Cumberland County Historical Society

10/17/2026

Our Holiday House Tour on December 5 will be here before we know it! Here is one of the properties on our tour this year. Purchase tickets here:

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cchsahla/event/4thannualholidayhousetour/

🏡 Step Into History: Widow Piper’s Tavern

This holiday season, discover the history and charm of Widow Piper’s Tavern, also known as the Old Courthouse, featured on our CCHS Holiday House Tour!

Built by Samuel Perry in Shippensburg in 1735, this remarkable stone structure has served many purposes throughout its nearly 300-year history. It briefly housed the First Court of General Sessions from July 1750 to April 1751 and has since been a family home, a tavern, and a rental property. Since 1928, it has been the home of the Civic Club of Shippensburg.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, Widow Piper’s Tavern offers a wonderful glimpse into the rich history of our community.

10/16/2026

Our Holiday House Tour on December 5 will be here before we know it! Here is one of the properties on our tour this year. Purchase tickets here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cchsahla/event/4thannualholidayhousetour/

🏛️ Discover the History of the Stewart House!

Dating back to 1750, the Stewart House in Shippensburg has a rich history spanning more than 275 years. Originally built as a small western room, the building expanded over time, with additions made in the late 1700s and 1830s.

Throughout the 20th century, the property served commercial purposes before Dr. Alexander Stewart helped bring its eastern and western sections together. In 2015, the Stewart Foundation transferred the property to the Shippensburg Historical Society.

Today, the building is home to the Shippensburg History Center, where visitors can explore local history, artifacts, photographs, and family research resources in the Dr. Alexander Stewart Resource Room.

10/15/2026

On This Day in 1958

On October 15, 1958, Richard Smith, Russell Sutton, James Bistline, Glenn Wise, and Dean E. Vaughn departed for the armed services after being drafted. Each received gifts from the Carlisle Chapter of American War Mothers as they prepared to serve.

Dean E. Vaughn later shared his experiences in the armed services in an interview with the Gardner Digital Library. Learn more about his story: Dean Vaughn's interview

📸 CCHS Photo Collection | SE58.10.15.01

#1958

10/14/2026

📅 Thursday, October 15
📍 Todd Hall, Cumberland County Historical Society, 21 N. Pitt St., Carlisle

Join us tomorrow evening for an engaging program featuring Oscar Beisert, historic preservationist, architectural historian, and founder of the Keeping Society of Philadelphia!

With nearly a decade of experience in historic preservation and architectural history, Oscar is dedicated to protecting the historic buildings and places that tell our stories. He also recently completed the renovation of an 1880s carriage repository in Germantown!

🕠 Doors Open: 5:30 p.m.
🥂 Reception: 6:00 p.m.
🎤 Lecture: 6:30 p.m.

Come enjoy the reception, learn more about historic preservation, and discover why protecting our historic places matters.

✨ Free and open to the public! We hope to see you there!

10/14/2026

🏆 Celebrating the 2026 CCHS History Award Recipients!

The Cumberland County Historical Society is proud to recognize two special project recipients whose work has helped preserve, interpret, and share our region’s history.

🌟 Special Project Recognition — J. Sherwood McGinnis, Jr., War, Peace & Justice Project

CCHS extends its sincere thanks to the J. Sherwood McGinnis, Jr., War, Peace & Justice Project for its powerful exhibit, “We the People: An American Experience Through the Lens of the US Constitution.” Created for the America250 celebration and displayed at CCHS, this exhibit encouraged visitors to reflect on the importance of the Constitution and American democracy.

🌟 Special Project Recognition — Carmen James

We are pleased to recognize Carmen James for her dedication to the Mt. Tabor Preservation Project and her continued support of historic preservation throughout Cumberland County. Her commitment to preserving the historic Mt. Tabor AME Zion Church in Mt. Holly Springs has helped establish her as a leader in community preservation, nonprofit work, and public history advocacy.

Congratulations to both recipients! Thank you for your dedication to protecting our historic resources and helping ensure that the stories of our communities continue to inspire future generations.

10/13/2026

🏆 Celebrating the 2026 CCHS History Award Recipients!

The Cumberland County Historical Society is proud to recognize the individuals, organizations, and projects making a lasting impact on our region’s history. Please join us in congratulating two of our 2026 History Award recipients!

