mount Hope Estate. Guests are treated to music, laughter, food and drinks, but the party quickly comes to a stop when someone is murdered. It's up to the guests to determine who turned the patriotic party into a night to die for.

As Friends of the Manheim Community Library board member Jeanette Arnold explained, the interactive event is designed to provide a fun and entertaining afternoon.

"At around 1 p.m., the actors who are employed by Mount Hope call everyone into the theater, where we are introduced to all the characters and some basic information about the murder and possible suspects," she said. Two of the actors have valid alibis and will be the detectives who will help the patrons - called co-detectives - solve the murder.

"We are instructed to ask questions of the suspects to determine motive, opportunity and means. There are various clues within the rooms of the mansion that when found by a patron will be shared to the rest of the patrons via the detectives," Arnold said, noting that all of this occurs while attendees are served dinner. The suspects will circulate to the various tables to answer questions asked by the guests, but guests are warned that the suspects might not be telling the truth.

"As dinner winds down, each co-detective submits a slip of paper with their name and information into the box of the suspect they feel has committed the murder," Arnold shared. "A slip is pulled from the box of the correct guesses, and they are awarded a prize."

Solving the crime is tricky, she said, adding, "I have been going the past four years and have only guessed correctly one time."

At the end of the event, the patrons convene in the theater, where the murderer is revealed.

The meal will feature an 1876 America-inspired menu of a chicken croquette appetizer, a harvest salad, Mount Hope pot roast served with mixed vegetables and whipped potatoes and lemon burst cake for dessert. An alternative meal for people seeking gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian opens will substitute broccoli croquettes for the chicken, cauliflower steak for the pot roast and sorbet du jour for dessert.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Manheim Community Library, supporting staff, programs and materials.

Arnold explained that the event was started by Elaine Gantz as a fundraiser in 2017. Arnold took over as chair four years ago after Gantz passed away. The Friends will hold a basket giveaway and silent auction at the event to raise additional funds for the library. The giveaway provides most of the library's income from the event, Arnold said, noting that people may pay for items with cash, check or credit card. Prizes this year include gift cards to Weis Markets, Longeneckers True Value, Molly's Convenience, The Cats Meow and more, along with a wine basket, a Kindle e-reader, a Michael Kors bag and handmade items. Winners will be announced after the dinner, before the murderer is revealed.

People of all ages are invited to attend the event.

"The afternoon is a lot of fun. The actors are good and provide plenty of laughs," Arnold said. "There is good camaraderie among the actors, and their lines do not seem to be rehearsed. There is a lot of good-natured kidding among the actors. The staff are very attentive, and the food and drinks are good. It is entertaining to try and solve the crime."

The Mount Hope Mansion is the large building closest to the parking area. The site's wine and gift shop next door will be open prior to the show. Patrons will be seated with other guests at the event. Most tables hold eight people, but a few can accommodate 10 and one is set for 16. Guests who wish to sit together should indicate that on their order form. People will receive their ticket and table assignment upon check-in. An order form may be found at https://manheimlibrary.org under the "Friends of the library" tab.