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.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER!

Ever considered becoming more involved with HSCV?  Now is a great time to join us! Volunteer opportunities exist on committees, as Museum docents, with our traveling program, and others. Contact us as 717-733-1616.

MUSEUM EXHIBIT (Temporarily Closed–COVID-19

     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, 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.