New Holland Area Historical Society

New Holland Area Historical Society Historical Society and Museum preserving New Holland, PA's past The New Holland Area Historical Society was formed as a 501-C-3 nonprofit organization in 2005.

The purpose of the organization is to gather, organize and preserve information and historical items that give insight to understanding the life and times of the New Holland area and sharing this material with others. The New Holland Area Historical Society Museum is operated by the Society and is located on the second floor of the historic Kauffman Building at 201 E Main Street in New Holland, Pa

. The purpose of the museum is to provide space to store and display artifacts, historic data, photos, literature and other memorabilia and make it available for education and research. New Holland Area Historical Society is proud to partner with the following organizations. Please check them out! New Holland Business Association - https://www.facebook.com/newhollandbusinessassociation
Garden Spot Fire Rescue - https://www.facebook.com/GSFR39
Lickity Split - https://www.facebook.com/lickitysplitthetownscoop
Eastern Lancaster County Library - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064936322026&ref=ts

🏫 Step back in time when you visit the New Holland Area Historical Society Museum!Did you know the museum features multi...
06/17/2026

🏫 Step back in time when you visit the New Holland Area Historical Society Museum!

Did you know the museum features multiple floors filled with artifacts, exhibits, and stories from New Holland’s past? One favorite area for visitors of all ages is our recreated historic classroom exhibit.

Complete with antique student desks, chalkboards, vintage schoolbooks, maps, and even a coal stove at the front of the room, this space offers a glimpse into what a typical school day may have looked like for children in New Holland many years ago. Imagine students practicing penmanship on slate boards, reciting lessons at the chalkboard, and gathering around the stove during the cold winter months for warmth.

It’s a hands-on reminder of how much education — and everyday life — has changed over the generations. Whether you’re visiting with children, grandchildren, or simply exploring local history yourself, there’s always something new to discover throughout the museum.

📍 Come explore the many rooms, stories, and artifacts that help preserve New Holland’s rich history.

🏛️ Did you know the Witwer Building has a fascinating history tied to one of New Holland’s most memorable stories?Freder...
06/09/2026

🏛️ Did you know the Witwer Building has a fascinating history tied to one of New Holland’s most memorable stories?

Frederick Seeger first settled this portion of New Holland in 1779, but decades later it became the site of the Witwer Building after Isaac Witwer received an unexpected windfall — winning an $8,000 home in Washington, D.C. through a lottery ticket purchased during his time in the Civil War! He sold the home and used the proceeds to build the three-story brick structure that still stands beside the museum today.

Over the years, the building housed a hardware store, millinery, musical instrument manufacturing, the *New Holland Clarion* printing operation, and the beloved Witwer Hall — a gathering place for concerts, theater performances, magicians, and even spelling bees. By the early 1900s, many residents knew it as the “Showalter Building” after hardware merchant J.W. Showalter purchased it.
Every building in New Holland has a story — and we’re proud to help preserve them.

đź“Ť Visit the New Holland Area Historical Society to learn more about the people and places that shaped our community.

It’s time to play ! 🔍Each month, we’ll share a photo of an object from the New Holland Area Historical Society Museum c...
06/03/2026

It’s time to play ! 🔍

Each month, we’ll share a photo of an object from the New Holland Area Historical Society Museum collection. Think you know what it is? Post your guess in the comments! We’ll reveal the correct answer next month.

All correct guesses posted before noon on July 1st will be entered into a random drawing to win a $25 Lickity Split gift certificate 🍦

Good luck!

A Victorian wardrobe with a story to tell đź‘—These beautifully preserved garments once belonged to Mary Alice Scheetz (185...
05/28/2026

A Victorian wardrobe with a story to tell đź‘—
These beautifully preserved garments once belonged to Mary Alice Scheetz (1855–1945), offering a glimpse into everyday fashion of the Victorian era.
Her embroidered jacket even features built-in stays — a common detail of the time — and may have been part of a bridal outfit. Surprisingly, white wedding dresses weren’t the norm unless you were wealthy. Most women simply wore their best dress… often black.
On display alongside the outfit are a lace petticoat and a chemise — essential layers that protected clothing and completed the look.
🧵 These pieces were generously donated by Mary Alice’s great-granddaughter, keeping her story alive for future generations.
đź“Ť Visit the New Holland Area Historical Society to see them in person.

