CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

     The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley cordially invites you to “Christmas at the Mansion” on Sunday, December 1, 2019 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

     Visitors will be able to tour the grand Italianate mansion and learn about the Connell family, who built the home in 1868. Students from Cocalico High School will provide musical entertainment, and children can visit with Santa. Guests will also be able to print their own souvenir coaster, using an authentic antique press in the print shop. Light refreshments will be served.

     Start your holidays in Victorian grandeur and explore the history of the Cocalico Valley. As always, admission is free! The Connell Mansion is located at 249 W Main Street, Ephrata. For more information, call (717)733-1616.

AmazonSmile PURCHASES CAN BENEFIT THE HSCV

Did you know that if you make your Amazon purchases through smile.amazon.com, you can choose The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley to receive a donation from your purchase?  This is a great way to boost your holiday giving!  

NEW MUSEUM EXHIBIT

     The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley is pleased to announce the opening of its new 2019-2020 exhibit—“Fresh Findings From the Past”.  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. 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.