Villages such as Emigsville in Manchester Township have a rich history. Now, a group of residents and business people want to make people aware of that heritage and increase their sense of community.

The Manchester Township supervisors recently recognized the Emigsville Heritage Project as a committee of the Manchester Township Recreation Commission. The group hopes to undertake several projects, said Shary Smith, of the Emig Mansion. Smith is the president of the organization. Other officers of the band include Craig Kauffman, vice-president, and Cathy Loughman, secretary/treasurer.

"Emigsville was a thriving community," Smith said, recalling the days when businesses and social events were more prominent. "We would like to bring some of the energy back to the community."

The mission statement for the group says its goal is to revitalize and re-energize the village by incorporating the combined efforts of residents, businesses and the historical society. Its purpose is to rekindle the pride of the village and create strong community relationships.

The group's first project will be to place banners along North George Street. Businesses can purchase the banners, which will have a logo as well as the business name. The group also hopes

One other side of their project is to bring more of a sense of community to the residents. To move toward this goal, the group hopes to mark the boundaries of the community, get the village's name on maps and to form a neighborhood watch program. They will also be selling license plates which will say "Proud resident of Emigsville," Smith said.

Also planned are some community events. The group hopes to be a presence at events such as the Shiloh Nursery Fall Festival. Community events to allow the residents to enjoy recreation together are also in the works.

Smith said the group is working with other area groups, such as the Manchester Township Historical Society and the Lancaster-York Heritage Region. "Hopefully, we're not operating alone," she said.

They are also looking for involvement by community members. Anyone interested involved can attend the group's meetings, which are held 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Emig Mansion.

Learn more

THE EMIGSVILLE HERITAGE PROJECT group meets 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Emig Mansion on North George Street in Emigsville, Manchester Township.

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