The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) is pleased to announce that the Theodore R. Sprecher Museum is once again open after a scheduled winter break. With the reopening, the society introduces a new feature exhibit, “The Many Faces of Freedom” which focuses on the Revolutionary War and how it affected the lives of everyday citizens in the Cocalico Valley.
On display are many items indicative of the war effort, including typical gear that would have been used by a member of the militia, an original pay receipt, copies of fines paid by non-Associators who chose not to fight, and the uniform of a sharpshooter.
The exhibit also shares detailed information on the military hospitals at Reamstown and Ephrata, a complete list of men in the Cocalico Valley who served, detailed information on the Anabaptist community which opposed the war on religious grounds, and reproductions of clothing that area residents would have been wearing at the time of the Revolution.
Also highlighted throughout the museum’s permanent displays are artifacts from the 18th century that were locally used or produced.
Finally, a travelling diorama of the Ephrata area, circa 1776, will be shared between the HSCV and the Ephrata Cloister. When it is in residence at the HSCV, guests will be directed to the Education Room of the Library to view this scale model of a 4×2 mile area with the Cloister settlement in the center.
While the exhibit opened to the public in March, the community is invited to an official grand opening scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Berks County native and Revolutionary War reenactor Sam Leamer will be in attendance. Mr. Leamer has been interpreting history for over 20 years, and his passion for engaging with the public has led him to share his knowledge at dozens of historical sites, including the Ephrata Cloister and Cornwall Iron Furnace. The HSCV is excited to have him visit with us!
The museum is open every Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm, March through December and admission is always free to the public.
The annual election of Officers and Trustees of the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) was held on October 22, 2025. In addition to elected positions, the HSCV welcomes the Committee Chairpersons who help to keep the society running smoothly. This group of dedicated volunteers is committed to the mission of the HSCV and is busy planning exciting events for 2026.
Front row, seated L to R: Pat Wolf, Vice President; Angela Stewart, President; Joanne Bender, Recording Secretary and Publicity Chair; Robert Snader, Treasurer.
Standing L to R: David Wise, Trustee; Pamela Ruoff, Trustee; Jean Kulp, Trustee; Debra Martin, Trustee; James Kimmel, Trustee and Education Chair; Jodi Showalter, Trustee; Fred Flinchbaugh, Trustee; Douglas Gehr, Trustee and Museum & Library Chair; Penny Lyba, Corresponding Secretary and Program Chair; Maureen Nichols, Trustee; and Ann Snader, Nominating & Bylaws Chair.
Missing from photo: Trustees Madelyn Marks and Delores Neuber as well as Committee Chairs Robert Eberly, Newsletter; Robert Lausch, Property Maintenance; Randy Newcomer, Membership and Print Shop; Diana Palsgrove, Finance & Endowment; and Clarence Spohn, Publications.
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.
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.
