Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley

05/23/2026

What happens when history isn’t enough to save a historic structure? More specifically, how much history is needed to save something deemed “historic”?

05/23/2026

The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) announces that their next educational program, “American Revolutionary War Soldier Take Notice!”, will be held Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00pm at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E Main Street, Ephrata.
Join reenactor Mike Jesberger in the “Glorious Cause” with an interactive educational program on the Revolutionary War. Jesberger will present a program on the Revolutionary soldier – his life on the march, in camp, and in battle. Complete with the equipment, uniforms, and the personal items of a soldier, this presentation will give you a better understanding of the role of the common soldier in the Revolution.
As always, this program is open free to the public. Parking lot and entrance in the rear alley. For more information, visit the society’s website at www.cocalicovalleyhs.org or call (717)733-1616.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming HSCV programs & events:
June 17 (New date!) – Members-only picnic at Reamstown Memorial Park
July 22 – Members-only field trip to Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
August 26 – “Nature, Industry, and Heritage: Legacy of Lancaster County’s Limestone
and Lime Industry”
September 23 – Ephrata Parade Night food stand
September 30 (New addition!) – “Historical Trees of Lancaster County”
October 23, 24, 30, 31 – Ghost Tours
October 28 – “Colonial and Early Ironworks”
November – ExtraGive Fundraiser
November 4 – Bus Trip to Philadelphia
December 6 – Christmas at the Connell Mansion

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. Read More.

04/22/2026

The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) announces that their next educational program, “Rocky Springs Park”, will be held Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00pm at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E Main Street, Ephrata.
Third generation Lititz Historian and President of the Lititz Historical Foundation, Cory Van Broohoven will speak of his fascination with Rocky Springs Park. As an author of over 150 articles and four books pertaining to Lancaster County history, Cory’s knowledge of the past is unsurpassed.
As always, this program is open free to the public. Parking lot and entrance in the rear alley. For more information, visit the society’s website at www.cocalicovalleyhs.org or call (717)733-1616.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming HSCV programs & events:
April 18 – Grand Opening for new museum exhibit
May 27 – “The American Revolutionary War Soldier TAKE NOTICE!”
June 17 – Members-only picnic at Reamstown Memorial Park
July 22 – Members-only field trip to Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
August 26 – “Nature, Industry, and Heritage: Legacy of Lancaster County’s Limestone
and Lime Industry”
September 23 – Ephrata Parade Night food stand
October 28 – “Colonial and Early Ironworks”
November – ExtraGive Campaign
December – Christmas at the Connell Mansion

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. Read More.

04/18/2026

HAPPENING NOW!!! Revolutionary War reenactor Sam Leamer is sharing at the Grand Opening of the new exhibit, "The Many Faces of Freedom". Saturday 4/18 10am-2pm. Stop by for a visit!

04/14/2026

DON'T FORGET! Saturday, April 18 is the Grand Opening for the new exhibit!!!

04/04/2026

Seats are limited for our upcoming April Speaker Series event, The Many Faces of Freedom, presented by Douglas Gehr. This special program will preview the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley’s 2026–2027 featured exhibit and examine how the Revolutionary War touched the lives of people right here in our region.

Join us on Wednesday, April 8 at the Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House, 123 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Doors open at 6 PM and the presentation starts at 6:30 PM. The event is free by donation, with a maximum of 40 attendees.
Register now: https://hptrust.org/events/april-2026-speaker-series-the-many-faces-of-freedom/

03/25/2026

Don't forget! Wednesday, March 25

03/24/2026

The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) announces that their next educational program, “Cocalico Township 1783 – The beginning of some Lancaster County Joiners & Planemakers”, will be held Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00pm at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E Main Street, Ephrata.
Todd Hostetter will present the rich history of early craftsman in Lancaster County, focusing on joiners and planemakers who made woodworking tools that helped build local homes and businesses.
As always, this program is open free to the public. Parking lot and entrance in the rear alley.

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03/18/2026

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 4x2 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. For more information, visit www.cocalicovalleyhs.org or call (717)733-1616.

01/28/2026

ATTENTION! The Annual Show & Tell, scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, has been cancelled. We're sorry for any inconvenience.

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