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, the New Holland Area Historical Society honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in ser...
05/25/2026

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, the New Holland Area Historical Society honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

As we gather with family and friends, we pause to remember the sacrifices made by generations of Americans — including those from our own community — who answered the call to serve. Their courage and dedication helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today.

We invite you to reflect on the stories of local veterans and heroes who are part of New Holland’s rich history. Their legacy lives on through remembrance, gratitude, and community.

May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Step into Revolutionary-era Lancaster with us 🇺🇸Join the New Holland Area Historical Society for a fascinating presentat...
05/21/2026

Step into Revolutionary-era Lancaster with us 🇺🇸
Join the New Holland Area Historical Society for a fascinating presentation on the home of General Edward Hand, led by Christina McSherry, PhD — Executive Director of Historic Rock Ford.
đź“Ť Thursday, May 28
đź“Ť Garden Spot Village
🎟️ FREE & open to the public
Historic Rock Ford — the beautifully preserved 1794 Georgian-style home of General Edward Hand — offers a rare glimpse into life in early America. Hand served as Adjutant General under George Washington during the Revolutionary War and later built his estate along the Conestoga River, where history still lives on today.
During this engaging talk, you’ll learn about:
• The architecture and design of the Hand Mansion
• Life in Lancaster during the Revolutionary era
• The people — including family, servants, and laborers — who lived and worked at Rock Ford
• The legacy of one of Lancaster’s most significant historic sites
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect local history with the story of our nation.
All are welcome — bring a friend!

The New Holland Area Historical Society is joining the celebration at Lititz’s History Festival — and you’re invited!📅 S...
05/18/2026

The New Holland Area Historical Society is joining the celebration at Lititz’s History Festival — and you’re invited!
đź“… Saturday, June 13, 2026
⏰ 11 AM – 5 PM
đź“Ť Lititz Historical Foundation (145 E. Main St, Lititz, PA)
Step into the past with:
• Living history reenactors
• Guided tours
• Demonstrations & artisans
• Food truck fare
• Family-friendly activities
Best of all — it’s FREE to attend!
Come out, explore local history, and celebrate with us. We hope to see you there!

Outlaws, prison breaks, and a name you don’t forget — Abe Buzzard.In the late 1800s, Abe Buzzard and his brothers roamed...
05/13/2026

Outlaws, prison breaks, and a name you don’t forget — Abe Buzzard.
In the late 1800s, Abe Buzzard and his brothers roamed the Welsh Mountain region near New Holland, leaving a trail of robberies and jailbreaks across Berks, Lancaster, and Chester counties. Sometimes it was chickens… other times it was trains, safes, and entire communities held on edge.
Known as some of the most notorious criminals in Lancaster County history, the Buzzard Gang blurred the line between petty theft and Wild West-style crime — even orchestrating one of the largest prison breaks in the county using a trained canary to carry messages to brother Ike’s cell.
And yet, although Abe spent more than 50 years in various prisons, his story didn’t end in a dramatic shootout. He lived to age 84, dying quietly at home, buried under a simple headstone reading only: “Beloved Husband.” History isn’t always what you expect.
đź“Ť You can see one of the prison cells Abe Buzzard spent time in at our very own historical society building.

It’s time to play ! 🔍Each month, we’ll share a photo of an object from the New Holland Area Historical Society Museum c...
05/04/2026

It’s time to play ! 🔍
Each month, we’ll share a photo of an object from the New Holland Area Historical Society Museum collection. Think you know what it is? Post your guess in the comments! We’ll reveal the correct answer next month.
All correct guesses posted before noon on June 1st will be entered into a random drawing to win a $25 Lickity Split gift certificate!
Good luck!

⏰ Happening Tomorrow!Don’t forget to join the New Holland Area Historical Society for our free community program, “Histo...
04/22/2026

⏰ Happening Tomorrow!
Don’t forget to join the New Holland Area Historical Society for our free community program, “History of Hats,” presented by Lisa High.
🗓 Tomorrow – Thursday, April 23
đź“Ť Garden Spot Village
🎟 Free & open to the public
We hope to see you there!

Address

207 E Main Street/At The Former Kauffmans Building
New Holland, PA
17557

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 2pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+17175383079

Website

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