Hummelstown Area Historical Society

11/04/2026

Come join us on November 16, 2026 at 7PM for our FREE monthly speaker series! Due to renovations at the Parish House Museum, we will be meeting in the basement of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 West Main Street, Hummelstown. There is elevator access. Bryce is a wonderful presenter so you do not want to miss his presentation!

Unearthing the Past: The Indigenous Peoples of Central PA and the Hartwell Collection

Long before European settlers arrived, Indigenous peoples—particularly the Susquehannock—called the Susquehanna Valley home. Their lives, skills, and stories live on through thousands of stone artifacts, now part of the Hummelstown Area Historical Society collection, that offer a fascinating glimpse into our region’s earliest history.

At the Hummelstown Area Historical Society’s November Member Meeting, Bryce Foster will present “The Indigenous Peoples of Central PA and the Hartwell Collection of Native Artifacts.” He’ll share information about these remarkable tools, from blades and spear points to everyday items crafted by skilled hands generations ago, including when and how they were made.

In 2020, Bryce, a lifelong Hummelstown resident, began exploring the thousands of artifacts tucked away in display trays, boxes, and storage shelves. With help from his family and experts, he cleaned, organized, and identified many of these objects, then developed a display at the Parish House Museum designed to make these remarkable objects—and the people who created them—more accessible to future generations. Every artifact tells part of a story. Each bears the marks of human ingenuity, skill, and survival, connecting us to people who lived on this land thousands of years before our own time.

Join us to discover the people behind the artifacts and explore the clues they left behind. Explore the points, blades, and other stone tools that offer clues to ancient ways of life, learn about the Indigenous peoples who shaped the history of the Susquehanna Valley, and discover how one family’s collection has helped preserve a remarkable part of our region’s past.

Every stone has a story, and these remarkable discoveries offer a tangible connection to the people who lived here long before us.

10/17/2026

Remember that Monday, October 19 at 7:00PM in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church is our October speaker series.

Please come out and join us for an evening of history from across the globe. We promise it will be a great time!

October Speaker

Our October speaker will be Alex Norris where he will be speaking on "A History Lesson Through the Eyes of a Sheep." This meeting will take place Monday, October 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM. This is FREE for everyone to attend.

*Due to the ongoing restoration of the Parish House Museum, the meeting will take place at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 West Main Street, Hummelstown in Leatherman Hall (basement). There is parking at the rear, side, and front of the church and an elevator at the rear entrance to take you to the basement.*

Sheep are EVERYWHERE. Jump into your car and take a drive down any backroad and I am sure you will see a flock (yes, flock is correct) of sheep eventually. Most people see a sheep and just see that cute fluffy critter roaming throughout a pasture, but there is so much more than that. How many times have you asked yourself, “I wonder what breed that is, what all are they used for, I wonder how their fiber feels?” Probably never, but that’s why I am here.

Sheep have been around since ancient times with several citations that they were among the first domesticated livestock. Some sheep have biblical references, some came from the Roman occupation of the England, many have roots to the Viking Sheep that were brought during their invasions, and others just showed up without any traces.

Join me for an evening of history with sheep as our guides. Along the way I will introduce breeds from around the world, as well as ones that originated in North America. We will explore what makes some breeds unique whether it’s their six horns, personalities, or their tail that requires a cart to be towed around (yes, there are pictures of this). You will learn not only about their fiber but how they were often responsible for a culture’s success both economically and for survival. For example, England’s economic success lied very heavily on their wool empire to the point that the Chancelor of the Exchequer sat on a red wool stuffed sack and many of the most magnificent churches were referred to as “wool churches” because that’s where the money to fund them came from.

Other cultures were so protective of their breeds that they would not allow any exportation. Spanish merinos were so coveted at one time that anyone trying to export sheep from the country received the death penalty.

