Historic Rock Ford

01/06/2026

Historic Rock Ford and War of the Roses Theatre Company are very excited to present “1776” America’s Prize-Winning Musical with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone. Performances will be on June 28-30 and July 1.

Experience history through this award-winning musical that highlights the Founding Fathers as humans trying against all odds to create a new nation. Join Historic Rock Ford for this once-in-a-generation performance that is being performed at the home of Revolutionary War General Edward Hand on the exact 250th anniversary of when the Continental Congress debated independence in Philadelphia.

Enjoy familiar songs such as “Sit Down, John” and “He Plays the Violin” as the performance unfolds on the piazza of the Hand Mansion, transformed into the stage itself. Rather than a traditional theatrical setting, the architecture and atmosphere of the Hand Mansion become an integral part of the experience, blurring the line between performance and place.

The show is directed by Jaime Hilton and features a stellar cast of 26 local actors.

Performance dates: June 28 at 4 PM; June 29-30 at 7 PM; and July 1 at 7 PM

Ticket cost: $35 for reserved seating and $15 for-bring-your-own-chair seating

Parking: Limited on-site parking is available.

“1776” America’s Prize-Winning Musical with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone. Based on an original concept by Sherman Edwards. Original Production Directed by Peter Hunt and originally produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow. 1776 is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

https://www.simpletix.com/e/1776-america-s-prize-winning-musical-tickets-276006

27/05/2026

What do you think these two little living historians are spotting from the piazza of the Hand Mansion? Could it be a craftsperson at work? Revolutionary War soldiers? Or someone playing cricket?

Find out for yourself at our America250 Family Day!

🗓 Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
⏰ Time: 10 AM to 4 PM
🎟 Admission: FREE but registration is requested for planning purposes

https://www.simpletix.com/e/america250-family-day-tickets-259144

Coffee with a Colonial
Clotz's Battalion of the Flying Camp

20/05/2026

In 2014, Historic Rock Ford collaborated with Theater of the Seventh Sister to present William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" on the piazza of the Hand Mansion. Look for an announcement soon on our next major theatrical event!

16/05/2026

In July 2011, Historic Rock Ford, in collaboration with Theater of the Seventh Sister, presented William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." This production was staged on the piazza of the Hand Mansion, blurring the lines between performance and place as the action often took place within the audience seating area.

On June 1st, we will announce a new major theatrical production to be performed in this same unique space!

Performance dates will be as follows: Sun., June 28, 4 PM;
Mon., June 29; Tues., June 30; and Wed., July 1, 7 PM. Stay tuned!

15/05/2026

Members of our Warm Hearth Committee will be working on 18th century receipts in the Hand Mansion kitchen during tours on Sunday, May 17!

14/05/2026

We are so grateful to Vista.Today for this incredibly thoughtful feature highlighting Historic Rock Ford and our upcoming America250 programming!

As we prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, we are honored to help share Lancaster’s rich Revolutionary-era history through exhibits, lectures, concerts, living history, family events, and more. The article beautifully captures the spirit of what we hope visitors experience here — that history is not just something to read about, but something to truly engage with.

A heartfelt thank you to Helen Harris and the Vista.Today team for shining a light on our mission and the many exciting programs ahead this season.

We’d love for you to read the article, share it, and help spread the word about all that’s happening at Rock Ford this year!

Read the full article here:
Historic Rock Ford Leads Lancaster’s Role as an America250 Epicenter

Discover how Historic Rock Ford in Lancaster is bringing America250 to life with immersive events, exhibits, and programs.

14/05/2026

Members of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment and Leslie Bramlett portraying Hannah Till, George Washington's personal cook during the Revolutionary War, will be joining Historic Rock Ford for America250 Family Day on June 7! Register today for this free event!

https://www.simpletix.com/e/america250-family-day-tickets-259144