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If you bring a “Let’s go!” attitude to learning something new, you’re at the right place!

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Early American Life

What became known as the United States of America was significantly shaped by Indigenous peoples and Europeans. At our 1719 Museum (formerly 1719 Herr House & Museum), encounter the histories and cultures that shaped a developing nation.

1719 Museum

Indigenous Communities

Indigenous people began living in the Susquehanna watershed well over a thousand years ago. Native communities recognized that one must live with the land and flora and fauna in order to live from the land and flora and fauna. Learn about the technologies and cultures they developed and enter a full-sized reproduction of a Native longhouse at the 1719 Museum.

Lancaster Longhouse

Events

Every month throughout the year there are opportunities to learn, and have fun doing it, through Mennonite Life sponsored events.

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Family History

Our nationally known archives and library (formerly called Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society) is a rich go-to for family history and genealogy. As one example: our genealogical “card file,” which has info on approximately 800,000 names, has been digitized and shared through Ancestry.com. We are ready to assist you with your family history research.

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Mennonites & Amish

Which came first, the Amish or the Mennonites? Do all Mennonites travel by horse and carriage? How would I know if there are Mennonites in my city or town? We are used to answering these and other questions about Anabaptist life every day.

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Family Bible Collection

Family Bibles serve not only as a reference for Scripture and a touchpoint for identity, they often hold important family history information. Our collection features family Bibles from the 19th century and before. Photos from many of the Bibles, including pages showing family history, are available to members on this site.

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