For the past 31 years, the Conestoga Area Historical Society (CAHS) has preserved the history of the Penn Manor area. The CAHS was founded because of a change to the Lancaster County Historical Society, which discontinued collecting and housing artifacts and became a research and library facility. It was suggested that regional historical societies be formed, and the CAHS was the last to become an official nonprofit, volunteer-based organization. Currently, CAHS is governed by a 15-member board and has more than 330 members.

As an ethnographic museum, CAHS shows the lifestyle of a particular group of people who lived in a particular area. As such, the museum consists of a complete encyclopedic history of the Penn Manor area with its collection of native rocks, minerals, taxidermy, clothing, trees, plants, and more.

With the exception of two years - last year being one of them - the CAHS has hosted an annual fall harvest festival since the organization's formation. This year's festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 26, from noon to 4 p.m. The event will take place at Ehrlich Park, 51 Kendig Road, Conestoga. There will be demonstrations and sales of crafts made by weavers, blacksmiths, tinsmiths, pottery makers, rifle makers, and many more. People will be dressed in period clothing from the 18th and 19th centuries. Native Americans will set up teaching tables, and there will also be children's activities, such as pumpkin painting and rope making. Vice president of CAHS Jim Kauffman noted that over 200 pumpkins were painted in 2019.

"We have a rich cultural background, and it's a matter of replicating it and sharing it with people," stated museum curator Ken Hoak. "A lot of the demonstrations are more than just activities; they were livelihoods for people back then. People will find this to be a great educational experience."

The festival will be free, but donations will be greatly appreciated. Live music will be provided by Dillweed, and Nanalyn's Full-Filling Feasts will supply food for purchase. There will be an opportunity to win an authentic Flintlock rifle, the recipient of which will be announced on Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. The winner does not need to be present, and can choose a $1,000 cash prize instead of the rifle. There will also be two second and third cash prizes.

"After being closed for so long, I'm excited to get a bunch of people here," stated Kauffman.

CAHS will remain open every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. until Sunday, Nov. 28. For more information, call 717-872-1699 or visit http://www.pennmanorhistory.org.