On Friday, November 21, the ExtraGive, Lancaster County’s largest day of giving, will once again bring together hundreds of local organizations and the communities they serve. We hope that you’ll join the fun and choose the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley as part of your planned giving!!
2024 EXTRAGIVE DONATIONS HELPED US:
●Preserve local artifacts, oral histories and genealogies
●Provide educational programs and community outreach
●Visit classrooms and retirement communities
●Host school field trips, civic groups and special events
●Operate a staffed research library
●Offer a free public museum and print shop
●Maintain two historic buildingsPlease remember the HSCV on November 21, and donate here: https://www.extragive.org/organization/Historical-Society-Of-The-Cocalico-Valley
Thank you for your support!!!
The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) announces its 2025 seasonal card sale.
Showcasing the talent of local photographer, Don Reese, this year’s card features a peaceful snow scene of the Hamaker House, which houses the William and Jemima Brossman Library.
Priced at $15 for a pack of 10, cards are being sold by pre-order by calling Jodi Showalter at (717)413-7149. Orders can be picked up in the HSCV Library’s education room from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th. The HSCV is located at 237 W Main Street, Ephrata.
Supplies are limited… order yours today!
The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) cordially invites you to their annual Christmas Open House on Sunday, December 7, 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
Guests will be welcomed in the 1868 Connell Mansion, which houses the Theodore R. Sprecher Museum, complete with three floors of exhibits featuring life in the Cocalico Valley. The stunning Victorian mansion, dressed up in her holiday grandeur, is something you don’t want to miss!
Mark Herr will once again delight visitors with his musical talents on the antique pump organ, and Glenn Fisher will provide additional entertainment on his flute. Santa will also be in attendance to visit with young and old alike!
Next door, the 1929 Tudor Style Hamaker House will host craft-making in the library, and a gift shop and light refreshments in the Education Room.
The Conestoga Press, a living-history print museum located in the carriage house, will feature trained artisans demonstrating printing methods of the past.
As always, this event is open free to the public and to people of all ages! The HSCV campus is located at 237-249 West Main Street, Ephrata. Parking is available in the rear lot or surrounding public streets. Visit www.cocalicovalleyhs.org or call (717)733-1616 with any questions.
The Lancaster County Barn Tour book, created in cooperation between the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster (HPTLC) and the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) is still available!
We’ve got less than 150 remaining from our initial 1,000 copies, and a second printing is not guaranteed. Books are $35.00 and can be picked up in person at the HSCV.
The tour books are still available to purchase online (click the picture below), at the Historical Society during normal business hours, and at the following locations throughout Lancaster County:
Order Barn Tour Book Online
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 observe the following holiday schedule :
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - CLOSING AT 3:00PM
Thursday, November 27, 2025 - CLOSED
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - CLOSING AT 3:00PM
Thursday, December 25, 2025 - CLOSED
Thursday, January 1, 2026 - CLOSED
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.
