November 18: Tales of History and Adventure in Shenks Ferry Presentation at Mennonite Life

Join me on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Mennonite Life Visitors Center for my History and Tales of Adventure in Shenks Ferry presentation, hosted by Grave Concern Inc. of Lancaster County.

Prepare to embark on a journey of discovery as I share some of my adventures in Shenks Ferry, including:

• A Forgotten Settler Cemetery: Buried in the woods, this cemetery has tombstones dating back to the 1700s.
• Ferry Crossing: Learn how in the early 1800s, Henry Shenks operated a ferry and hotel here, giving the location its name.
• Coal Dredging on the Susquehanna River: Learn about the fascinating history of this industrial process that shaped the Shenks Ferry area.
• The Dynamite Factory Tragedy: Hear the story of an explosion that took 11 lives and left an indelible mark on the region. It is still the worst accident in Lancaster County history!
• The Safe Harbor Petroglyphs: I’ll highlight some of these ancient carvings created by Native Americans who once thrived in Shenks Ferry.

Through captivating stories, firsthand accounts, and a few surprises, I hope to transport you to a time when Shenks Ferry was alive with activity, both ancient and modern.

This in-person program is free and open to the public. It is perfect for adults and older children who love to explore or enjoy local history. I’ll be handing out free Uncharted Lancaster stickers and magnets to attendees. I will also have signed copies of my books for sale.

I hope to see you on November 18th for what promises to be an exciting evening of stories, history, and adventure.

Where to go

The Mennonite Life Visitors Center is located at 2215 Millstream Rd, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602.