Gather. Preserve. Educate.
Events
Our Mission
“To promote an appreciation of history through acquisition of Manchester historical materials, to assist with restoration and preservation research of homes, churches and public buildings having special historical or architectural significance; to establish a museum open for viewing by the general public; to operate the same for educational purposes; to acquire and display articles of historical significance to the Village of Manchester and adjacent areas; to preserve the history of the area through taped and written interviews with area residents.”
2024 – 2025 Monthly Meeting Topics
Manchester Area Historical Society (MAHS) strives to make Manchester area history interesting, useful and meaningful to the citizens of today. Please join us for our regular monthly meeting, held September through June, the second Thursday of the month, 7:00pm, at the Kingsley-Jenter House 302 E. Main St Manchester (unless otherwise noted).
Our meetings are informal and include presentations on a wide variety of interesting topics representing a mix of local, state and national themes. Everyone is welcome, and attending a meeting is an excellent way to get started on your own journey into history! See below for upcoming planned presentations.
October 10, 2024 – Oak Grove Cemetery Historic Walking Tour – Visit the grave sites of famous Manchester settlers and interesting tidbits about each! (meet 5:30 PM at the cemetery).
November 14, 2024 – Historic Crafting Talks and Demonstrations – Visit the historic crafting room located in the back of our Blacksmith Shop (324 E. Main St) and experience sewing and weaving demonstrations.
December 12, 2024 – Cookie Exchange – Exchange a plate of cookies and celebrate the holidays among friends and neighbors.
January 9, 2025 – Deconstructing the Past Update – find out the latest developments with the deconstruction of the Sutton/Kolongowski Farm on Noggles Rd.
February 13, 2025 – Show and Tell Event – All are invited to bring artifacts to share or inquire as to its use or origin.
March 13, 2025 – Manchester’s Architecture – Learn about the different types of architecture, eras built, materials and influences with local examples cited.
April 10, 2025 – Role of Geology in Manchester Area Development – Discover the role Geology played in forming our historic town and surrounding Sharon Hills.
May 8, 2025 – Ode to the Bank on the Corner – The History of the Union Savings Bank of Manchester – The upcoming closure of Comerica Bank leads us to review what has happened on that corner of Main and Adrian Streets downtown over the years.
The previously planned talk for May 8 entitled “Kit Houses in Manchester” by Jaimie Schmidt will be rescheduled for our 2025-2026 meeting schedule.
June 12, 2025 – Annual Picnic – We are planning to once again hold our annual MAHS picnic on Thursday, June 12, at 6:00 PM, at the home and historic barn setting of Norma Every, 11533 Braun Road (SW corner of Lima Center Road), in Bridgewater Township. This wonderful barn setting has served as our gathering place for previous MAHS picnics, and we are very pleased that Norma has agreed to once again host this event!
Blacksmith Shop 2024-25 Concert Series
The deconstruction of the Sutton/Kolongowski Farmhouse at 11703 Noggles Road in Manchester Township has provided valuable insight into the history and lives of former residents. This house was built circa 1860 and its history has been preserved due to the diligent work of the Manchester Area Historical Society and Sybil Kolon, descendant of the Kolowgowski family who has lived here since 1948. Instead of being demolished and landfilled, this farmhouse was methodically deconstructed and as many materials as possible were reclaimed for other projects. The process of deconstruction makes it easier for the history of the house and the land to be preserved. Sybil and her husband, Maan, donated 79 acres of this beautiful land to the Legacy Land Conservancy in order to create the Iron Creek Nature Preserve (to be opened in the spring of 2025.)
Explore our “Deconstructing the Past” webpage to read about the process of deconstruction, our main supporters and partners in this project, watch the recorded “Deconstructing the Past” presentation, or look through our photo gallery!
