The Manheim Historical Society marks its 60th anniversary this year, and you're invited to the party. The organization will host a celebration on Sunday, April 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Manheim Railroad Station, 210 S. Charlotte St. Festivities will include tours of the museum, a panel discussion, and a presentation by Aimee Caya of LancasterHistory.

"The panel conversation is titled 'Past, Present, and Future.' The goal is to illustrate the 60 years since the founding of the historical society, the ways in which the community's and society's overall goals have evolved and been adapted to the preservation of Manheim's history, and the strategic goals that will enable us to better engage and inform the public about the people, places, and events that shaped Manheim, Rapho Township and Penn Township," explained Peggy Cunha, chair of programs and services and special events coordinator for the society.

 The Manheim Historical Society's vice president, Wes Geib, will serve as moderator and will pose questions to the panel. Acting curator Linda Frey will discuss how the availability of computers has altered the process of cataloging acquisitions and showcasing museum exhibits. Acquisitions chair Doug Shaw will talk about his search for historical artifacts from the past to the present. Burt Savitz will discuss the evolution of transferring historical images and events from print media to digital media. All three are longtime volunteers with the society, Cunha said. "A recent volunteer, Barb Horst, treasurer, will talk about the organization's financial history and future financial objectives," she shared. "James Denlinger, a 15-year-old in the model railroad exhibit, will discuss his motivation for volunteering at a young age."

The panel discussion will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by Caya's talk at 2:15 p.m.

Caya, the director of library and research services for LancasterHistory, will discuss how to keep history alive. "She will show the audience how to preserve and archive family heirlooms, clothing, textiles, photos, and books in their own homes," Cunha remarked.

Before and after the presentations, the public will be able to tour the railroad station, which features historic iron plates and glassware. "The 1881 station exemplifies society's 19th-century values and ethics, with distinct waiting rooms for men, women, and families, as well as business technology," Cunha said. People may also enjoy the model train display, and, weather permitting, trolley rides will be offered.

Refreshments will be served between presentations, and the Fasig and Keath German log homes, located at 30-32 E. Main St., will also be open for free tours and cupcakes.

Cunha emphasized that everyone can play a role in preserving history.

"I would encourage someone by first asking if they have ever wished they had more information about a memory that they do not fully recall and only a favorite relative who passed away would know," she said. "Then I'd inquire whether they had any photos or artifacts that were left to them. People frequently respond positively to both of the preceding questions. That will open the door to wanting to learn about a place's history and, by extension, connect to their own past. From there, it's usually a short leap to learning how to safeguard their own history."

For more information on the Manheim Historical Society, visit https://manheimhistoricalsociety.org.