You may ask, “why would I want to listen to you speak for an hour about sheep.” That is a fair question. I promise there will be lots of photos and fun stories that will make it worth your while. Hopefully you will leave the presentation with a new appreciation for our familiar friends.

08/31/2026

Our October speaker will be Alex Norris where he will be speaking on "A History Lesson Through the Eyes of a Sheep." This meeting will take place Monday, October 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM. This is FREE for everyone to attend.

*Due to the ongoing restoration of the Parish House Museum, the meeting will take place at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 West Main Street, Hummelstown in Leatherman Hall (basement). There is parking at the rear, side, and front of the church and an elevator at the rear entrance to take you to the basement.*

Sheep are EVERYWHERE. Jump into your car and take a drive down any backroad and I am sure you will see a flock (yes, flock is correct) of sheep eventually. Most people see a sheep and just see that cute fluffy critter roaming throughout a pasture, but there is so much more than that. How many times have you asked yourself, “I wonder what breed that is, what all are they used for, I wonder how their fiber feels?” Probably never, but that’s why I am here.

Sheep have been around since ancient times with several citations that they were among the first domesticated livestock. Some sheep have biblical references, some came from the Roman occupation of the England, many have roots to the Viking Sheep that were brought during their invasions, and others just showed up without any traces.

Join me for an evening of history with sheep as our guides. Along the way I will introduce breeds from around the world, as well as ones that originated in North America. We will explore what makes some breeds unique whether it’s their six horns, personalities, or their tail that requires a cart to be towed around (yes, there are pictures of this). You will learn not only about their fiber but how they were often responsible for a culture’s success both economically and for survival. For example, England’s economic success lied very heavily on their wool empire to the point that the Chancelor of the Exchequer sat on a red wool stuffed sack and many of the most magnificent churches were referred to as “wool churches” because that’s where the money to fund them came from.

Other cultures were so protective of their breeds that they would not allow any exportation. Spanish merinos were so coveted at one time that anyone trying to export sheep from the country received the death penalty.

You may ask, “why would I want to listen to you speak for an hour about sheep.” That is a fair question. I promise there will be lots of photos and fun stories that will make it worth your while. Hopefully you will leave the presentation with a new appreciation for our familiar friends.

08/07/2026

07/27/2026

Hummelstown Area Historical Society
EXHIBIT & SILENT AUCTION
Of Hummelstown’s Art Fest Posters

THE POSTERS: Each year since 1993, the Arts Fest Committee has
commissioned and sold a poster. The posters chronicle Hummelstown’s history, landmarks, and events as envisioned by Hummelstown area artists.

THE EXHIBIT: The posters are currently displayed at the Historical
Society’s History House at 32 West Main Street. The Historical Society has participated in every festival since its inception, so it is fitting that the posters are being exhibited by the Society.

SILENT AUCTION: The framed posters are being sold by silent auction. The starting bid for a poster is $5. Bid increments must be $5 over the prior bid. Place your bid, name and contact information on the sheet in the Bid Book with the Exhibit corresponding to the poster you want to own. When the auction closes on September 30, the highest bidder for a poster is the owner. There is only one poster being auctioned for each year.

WAYS TO BID:

O Visit the Exhibit and place a bid for a framed poster.

O Place a bid by phone by providing your name, contact information, the poster’s year, and the amount of your bid. Call 717-566-6314.

Exhibit is open on Mondays from 11am to 3pm and Wednesdays from 3pm to 7pm as well as by special appointment. The Exhibit is also open during the 2026 Arts Fest on September 19, 2026.

The posters have become an iconic part of the annual fall Fest and are always sold to patrons and visitors. This is an opportunity to purchase frame posters as Christmas gifts or to add a new poster to your own collection. Even if you are not interested in bidding on a poster, the Exhibit provides a fascinating history of local sites, artists, and the Arts Fest.

