Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley

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CHRISTMAS AT THE MANSION!

     The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) is pleased to announce the 2021 Christmas Open House at the Connell Mansion on Sunday, December 5, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Please join us as we celebrate the holiday season.  The magnificent 1868 mansion is located at 249 West Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522.  Due to Covid restrictions, we were unable to share this special time with the community in 2020 and are excited to welcome everyone back to spend an afternoon with us!

     You will enjoy yuletide decorations, with our beautiful Christmas tree being the centerpiece of the Victorian parlor.  A chamber vocal ensemble from Cocalico High School will perform from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Our lovely antique organ will come to life as we enjoy holiday sounds just like families during Victorian times.  Mark Herr, organist, will perform from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  Mr. Herr is a collector and restorer of historic reed organs with an impressive background in organ music.  We are delighted to have him and our student musicians to enrich our afternoon.

     There will be activities for children, and of course, Santa Claus will be in attendance, who this year has a handsome new velvet suit.  He will be traveling around the mansion to share Christmas greetings with adults and children alike.  Children will receive something to remember their visit to the mansion.

     The print shop is always an interesting stop at the open house.  Visitors to the shop will learn about printing practices of the past and will leave with their very own souvenir.
Indoor and outdoor spaces will be available so all may feel comfortable.  Refreshments will be served and Christmas cookies and hot chocolate will warm visitors.  In addition, candy items by local favorite Lorah’s Handmade Chocolates will be offered for sale as will clear toy lollipops, a classic holiday treat.  Other merchandise, such as Christmas cards and prints of an amazing 1927 aerial photograph of Ephrata will be available for purchase as well.  All proceeds will benefit the HSCV.

     Please spend the afternoon with us as we return to sharing this lovely home at Christmas.  Bring your family and friends, the mansion will welcome you!

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HSCV IS OPEN!!!

          The library and research center is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:30am-6:00pm and Saturdays 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and the Connell Mansion museum is open every Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. HSCV is following all current CDC guidelines, individuals who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks inside HSCV buildings at this time.

Museum Hours

Museum Hours

Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Other times by appointment with a 24 hour notice.

Schools & organizations welcome!

Free to the public.

Research Library

Research Library

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

9:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Saturday

8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to discovering, gathering and preserving materials and data relative to the community known as the Cocalico Valley. All items in the museum collection were either made in the Cocalico Valley or were used by and/or owned by people living in the area. The Cocalico Valley encompasses ten municipalities in Northern Lancaster County — the Boroughs of Adamstown, Akron, Denver, and Ephrata and the Townships of East and West Cocalico, Clay, Ephrata, West Earl, and a portion of Earl.

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