The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) recently unveiled a new exhibit, featuring the life and career of Ephrata’s own Lieutenant General Ronald R. Blanck, D.O., U.S. Army (Ret.).
“From Ephrata to Three Star General” officially opened to the public on Memorial Day weekend and has already drawn much interest from the community. In celebration of this new exhibit, the HSCV will be hosting a public grand opening reception on Saturday, July 16, from 10:00am-2:00pm. General Blanck has graciously accepted an offer to attend and will greet visitors and speak briefly on his experiences.
General Blanck is a doctor of osteopathic medicine, served in Vietnam, is past commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and was the 39th Surgeon General of the United States Army, to name just a few of his many accomplishments.
The exhibit features a large collection of personal items belonging to the General, from his 1959 Ephrata High School diploma to his full-dress uniform. Also on display are many photographs of General Blanck meeting world dignitaries and Presidents of the United States, as well as his many awards, honors and medals.
The exhibit, housed in the Theodore R. Sprecher Museum in the Connell Mansion, is open every Saturday, March through December, 10:00am-2:00pm; other times by appointment. Groups are welcome and admission is always free.
The HSCV is located at 237-249 W Main Street, Ephrata. For more information, email HSCV@cocalicovalleyhs.org or call (717)733-1616.
A member and friend of the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) recently offered a financial giving challenge. As part of the fundraising goal for the 65th Sapphire Anniversary Celebration coming up this fall, the donor will match dollar for dollar up to $10,000 all donations from members and friends of HSCV that are made through August 31, 2022. The donor has specified that contributions come from individuals only. Although we will certainly accept financial support from businesses, foundations, or charitable trusts, such donations will not count toward the contribution match.
What a great opportunity is presented to potentially double your financial support to HSCV through this matching challenge. However, your donation must be postmarked or received no later than August 31, 2022. Any contributions received after this date will indeed be welcome but will not count toward the match.
Look for the Sponsorship Pledge Form mailed to you recently. We urge you to complete it now, so you do not miss the August 31 deadline or use the PayPal button below to make your donation.
If you have any questions, please contact Deb Martin, Chairperson, Ways & Means Committee, at 717-466-0885.
Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. March through December.
Closed January and February.
Other times by appointment with a 24 hour notice.
Schools & organizations welcome!
Free to the public.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
9:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Saturday
8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
The Research Library will be closed Saturday, December 25, 2021 and Saturday, January 1, 2022.
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.
