Ira Landis (1899-1977)

Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society In the late 1950s, Landis was entrusted with a large collection of papers from Christian E. Charles, one of the deacons at Landisville Mennonite Church. No longer able to house these documents at his home, he founded the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society in 1958 to store and maintain the new archive. During this period, Landis would go on to write many works and became known for his updated English translation of Martyrs Mirror in 1964.

In 1969, Landis acquired the Hans Herr House and renovated the property turning it into a Museum open to the public in 1974. The museum became listed under National Register of Historic Places due to the extensive restoration done by Landis and others. The Hans Herr House would go on to become a main site for many of Landis' archives. Following his death, his role was succeeded by Carolyn Charles Wenger, daughter of Christian Charles who provided the original documents which founded the historical society. I must see Switzerland: With 100 illustrations and maps, Lancaster, PA 1954 The Lancaster Mennonite Conference: History and Background, Scottdale, PA 1956. Old mills in Lancaster County, Lancaster, PA 1964. Noah H. Mack: his life and times, 1861-1948, Scottdale, PA 1952, together with Jacob Paul Graybill and J. Paul Sauder. Martyrs Mirror (translation), 1964