Welcome to the Hummelstown Area Historical Society

Office Hours:
Monday 11:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday 3:00-7:00pm

Museum Hours:
By Appointment Only
Call 717-566-6314 to schedule a tour

"Forgotten No More" available for purchase

Proceeds from the sale of this book help support the Hummelstown Area Historical Society.

New Members-Only Perk

News & Updates

May Meeting

📅 Join Us for Our May Meeting!

The Hummelstown Area Historical Society invites you to our next monthly meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the Parish House.

We’re excited to welcome Jim Wallish, a retired taxidermist with over 30 years of experience, as our guest speaker. Jim will be sharing insights into the craftsmanship and art of taxidermy—a fascinating and often misunderstood field!

🦌 This promises to be a unique and engaging presentation, and we hope to see many of you there!

#HummelstownHistory #CommunityEvent #TaxidermyTalk #LocalSpeakerSeries

Traditional Rug Hooking Class

Sue Copenhaver and The Woolwrights are returning for a second traditional rug hooking class on Saturday June 7, 2025. Class starts at 9 AM until a soft close by 3 PM. Use the center door of the Parrish House at the corner of Rosanna Street and North Alley. First time hookers will create a 4×4 mug rug. Repeat hookers will create a 4×6 mat in a frame. Hooks, frames, hoops, foundations, strippers, wool, yarn and all class supplies are provided.

To register, contact Sue Copenhaver at
7175038558 or email sweetbing7711@gmail.com. The cost of the class is $35, payable in advance.

Hummelstown Photographs Show

Having organized almost 300 photographs, we believe that the photographs have a significant impact when viewed as a collective group. Old, vintage photographs provide us with a voyage of discovery. We are fascinated by old photographs because we enjoy looking back at old history. But some images can unexpectedly resonate with us as viewers – like a photograph of an unknown grandmother, which reminds us of our own beloved grandmother.

There is a reality that photographs provide, even those that are staged. Photographs give one a reality about events, people, and times. By looking at old photographs of daily life and formal occasions, of one individual, friends, families, social groups, or fellow workers, we are getting an intimate view of lives in the past; the glimpse of which is authentic.

People collect photographs based on subject matter, era, photographer, format, or intended use. The photographs in the show are from the Historical Society’s collection, collected to showcase all the Hummelstown residents from the past.

Vintage photographs were taken with a lot of intent and care. Originally photographs were taken on glass panes, and later metal plates (like the ones of the Hummels in the show). The early production of these photographs essentially required people to dress in their best clothing and jewelry, and the photographs were taken in a studio with special backgrounds and props. The ultimate reality is that everyone wants their photographs to make them look good. In capturing a moment in time, these photographs illustrate the surrounding culture and standard expectations.