America 250 Lecture Series Keynote | John Kolar – Lancaster Gunsmiths of the Early Republic | Lancaster PA Event
America 250 Lecture Series Keynote | John Kolar – Lancaster Gunsmiths of the Early Republic | Lancaster PA Event
* NOTE This is a Wednesday Evening and is the KEYNOTE Lecture for the Landis Valley Associates Annual Meeting
Date: November 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Join us for the Landis Valley Associates Annual Meeting keynote as John Kolar introduces the upcoming exhibition on Lancaster gunsmiths of the early republic.
This presentation offers a preview of the craftsmanship, artistry, and historical significance of early American firearms and their role in regional and national history.
Event Details:
Light refreshments included
FREE for Landis Valley Associates Members
$10 General Admission
Virtual access available for members
Click Here to RSVP as an LVA member or Purchase Tickets
Contact Us
America 250 Lecture Series 2026
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Celebrate the stories of America as we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary with the America 250 Lecture Series at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum.
Beginning in May 2026, this engaging monthly series brings noted historians, scholars, and regional experts to Lancaster County to explore the people, culture, and events that shaped early America and our local heritage.
Held on the last Friday of each month (May–October), these programs are designed as a relaxed “Happy Hour” experience, offering:
- Engaging lectures by leading historians
- Light refreshments included
- Time for Q&A and discussion
- Opportunities to connect with fellow history enthusiasts
Admission
- FREE for Landis Valley Associates Members
- $10 General Admission (per lecture)
- All sales final – no refunds
Time
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Virtual Access
All lectures will also be available to Landis Valley Associates members virtually, with the option to watch live or on-demand via a private link.
2026 Lecture Schedule
May 29, 2026
Patrick Donmoyer
Mountain Mary: Sainted Healer of the Oley Valley
Explore the life and legacy of the legendary Pennsylvania German folk healer known as “Mountain Mary,” examining the intersection of religion, healing traditions, and regional folklore.
June 26, 2026
Scott Mingus
The Underground Railroad in Lancaster County
A sweeping overview of the critical role Lancaster County and the Susquehanna River region played in the Underground Railroad, highlighting local networks, resistance, and the fight for freedom.
July 31, 2026
Philip Gruber
Farmer Revolts in America’s Early Republic
Following independence, American farmers continued to challenge authority in pursuit of economic justice. This talk explores uprisings such as the Whiskey Rebellion and their lasting impact on the young nation.
August 28, 2026
Dr. Scott Sheely
To Market, To Market: Lancaster County’s Role in America’s Food System
From cattle drives to railroads to trucking, this lecture traces the evolution of agricultural supply chains and Lancaster County’s long-standing role in feeding urban America.
September 25, 2026
Lynnette Miller
Fashion in 18th-Century Lancaster County
Discover how clothing reflected identity, status, and culture in early Lancaster County, with insights into materials, craftsmanship, and daily life in the 18th century.
October 30, 2026
William Woys Weaver
Foods of the Pennsylvania Dutch: 1700–2026 and Beyond
A richly illustrated journey through Pennsylvania Dutch foodways, tracing their evolution and influence on American cuisine, with a focus on cultural continuity and innovation.
November 18, 2026 (Wednesday)
John Kolar – Annual Meeting Keynote
Lancaster Gunsmiths of the Early Republic
Serving as a preview of Landis Valley’s upcoming major exhibition, this keynote explores the craftsmanship, artistry, and historical significance of Lancaster’s early gunsmiths.