Cumberland County Historical Society

06/17/2026

🎉Join Us for the Opening of Our New Exhibit: Bunting and Banners🎉

Celebrations bring communities together, serving as moments of remembrance, commemoration, and joy. They fill our streets with vibrant colors, music, and shared experiences, strengthening the bonds that connect us to one another.

Our newest exhibit, Bunting and Banners, explores the exciting traditions and memorable events that have brought Cumberland County residents together throughout the years. Featuring photographs from the Cumberland County Historical Society collections, the exhibit highlights everything from festive parades to the creativity of curtain dresses, capturing the spirit and imagination of community members of all ages.

To mark this special occasion, we invite you to join us for a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a fitting tribute to our nation's history and the enduring power of community celebrations.

https://www.historicalsociety.com/event/reading-of-the-declaration-opening-of-bunting-and-banners-exhibit/

Come experience the stories, memories, and traditions that have shaped Cumberland County and helped define what it means to celebrate together.

06/16/2026

🌈 Don't miss your final chance to experience Freedom to Be!

June 20 marks the last day to visit our special exhibit, Freedom to Be. Join CCHS staff and community partners for a Closing Reception as we celebrate the stories, history, and impact of this meaningful exhibit.

Enjoy activities, light refreshments, and the opportunity to explore the exhibit one last time before it closes.

📅 June 20
⏰ 12:00–3:00 PM
📍 History on High Museum Shop

This family-friendly event is open to all ages. We hope you'll join us as we celebrate and reflect on the history and experiences highlighted throughout Freedom to Be.

✨ Don't miss your chance to see the exhibit before it's gone!

https://www.historicalsociety.com/event/freedom-to-be-closing-reception/

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Join Cumberland County Historical Society for a special closing reception of the temporary exhibit Freedom to Be: LGBTQ+ Journeys in the American Story. This exhibit, on display from May 1 […]

06/15/2026

Step into history and follow the footsteps of soldiers, settlers, artisans, and citizen-leaders who helped transform a frontier county into a revolutionary center of action as we officially launch Patriots’ Path: Explore the Revolutionary War in Cumberland County!

Join us as we celebrate the story of a community whose strength, ingenuity, and determination helped form a nation — and yes, there will be cake! 🍰
What: Official Launch of Patriots’ Path: Explore the Revolutionary War in Cumberland Valley

Hosted by: Army Heritage Foundation, Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, and Cumberland County Historical Society

Participating organizations include Hampden Township Veterans Park, Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society, Friends of Peebles Homestead, Shippensburg History Center, Fashion Archives and Museum of Shippensburg University, and West Shore Historical Society.

📅 Tuesday, June 30, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Todd Hall, Cumberland County Historical Society
21 N Pitt St, Carlisle, PA 17013

Register online and be part of this exciting new chapter in exploring Cumberland County’s Revolutionary War history!

https://www.armyheritage.org/patriots-path-explore-the.../

Patriots’ Path: Explore the Revolutionary War in Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania invites visitors to follow the footsteps of soldiers, settlers, artisans, and...

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day!

Today, we honor the Stars and Stripes, a symbol of the freedoms, sacrifices, and shared history that unite our nation. As we reflect on the meaning of our flag, we also remember the individuals who helped shape our country's story.

This image of Molly Pitcher's grave, adorned with American flags, serves as a reminder of the courage and patriotism of those who came before us. May we continue to honor their legacy and the ideals our flag represents.

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06/13/2026

Be sure to stop by the GB Stuart History Workshop in the History on High Museum Shop to see our special exhibit Freedom to Be while it’s on display! The last day to see this exhibit is June 20th.

06/12/2026

Looking for something fun to do? The Cumberland County Historical Society is excited to announce our Secret Seekers Hunt inside the museum! 🐉🔍

Can you find the dragons hidden throughout the museum? Whether you are a child, teen, or adult, there’s a mission designed just for you. Gather your friends and family and put your detective skills to the test while exploring history in a whole new way!

06/11/2026

On June 11, 1913, a historic Conestoga wagon train passed through Cumberland County commemorating Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory in the Battle of Lake Erie. Carrying symbolic DuPont powder from Wilmington, Delaware to Erie, Pennsylvania, the wagon train connected communities along a route rich in early American history.

During their stop in town, the wagon team stayed at Bretz’s stables while the men found lodging at the historic Pennsylvania House. Moments like these remind us how travel, commerce, and commemoration shaped life in Cumberland County over a century ago.

Photo ID: PC-160-023

06/10/2026

Step into the world of renowned folk artist Wilhelm Schimmel (1817–1890), whose hand-carved and painted animals, birds, and iconic eagles have become treasured works of American folk art. During the late 19th century, Schimmel traveled throughout Cumberland County, often exchanging his carvings for food and lodging while staying in local barns and homes.

Today, the Cumberland County Historical Society proudly holds one of the largest collections of Schimmel carvings in existence, including a remarkable large pine spread-wing eagle on display in the Schimmel section of the museum’s second floor.

Schimmel frequently stayed with the Greider family at their mill along the Conodoguinet Creek. That historic mill—now known as Heishman’s Mill—will host the Spirit of Schimmel Wood Carving Expo on Saturday, June 13. Don’t miss this celebration of local history, folk art, and craftsmanship!

06/09/2026

Join local author and historian Joseph David Cress this summer at the Cumberland County Historical Society as he shares stories from his newest book, Rally Round the Flag, exploring life on the World War II home front in Carlisle and Cumberland County.

📍 Todd Hall, Cumberland County Historical Society
21 N. Pitt St., Carlisle

📅 Presentation Dates
• Saturday, June 20 | 1–2 p.m.
• Saturday, July 18 | 10–11 a.m.

Then, meet Joseph in person and pick up a signed copy of his book!

📚 Author Book Signing
📍 History on High the Shop
33 W. High St., Carlisle
📅 Saturday, August 15 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a WWII buff, or simply curious about Cumberland County's past, these events offer a fascinating look at how local residents experienced one of the most pivotal periods in American history.

We hope to see you there!

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06/08/2026

🎬 Join us for a special screening of The Rainbow Under the Red Tape, a student-produced documentary exploring LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and activism right here in Central Pennsylvania and Cumberland County.

The film highlights the LGBT Center of Central PA History Project and features local historian Barry Loveland. Following the screening, stay for a community discussion with Barry and learn more about the stories that helped shape our region.

🌈 Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit our special exhibit, Freedom to Be.

📍 Todd Hall, Cumberland County Historical Society
💲 Free for CCHS members and students with a valid school ID
💲 $6 for non-members and non-students (pay at the door)

Come experience an inspiring evening of history, conversation, and community.

https://www.historicalsociety.com/event/documentary-screening-the-rainbow-under-the-red-tape/