The mission of the Rock Ford Foundation is to provide opportunities to connect with and explore the life of Edward Hand, the diverse communities and material culture of early Lancaster County, and the complex issues that shaped our nation in its formative years by preserving and interpreting Historic Rock Ford and its collections.
Historic Rock Ford was the home of 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 City 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. Snyder, Jr. 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 closed for its regular tour season.
The companion book to our 2022 special exhibition "Long Rifles of the American Revolution: How Lancaster County Craftsmen Helped Win the War" is now available for purchase!
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE LONG RIFLE EXHIBIT COMPANION BOOK
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"WINTER BLITZ 1799: THE 12TH NIGHT" Holiday Music Video
For the third year in a row, the Music Business Technology Program at Millersville University has produced a holiday music video. This year, the students have brought history alive. The video takes place on the 12th day of Christmas in 1799, known as the Twelfth Night, when the once a year lavish ball was held. Along with the staff and volunteers at Historic Rock Ford, the students made the video historically accurate in representing the Twelfth Night including period costumes, hairstyles, food, traditions, and games of the era. The song this year is "Winter Blitz 1799: The 12th Night" performed by the Millersville MBT band, Lille Jul Rockeband, which was based on the 1973 song "Ballroom Blitz" by the band Sweet. However, most of the lyrics are changed from the original to describe the activities of the Twelfth Night and celebrate Winter Blitz.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH WINTER BLITZ 1799 MUSIC VIDEO
Make your special event an historic occasion! Our 18th Century barn and grounds are available for rental.
