The Millersville Area Historical Society (MAHS) invites the public to a slideshow, titled "A (Short) History of Fighting Fires in Lancaster City: A Look at What Led to the County's First Paid Fire Department," during its 9 a.m. meeting on Saturday, Jan. 14, in Millersville's Municipal Center, 100 Municipal Drive. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and lock at 9:15 a.m.

The speaker will be Ty Lohr, an award-winning photojournalist from Camp Hill who has a passion for local history and interesting stories. His interest in Lancaster's fire department advanced while he was working on an article about its then-interim fire chief and learned that the department was heading into its 140th year as a paid entity.

Lohr noted that the Lancaster City Bureau of Fire has the reputation as the county's first paid fire department and ranks among the oldest in Pennsylvania; various factors led to the department's organization in 1882. His talk will examine many of these issues, including past blazes, a famous arsonist and 19th- and 20th-century technologies. A question-and-answer session will conclude the meeting.

Lohr grew up in northwestern Pennsylvania. After graduating from photography school, he worked at his hometown newspaper, The Titusville Herald, before job opportunities led him to the southeastern part of the state. He then spent seven years as a journalist, where his fascination with the region's history increased. His love of history has now drawn him back to college, at Penn State Harrisburg, where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in secondary education in social studies.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Phil Gerber at 717-872-8837 before 5 p.m. or at pge8507@aol.com.