Historic Rock Ford

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Historic Rock Ford Historic Rock Ford consists of the circa 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts.
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Historic Rock Ford is open for tours from April-October. Visit our website for hours and ticketing. Historic Rock Ford was the home of General Edward Hand and his family as well as enslaved and free servants and laborers. During the American Revolution, Edward Hand was Adjutant General to George Washington. Today, Historic Rock Ford is comprised of 33 acres at the southeastern edge of Lancaster Ci

ty surrounded by Lancaster County Central Park. It offers guided tours of the elegantly furnished rooms of the circa 1794 Hand Mansion as well as the opportunity to visit the John J. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts which is housed in a re-constructed 18th century bank barn. Historic Rock Ford offers visitors a peaceful enclave for lovers of history, art and nature just inside the boundaries of Lancaster City.

Historic Rock Ford is delighted to announce that it has received a grant award in the "Celebrate America! Chairman's Gra...
24/06/2026

Historic Rock Ford is delighted to announce that it has received a grant award in the "Celebrate America! Chairman's Grants in Honor of America's 250th Anniversary" from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This grant will be used to cover expenses related to the 2026 Lecture Series, Revolutionary Lancaster Book Project, and our July 2-3 free admission Celebrate America250 event!

America250 is approaching, and the next two weeks are very exciting and busy ones here at Historic Rock Ford! Check out ...
24/06/2026

America250 is approaching, and the next two weeks are very exciting and busy ones here at Historic Rock Ford! Check out our website's special event page for details and ticketing links.

https://www.historicrockford.org/special-events

Are you a Trivia Master? Do you have three smart friends? Have you been studying the stories surrounding our America250 ...
23/06/2026

Are you a Trivia Master? Do you have three smart friends? Have you been studying the stories surrounding our America250 celebrations? Well, my friend...then YOU need to sign up with your buddies to test your knowledge and quick-thinking in a "Revolutionary Lancaster" themed contest of knowledge and wit.

Benton Webber has developed multiple rounds of increasingly difficult questions against which the teams will test themselves. The questions will range from the simple "When did the Continental Congress vote to sever ties with Great Britain?" to the more Lancaster-focused "Where was the prisoner-of-war stockade located in downtown Lancaster?"

This event will be held during Historic Rock Ford's America250 celebration on Thursday, July 2 from 3 PM to 4 PM. Register your team soon at https://www.simpletix.com/.../america-250-quiz-bowl.



Or just come for the fun and maybe participate during the deployment of an Ask-The-Audience card.

The debate is fierce, the stakes are high, and the canes are crossed. Experience the tension and triumph of "1776" set a...
20/06/2026

The debate is fierce, the stakes are high, and the canes are crossed. Experience the tension and triumph of "1776" set against the backdrop of Historic Rock Ford. We are so excited to debut this production of "1776" with War of the Roses Theatre Company!

https://www.simpletix.com/e/1776-america-s-prize-winning-musical-tickets-276006

“1776” America’s Prize-Winning Musical with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone. Based on an original concept by Sherman Edwards. Original Production Directed by Peter Hunt and originally produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow. 1776 is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Planning to attend "1776" at Historic Rock Ford? We wanted to share some important details about this eagerly anticipate...
18/06/2026

Planning to attend "1776" at Historic Rock Ford? We wanted to share some important details about this eagerly anticipated production!

The show is outside on the lawn by the Hand Mansion at Historic Rock Ford. Please bring sunglasses, wear sunscreen, or any other protection you might require for an outdoor event.

In the case of rain, the performance will be held under the event tent by the Historic Rock Ford Barn.

Parking onsite is limited! While we do have a decent-sized lot, we recommend carpooling with your party or using a rideshare if your budget allows to minimize the strain on the lot.

Restrooms will be available. Port-a-potties, including an ADA one, will be near the show site, and the restrooms will be open on the first floor of the Historic Rock Ford barn.

Concessions will be available for purchase.

We will have a golf cart on site to help shuttle anyone who requires assistance from the parking area to the show site, along with a designated handicap parking area.

The seating area does not open until 45 minutes before show time. If you arrive earlier, you will be asked to wait in line until the seating areas open. Seats cannot be placed on any paved or stone walkways.

Actors will be using the center aisle/walkway during the show. Late arrivals may not be accommodated right away and will be seated at the discretion of the house manager and stage manager.

Historic Rock Ford will be closed on Friday, June 19 for the Juneteenth Federal holiday. The Hand Mansion and Snyder Gal...
18/06/2026

Historic Rock Ford will be closed on Friday, June 19 for the Juneteenth Federal holiday. The Hand Mansion and Snyder Gallery will reopen for normal tour hours on Saturday, June 20.

Behind every great man ... is a woman making sure he doesn't sign anything ridiculous. Meet Abigail Adams and Martha Jef...
14/06/2026

Behind every great man ... is a woman making sure he doesn't sign anything ridiculous. Meet Abigail Adams and Martha Jefferson, bringing grace and wit to the stage at Historic Rock Ford. These formidable ladies are ready to keep the Founding Fathers on their toes in our production of "1776" with War of the Roses Theatre Company!

Grab your tickets now and see who really has the final word on American independence.

June 28 at 4 PM, June 29-30 at 7 PM and July 1 at 7 PM

https://www.simpletix.com/e/1776-america-s-prize-winning-musical-tickets-276006

“1776” America’s Prize-Winning Musical with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone. Based on an original concept by Sherman Edwards. Original Production Directed by Peter Hunt and originally produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow. 1776 is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Address

881 Rockford Road
PA
17602

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday 10:00 - 16:00
Friday 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday 10:00 - 14:00
Sunday 10:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+17173927223

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