Events

The program will highlight the work of Americans for Native Americans (ANA) which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Native Americans in the Southwest on the Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni reservations. By partnering with schools and organizations, ANA provides essential goods and programs which foster self-reliance and mutual understanding. Founded in Doylestown in 1991, ANA focuses primarily on services for children (food, clothing, school supplies, and health services), scholarships and clinical opportunities for nursing students at the University of New Mexico in Gallup, New Mexico, and veterinarian services on these reservations. Come to see, hear, and discuss the challenges and successes of this mission. About the instructor: Mary Lee Reiff Mary Lee currently serves as the chair of the board of ANA and has been a member of the organization since 2002. Her interest in Native Americans stems from her Native American roots in the Chickasaw nation through her mother’s family. Raised in the Air Force and moving throughout her childhood, Mary Lee is grateful to have lived in the Doylestown area for the past 46 years. She and her husband, Brian, have a daughter and twin grandsons. They have plans to move to Dock Woods in the future.

The Skippack Valley is the site of the second inland settlement of the Pennsylvania German people. Once inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, this class will focus on the history of the original European settlers in the Skippack area. Highlighting the purchase of more than 6000 acres of land by Mathias Van Bebber in 1702, a map of the original settlers, the educational contributions of Christopher Dock, revolutionary war involvement, stage coach transportation, printing, and the trolley line, Walt Johnson will provide us with stories and details of Skippack’s past. About the instructor: Walt Johnson Walt Johnson attended Collegeville – Trappe High School, Ursinus College, and later achieved a master’s degree in mathematics from Ohio State University. He taught for 25 years at Indian Valley Junior High School and then 13 years at the Souderton Area High School. He was also an associate professor at Ursinus College in the education department for five years. After retiring from being a math teacher, Walt became interested in the history of the local area. He currently serves with the Skippack Historical Society as a historian and chairman of “Washington’s Encampment,” a living history event held in the village of Skippack. He enjoys spending his time doing lawn work, playing golf, giving tours at the IdenHofen Farmstead, and sharing stories of local history of the area.