Did you know Lancaster was once infamous as a “wide open” city for vice? Around 1900, police and other officials encouraged and even participated in prostitution, gambling, and drinking

On this history tour, walk the streets of Lancaster with an expert guide and learn about the brothel keepers, bartenders, and pool hall hustlers who shared the streets with corrupt politicians and righteous reformers a century ago.

Discover the history of wage-earning women, Lancaster nightlife, and changing sexual values through the stories of the men and women of Lancaster’s red-light districts.

The Millersville Area Historical Society (MAHS) will host a free-to-the-public presentation titled the “Court-Martial of Paul Revere” when it meets at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 14, in the Millersville Borough Administration & Police Building, 100 Municipal Drive. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and lock at 9:15 a.m.

The speaker will be Stephen J. Shaw, a retired military officer and teacher, published author, and world traveler who recently returned from Egypt.  

Shaw says the story of Paul Revere is the story of the American Revolution. As an ordinary citizen living in extraordinary, turbulent times, Revere played key roles during the colonial tax fight, in the Boston Massacre, with the Boston Tea Party, and in the Battle of Lexington & Concord. He was a better messenger than a soldier, according to Shaw, whose PowerPoint presentation will explore Revere’s family, home and business, and little-known court-martial. A Q & A session will close the meeting.

Shaw, who served in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Dominican Republic Rebellion, retired as a Command Sergeant Major after 25 years of military experience between his active duty with the United States Marine Corps and the Pennsylvania National Guard. For the past ten years he has been a volunteer mentor with Lancaster County’s Veterans Court, a treatment court that provides participants with opportunities to pursue appropriate therapy while addressing associated legal problems. His book, German & Spanish Military Rings: A Historic Perspective, is the only publication in print that provides a historical context for military-themed rings; it will be available at the meeting.

Although admission is free, donations are appreciated. For more details, contact Phil Gerber at 717.872.8837 before noon or at pge8507@aol.com.

 “Planemakers (wood tool) of Manheim 1806-1847 & Others of Lancaster County”

Todd Hostetter, Lancaster County tool historian, collector, and lecturer, will speak at 2 p.m. about the tool planemaker, which was used to shape wood into a flat, smooth surface for woodworking. Todd will bring some pieces from his collection to demonstrate.

In addition to the program, the Railroad Station Complex museums will open from 1 pm to 4 pm. Explore the 1881 Train Station, Stiegel-style Glass, Iron Stove Plates, Manheim Industries/Kendig Library Exhibition, and Model Train Exhibit. Hitch a ride on our Trolley or take part in the 19th Century Manheim Industrial Revolution Walking Tour (if the weather plays nice)! All activities are free!