URGENT NOTICE!!!!

Following the recommendations of Governor Wolf, all facilities of the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley will be closed until further notice.  As well, the March program, “Brownstown Mill Excavation” scheduled for WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 has been CANCELLED!!!   

We all hope that if everyone follows the advice of our public officials, we will be open for “business as usual” in a couple of weeks. Stay well!!   

BECOME A VOLUNTEER!

If you have ever considered becoming more involved with the society, now is a great time to join us! Many volunteer opportunities exist on committees, as museum docents, with our traveling program, and others. If you are interested, call (717)733-1616.

CURRENT MUSEUM EXHIBIT

     The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley is pleased to present “Fresh Findings From the Past”, now through 2020.  The exhibit, which occupies two of the museum’s first floor display rooms, will run through Dec. 31, 2020. Featured in the exhibit is an eclectic sampling of artifacts, manuscripts, photographs, etc. which have been acquired by the Society, either by donation or purchase, during the past ten years and which have never previously been exhibited to the public. The exhibit includes approximately 160 artifacts dating from the 18th through the 20th centuries representing all of the municipalities located within the Cocalico Valley. Items range from rare one-of-a-kind manuscripts to more common utilitarian items such as plastic advertising items dating from the 1950’s.

     We invite everyone to come and enjoy “Fresh Findings From the Past,” admission is free to all. The museum’s hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., or by appointment.  Groups encouraged.  For an appointment or additional information please call 717-733-1616.

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, thirteen-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.