An act of resistance occurred here at Rock Ford in 1802 when Frank, an enslaved man, risked his life to escape from the property. Frank's grit, determination and resolve demonstrated what is being demanded today, freedom from repressive and inhumane systems that disproportionately affect people of color. A remediation of these issues will promote the healing and reconciliation that will help our nation to achieve its true promise.
- The Rock Ford Foundation Board of Trustees
Historic Rock Ford will be re-opening for limited tours on Tuesday, July 7, with tours at 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm.
All visitors must purchase their tickets in advance through Rock Ford Yapsody's page.
Details and a ticketing link will be posted soon.
The Rock Ford mansion will be closed on weekends until further notice.
Historic Rock Ford was the home of Edward Hand and his family as well as enslaved and free servants and laborers. Edward Hand was Adjutant General to George Washington during the American Revolution. Today, Historic Rock Ford is comprised of 33 acres at the southeastern edge of Lancaster City surrounded by Lancaster County Central Park. The mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places and is recorded in the Historic American Building Survey. Historic Rock Ford is widely considered to be one of the most important examples of Georgian domestic architecture surviving in Pennsylvania and the most intact building predating 1800 in Lancaster County. The mansion’s elegant rooms are furnished with an outstanding collection of period furnishings and decorative arts.
For information on tour times, admission rates and reservations, please click here.
To receive information on upcoming events at Historic Rock Ford, please click here to sign up.
To listen to podcasts about Edward Hand and the history of Rock Ford, please click here.
To view the latest Historic Rock Ford newsletter, please click here.
For tour times and reservations, please click here.
The John J. Snyder Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts at Rock Ford
Make your wedding or special event an historic occasion! Our 18th Century barn and grounds are available for rental. For more information, please click here.
