Manheim Township Historical Society (MTHS) was established in 2004 and is a non-profit organization of volunteers and Manheim Township citizens interested in preserving the rich cultural heritage of our township.
Purpose Statement
The purpose of our organization is to preserve the history, lore, and historical heritage of Manheim Township; to create an interest in Township history and heritage, especially among the youth; to restore the Stoner House, as well as other buildings in the Township to their original character; to provide a depository for Township deeds, memorabilia, pictures, genealogies, historical papers, documents, books (including family Bibles), artifacts, and any other material deemed appropriate to save our rich cultural heritage.
Mission Statement
To be dedicated stewards of the past, preservers of historical artifacts, educators, presenters, and protectors of Manheim Township heritage, including the Historic Stoner House.
The Manheim Township Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Monthly Meetings
We welcome you to join us at 6:30PM – 8:00PM on the last Tuesday of each month at the Historic Stoner House. Winter meetings are held via Zoom. Please contact mthistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call Deb at (717) 569-6638 for details.
MTHS Officers
Benton G. Webber, P.E.
President
Ben first became a Township resident at the age of three. His career as a civil engineer sparked a fascination with local history of our community and our environment. Check out his Facebook page for “Then and Now” comparisons that help to engage the public with what used to be and how we got to where we are today.
Deb Frantz
Stoner House Manager
Deb has been an integral member of the MTHS and Stoner House restoration projection and is a Stoner Family descendant.
Debbie Frantz
Vice-President
Yes we have two! “Debbie” Frantz was born in Tulsa OK – BA Psychology Oklahoma City U – MA Psychology Temple U – Counselor Drug Detox Unit Philadelphia – Married Sam Mecum – Moved to Manheim Twp, Lancaster County – Two sons – Health food store mgr/vitamin salesperson – One daughter-in-law, one grandson, one granddaughter – Avid organic gardener for years and years.
Doreen Kreiner
Treasurer
Doreen serves as our primary bank contact and is responsible for maintaining our bank and accounting records. Additionally Doreen is responsible for our event planning and spearheads our fundraising efforts.
Sheldon Esch
Secretary
Sheldon was born and raised in Lancaster and then spent most of his adult life in other places before moving back into Manheim Township with his wife and two boys in 2009. He publishes a monthly private neighborhood social magazine as well as BeLocal Lancaster, a local guide for new movers in the central Lancaster County area.
In Memoriam
Clarke Hess
Clarke is a descendant of the Stoner family and learned local historian. He served 15 years as a board member with the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, and was chairman of the Museum Committee with the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society. He served nine years on the board of the Landis Valley Museum Associates. He was also on the board of the Heritage Center Museum of Lancaster County and was the chairman of the Administrative Committee of the 1719 Hans Herr House.
Charlotte Fischer
Charlotte Fischer was the Founding President of the MT Historical Society. Her vision and organization set the foundation for the preservation and restoration of the Stoner House. By developing a group of local, concerned citizens, Charlotte was able to open the door for discussions with the Manheim Township government officials to ensure the Stoner House was saved.
With Charlotte’s passing in 2006, the MT Historical Society lost one of its most valuable members. In a local newspaper article following her passing, a former MT Commissioner describes Charlotte as “active in the community for all the right reasons, and she conducted herself graciously in everything she did… she was just a model for what a citizen could be.”
We are glad she is here in spirit and honor her for having the vision to see the irreplaceable value of Stoner House.
Tom Fridy
Tom Fridy was a very dedicated volunteer. Tom was instrumental in sourcing the Conejohela Chapter 28 Archaelogy Club from York County who discovered thousands of years of history beneath the front porch of the Stoner House.
With Tom’s passing in 2013, the Stoner House received an invaluable artifact – the Stoner Family milk bottle. This bottle came from another Stoner Family dairy farm in Lancaster County and the Stoner family had been seeking one for several years.
Tom is truly missed by all and the Stoner family and MT Historical Society is grateful all of his hard work and dedication.