Jenean Finley is a self-proclaimed history buff. During her upcoming presentation, Finley is hoping to encourage, inspire and pass along her passion for the past.

"I'm a nose-in-a-book history nerd who was a history major," said Finley. "I'm hoping it will intrigue people with a sense of awe and childhood wonder. Remember when you were a kid in a cornfield and you came across a rock that you thought might have been an arrowhead? I'm going to talk about people who lived here before us. I genuinely hope that's what draws people in."

Finley's presentation titled '300 Years: Setting the Stage' is part of the New Holland Area Historical Society's inspirational lecture series. She will give her local Native American-focused talk at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, inside The Chapel at Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland.

The event is free to attend, and the public is welcome.

"I really hope the material will be interesting," said Finley. "It's a topic that can be controversial. I want to use great materials that are fact-based. Maybe there are things people don't know about the area. I hope the information is fascinating."

Finley's presentation, which will be supported by artifacts from NHAHS' museum, will be conversational in nature and last for about 45 minutes. At the end, time will be set aside for questions, answers, discussion and personal reflections.

"We're celebrating 300 years in New Holland, and someone brought up to me the fact that before our founders came here there were Native Americans here for thousands of years," said Finely. "The question became 'How do we honor that?' I'm hoping we can talk about the Native Americans who lived in Lancaster County and the New Holland region. Is there information about settlers interacting with Native Americans, and what did that look like?"

In many ways, Finley's address will lay the intellectual groundwork for the upcoming tricentennial celebration of New Holland, which was founded in 1728.

"I think a lot of people may be under the impression that our ancestors came to empty land," said Finley, a resident of East Earl. "We think of history as us discovering it. It does get a little uncomfortable to think this was a very populated area by other groups. It could be a polarizing topic. But I care very deeply about the truth.

"There was a changing of the guard," continued Finley. "It really was fascinating that people were starting to move into Lancaster County. The settlers of New Holland did not push out Native Americans, certainly not in the ways we would think, like violent warfare. There was this exchange of groups. They were almost like these cultures passing in the night."

As many as 100 community members, history afficionados and Garden Spot Village residents are expected to attend Finley's presentation.

"I hope they are people who are coming to hear about that period in history," said Finley. "I'm enthusiastic and interested in the topic myself. I'm hoping it will attract people who are interested in Eastern Lancaster County history. I hope people will come with an open mind and excitement to learn."

Finley holds a bachelor's degree in history from Temple University and volunteers at NHAHS. She was encouraged by other NHAHS volunteers to share her knowledge and passion for local history.

"I have never spoken to a group this large before," said Finley. "I was asked if I would do this. I will enjoy public speaking because I love this topic and I enjoy seeing people talking about this topic."

For additional information, go to http://www.nhhistorical.com.