As the world marches steadily into the future with rapidly advancing technology and artificial intelligence, organizations such as the Conestoga Area Historical Society (CAHS) help us from losing our connection to the past. Located at 51 Kendig Road in Conestoga, CAHS is a treasure trove of information and local history, but it does more than just preserve the past; the organization serves as an anchor for the community to remain connected in the present.

In addition to maintaining various historical buildings and rotating exhibits in the museum, CAHS traditionally hosts a few annual events for local residents. In recent months, the group has expanded its roster of events with multiple new workshops and programs, such as the Fiber Arts Frolic. Hosted by CAHS volunteer Beth Sterling, the monthly gathering serves as an opportunity for people interested in knitting, weaving and other fiber arts to bring a project to work on in a group setting.

"A lot of the time we get to working and don't save time for what we love to do," said Sterling. "I wanted to get a community of fiber artists to come together just to have a little fun for a couple hours." The next Fiber Arts Frolic will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, at CAHS.

In addition to starting the monthly Fiber Arts Frolic, Sterling hosted Sheep to Shawl at the museum on Oct. 18. The event included a spinning demonstration and offered attendees an opportunity to see the process of crafting a shawl from raw fleece. Sterling said she plans to continue hosting a variety of fiber arts activities in the coming months, including a community quilt that museum visitors may help craft.

CAHS will host its first wreath painting workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. CAHS board member Colleen Bucks will lead the workshop, which will include step-by-step instructions for artists of any experience level to make a festive craft at the museum. The price of admission will include all materials and instructions, and attendees are invited to bring snacks and friends to the event.

"The museum just has such an immense amount of local history, and I thought this would be a great way for people to discover everything it has to offer," said Bucks. "My hope is to continue having different painting workshops or other projects to keep the momentum going through the winter months." To reserve a space for the workshop, email Bucks at artwithcolleen@gmail.com.

For more information, visit http://www.pennmanorhistory.org or search for "The Conestoga Area Historical Society" on Facebook.