ATTENTION: THE FACILITIES OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF THE COCALICO VALLEY REMAIN CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC  OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION FOR ITS MEMBERS AND STAFF.  IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL (717)733-1616 OR EMAIL HSCV@cocalicovalleyhs.org

This FRIDAY, November 20 is the DAY!

We realize this has been an extremely unusual year. We have had to close the HSCV museum and research library for everyone’s safety, but we still have to maintain our collections and buildings. Many people are struggling and do not have the resources that they did a year ago. But the Extraordinary Give has always been a special time for the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley has always been a special opportunity for the community to celebrate and preserve its history. On November 20th we hope you will consider making a donation if you are able here: https://www.extragive.org/organizations/historical-society-of-the-cocalico-valley
If you aren’t computer savvy, call us at 1-717-733-1616 and we will assist you over the phone.
We are grateful for every donation large or small. Whether you are a first time donor or a long time friend of the HSCV you can feel good knowing that your generous donation will help us continue our vital work. Could we suggest a donation for that person on your Christmas list who seems to have everything? Donations can be made in the name of a friend or family member as a special gift for the holiday season. They can also be made as a memorial contribution. Every dontaion is tax deductible.
Thank you for considering the HSCV.

HSCV Produces Educational Video

The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley is pleased to share the first (of hopefully more!) videos focusing on the history of our museum, and the Connell family who built it. While the HSCV remains closed to the public out of an abundance of caution for our volunteers and visitors, we hope that these videos will provide a peek into our museum and the work that continues behind the scenes. As a non-profit organization, we rely solely on the generosity of our members and donors. For those that have provided continued support through these unprecedented times, we cannot begin to thank you enough! For those interested in learning how you can become a member or make a donation, please visit the Memberships tab on this website or call (717)733-1616. A detailed re-opening plan is in the works, and we hope to be able to welcome visitors in early 2021. Thank you again for your continued interest in and support of the HSCV….We hope to see you soon! 

URGENT NOTICE!

     The Executive Board of the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) made the difficult decision to remain closed to the public through December 2020, citing concerns for the safety of both patrons and volunteers.  The board will re-evaluate conditions at that time and implement a comprehensive plan to safely reopen when appropriate.

     This closure affects the Museum and Research Library, as well as all planned presentations and programs held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ephrata through the remainder of 2020.  In addition, the bus trip scheduled for October 29 to the Hagley Museum in Wilmington, DE has been canceled.  Anyone who has paid for a spot on the bus will be receiving a full refund.

     Some fundraising efforts will continue, including the ExtraordinaryGive sponsored by LCCF in November and the annual sale of commemorative Christmas cards.  Details of these initiatives are forthcoming.  Of course, Fall membership renewals will be promoted and donations are always gratefully accepted.

     Through the closure, HSCV staff will continue to work behind the scenes cataloguing and archiving the many new additions to our collections and preparing for the time when we can once again welcome visitors back.   Updates will be posted on the HSCV website at cocalicovalleyhs.org and Facebook page, as well as local newspapers.  While HSCV is unable to provide in-depth research at this time, we will be happy to help with simple requests if possible.  Contact our Librarian at 717-733-1616.

     The continued support of our community and membership is greatly appreciated and vital to the HSCV weathering these unprecedented times.

Welcome to The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley

     The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) invites you to explore the following pages and, better still to visit us in person, to discover the fascinating heritage associated with this area of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

     The HSCV was formed in 1957 as a project of the Ephrata Recreation Center. In 1961 the Society purchased the beautiful Victorian Italianate Connell Mansion built in 1869. That structure now houses the three-story, 13-room Theodore Sprecher Museum. In 1989, the Society purchased the adjacent English tudor-style home and converted it into the William and Jemima Brossman Library and Research Center at the Hamaker House.