Over the last 300 years, Mennonites have evolved and diversified. But one of the constants that has remained is how their lifestyles reflect their beliefs.

Mennonite Life seeks to honor those beliefs, tell the story of the Mennonite sect in Lancaster County and share that lifestyle with others. It accomplishes that mission through archives, historical displays and welcoming arms.

"I think ('Mennonite' is) a little bit of both, theology and lifestyle," said Abby Hershberger, Mennonite Life's storyteller. "It depends on the Mennonite. ('Mennonite') can be a big umbrella for a lot of people. Mennonite life can be characterized by non-violence, non-conformity, a life based on the life of Jesus Christ and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Non-conformity means rejecting the status quo in different ways. It could be stepping away from certain technology. I'm a pacifist. I oppose violence in the world."

Formerly the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, the story of Mennonite Life is sprawled across two campuses, one at 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, and the 1719 Herr House at 1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street. The Mennonite Life campus features a visitor's center, a collections building and a Biblical Tabernacle experience, while the historic 1719 Herr House is surrounded by the Lancaster Longhouse, a blacksmith shop, a visitor's center, a pasture and horse barn and an orchard.

"It's a big organization," said Hershberger. "But we have a common goal to tell Mennonite life stories. We want people to know that we're here and that Mennonite history is exciting. Mennonite Life is open to anyone who cares about Lancaster County history and Mennonite and Amish history."

"It's important to know how interconnected we all are," she added. "We also care about preserving historical artifacts from the past. There's value in preserving the past."

Mennonite Life offers tours, opportunities for field trips, educational programs, events and an extensive archives and library. Some 45,000 people from Lancaster County and beyond visit Mennonite Life each year.

"The visitor's center gets a big range of groups," said Hershberger. "It's a lot of tourists. It's a lot of bus groups. We just want to be this place that is welcoming to people who want to learn who Mennonites are."

It's difficult to document how many Mennonites live locally, what percentage of Lancaster County's total population they comprise and if indeed they are concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of the county. But there is no denying that Mennonites played a key role in the founding and development of Lancaster County.

"In 2021, the (organization's) name was changed to Mennonite Life to simplify it and make it more welcoming to the community," said Hershberger. "The Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society was founded in 1958. There was a pastor, Ira Landis, who came into possession of church documents, and (the founders) wanted to preserve local history. We still have a huge archive of things here. Mennonite Life is always going to be interested in preserving history."

"For me personally, I just think it's good to know who our neighbors are," added Hershberger. "Building bridges over big gaps and small gaps is important. It's really important for me to know how Mennonite history is related to other people. It's just good not to be afraid of differences."

For additional information about Mennonite Life, go to http://www.mennonitelife.org.