 Mennonite Life
See and learn about eleven fraktur pieces in the Mennonite Life collection not typically on display, Thursday, October 27, at 7:00 pm in the Community Room at 2215 Millstream Rd, Lancaster. Hear David Johnson, local historian and author of the book Christian Strenge's Fraktur, discuss the pieces, their provenance, and any known stories related to the artists and the works. Following this complimentary one-hour event, enjoy a light reception and an opportunity to start on your holiday shopping in our museum store. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required at https://mennonitelife.org/events. Mennonite Life's vision is diverse communities connecting across boundaries by knowing and valuing their own and each others' stories of life, faith, cultures, and histories.
Columbia Underground Railroad Learning Tour
● Hear stories of the Columbia network that inspired the likely first historical use of the term "underground railroad."
● Mennonite Life and the African-American Historical Society of South
Central PA partner for this popular event.
Learn about the secret network of safe houses where formerly enslaved Africans found support in their quest for freedom at the Underground Railroad Learning Tour on Sunday, October 23, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, beginning at the Columbia Crossing River Trail Center.
Columbia, Pennsylvania was situated at a 19th-century transportation "pinch point" approximately 30 miles from the Mason-Dixon Line. Its extensive network of anti-slavery activists provided assistance to Black people fleeing enslavement. Many of those activists were free Blacks or individuals part of communities of conscience such as Quakers and Mennonites.
Each guest receives a keepsake "passport" showing the walking route and featured sites as well as a complimentary driving tour route. Several sites on the tour are part of the National Park Service's Underground Railroad Network to Freedom; an official park service stamp is available at the Columbia Crossings River Trail Center.
Tickets are $40 per person and require advance registration by October 19. Learn more and register at mennonitelife.org/events or by calling 717.393.9745. Storytelling sites are primarily outdoors, and the learning tour will be held rain or shine. This event has sold out quickly in the past. | 