THE ARTISTS – Posters have been created by celebrated local artists
including Robert Nisley, Barbara Zauzig Skelly, David Lenker, Nancy
Bishop, Brad Stroman, Tonya Dreon, Laynie Zsereai, Brian Foster, Glenn and Glenn Koons, and Eryc Christofes.

THE DONORS: The Hummelstown Art Fest posters to be auctioned were donated to the Historical Society by longtime town resident, Debra Wyld and in memory of her parents, Walter and Rozella Wyld. Few people have had the vision and patience to collect all the posters like the Wyld family has done.

Debra Wyld has designated that funds earned from the auction will be used for the plaster restoration at the Parish House.

07/24/2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Hummelstown Area Historical Society is embarking on a major project, and we need YOU! We are undertaking an important plaster restoration project, which means our entire collection of artifacts must be carefully gathered and placed into safe storage, and that takes a village. You do not need to have historical knowledge to help with this project.

Volunteer Days and Times- More dates to come!

Monday, July 20 - 10 to 12

Sunday, July 26 - 11 to 1

Saturday, August 1 - 9 to 11

Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545ACAA23A6FDC43-64612024-hahs

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us with a variety of tasks, so no matter your skill set or physical ability, there is a role for you. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Organizing and boxing textiles and photographs

• Dismantling mannequins

• Photographing artifacts to create an inventory of the collection

This is a wonderful chance to get an up-close look at the Historical Society's collection while giving back to Hummelstown. Groups, families, and individuals of all abilities are warmly welcome.

Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545ACAA23A6FDC43-64612024-hahs

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

06/24/2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Hummelstown Area Historical Society is embarking on a major project, and we need YOU! We are undertaking an important plaster restoration project, which means our entire collection of artifacts must be carefully gathered and placed into safe storage, and that takes a village.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us with a variety of tasks, so no matter your skill set or physical ability, there is a role for you. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Organizing and boxing textiles and photographs

• Dismantling mannequins

• Photographing artifacts to create an inventory of the collection

Each volunteer session is two hours. There are seven different days available. Click the link to sign up for your desired times.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545ACAA23A6FDC43-64612024-hahs

This is a wonderful chance to get an up-close look at the Historical Society's collection while giving back to Hummelstown. Groups, families, and individuals of all abilities are warmly welcome.

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

06/14/2026

Tomorrow is the big day! Come join us for Hummelstown’s Flag Day Celebration! June 14, 2026 from 2pm - 5pm at the Parish House Museum and the History House backyard.

The Civil War soldiers are so excited that they established camp tonight. Their tents are set and they are stationed for the big day tomorrow!

We hope to see everyone there to celebrate the 250th as a community!

06/09/2026

Mark your calendars!
June 14, 2026 from 2-5 PM the Hummelstown Area Historical Society will be celebrating the Nation's 250th anniversary!
This celebration will be held at the 1815 Parish House Museum in the backyard of the History House.
Come see the many activities that will be happening!
~ Meet Betsy Ross
~ Enjoy some ice cream from Cubby's Ice Cream Cafe
~ See the Civil War Soldier encampment
~ Get a photo with Max the Pony
~ Listen to Zion Brass and all the Choirs of Hummelstown united
Most importantly come out to celebrate with your neighbors! Hummelstown has a deep history of community, so what better way to celebrate than spending time with your friends and neighbors.

05/22/2026

Edward Stover Farmstead Two Seater

Ready for Flag Day 250 Celebration!!!

Come join the society ,Sunday 6/14/26 2-5pm, for a grand old time!

HAHS board deliberated for quite a while over a historical interactive outhouse experience. The opportunity to share a squat in a historic two seater is not taken lightly by our historical society officers. After thoughtful consideration, and a list of possible complications, we regret we will opt for porta potties for the day’s celebrations.

However this will still be a great place for pictures, and sharing stories of splinters, spiders, snakes and corn husks.🌽

Looking forward to seeing you!

P.S.
Potty humor in honor of Bradley Miller and Christopher Zserai