🏅 Milton E. Flower Historian of the Year Award — Patriots’ Path Committee

CCHS extends its gratitude to the Army Heritage Center Foundation and the Patriots’ Path Committee for their collaborative work on this outstanding initiative, launched in time for Carlisle’s America250 celebrations. This permanent project will be a valuable resource for Carlisle residents and visitors for years to come, helping connect our community with its rich history.

🏅 William Foshag Preservation Award — Friends of Peace Church

We proudly recognize the Friends of Peace Church for their hard work, courage, and unwavering determination to secure ownership of the historic church. Their stewardship of the property for more than 50 years, along with their commitment to take on its ownership, exemplifies the importance of historic preservation. Their efforts will help ensure that Peace Church remains a part of our community’s story for generations to come.

Congratulations to both recipients, and thank you for your dedication to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the history of Cumberland County!

10/13/2026

🏆 Celebrating the 2026 CCHS History Award Recipients!

The Cumberland County Historical Society is proud to recognize the individuals who have made a lasting impact on preserving, interpreting, and sharing the history of Cumberland County and the surrounding region.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 History Award recipients!

🏅 Don Paul Shearer — Executive Director’s Leadership in History Award (Posthumously)

In memory of Don Paul Shearer, we honor his dedicated service as a Trustee of CCHS and President of the West Shore Historical Society. His leadership and commitment to historic preservation, particularly through the Peace Church and Sheepford Road Bridge projects, helped save these important historic properties for future generations. Don is deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who share his passion for history and preservation.

🏅 Sherron Biddle — Roger K. & Helen E. Todd Distinguished Service Award

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sherron Biddle for her outstanding volunteer service to the CCHS Museum Department. Her passion, precision, and enthusiasm bring Cumberland County’s history to life, and her selfless dedication makes a meaningful difference in our work and mission.

Please join us in celebrating Don Paul Shearer’s enduring legacy and thanking Sherron Biddle for her invaluable contributions to preserving our local history.

Congratulations and thank you for helping keep Cumberland County’s history alive for generations to come!

10/12/2026

🎄 Celebrate the Holidays with Cumberland County Historical Society! 🚌

Experience the beauty, history, and charm of the holiday season on a special guided bus tour through the Shippensburg and Newville area!

Enjoy exclusive tours of some of Cumberland County's most treasured historic sites, including:

• Widow Piper's Tavern & First Courthouse
• Hawk Mansion
• Dr. Alexander Stewart House
• Woodburn House
• Herron Cottage

Travel in comfort as you visit these beautifully preserved properties, where knowledgeable guides and property owners will share the fascinating stories, architecture, and holiday traditions that make each location unique.

Make it a complete holiday outing! Add a delicious breakfast before the tour and begin your day with great food before setting off on this festive adventure.

Gather your family and friends for a memorable day celebrating local history, seasonal beauty, and holiday cheer.

Seats are limited—reserve yours today and make history part of your holiday tradition!

Experience the beauty, history, and charm of the holiday season on a special guided bus tour through the Shippensburg and Newville area!

10/10/2026

Happy ! 👜✨

Before modern totes and shoulder bags, turn-of-the-century accessories were a stunning mix of high fashion, fine metalwork, and pure utility.

Swipe through to explore three beautiful pieces from our collection (c. 1890–1925):

🐊 Alligator & Silver Chatelaine Purse (c. 1890–1910)
Crafted from alligator leather with a chain handle and silver hook, this purse clipped directly onto a woman's belt or waistband. Chatelaines allowed women to carry essentials hands-free while showing off elaborate metalwork.

🐉 Metallic Dragon Evening Purse (c. 1890–1910)
Designed for formal occasions, this purse features intricate silver metallic beadwork, a plush gray velvet interior, and a clasp with a striking dragon motif—complete with an ornamental belt attachment.

🦚 Peacock Beaded Purse (c. 1910–1925)
Showcasing the bold artistic trends of the early 20th century, this bag features a detailed peacock design beaded on both sides, framed by a stamped silver top and chain strap.

💬 Which style would you carry? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

10/09/2026

🎉 Tomorrow is Molly Pitcher’s Birthday Bash! 🎂🇺🇸

Celebrate the legendary Molly Pitcher with us in downtown Carlisle!

📍 Start your celebration at the Cumberland County Historical Society!
Tour our exhibits and learn more about Molly Pitcher and her connection to Carlisle. While you’re here, be sure to:

📸 Take your photo as Molly Pitcher!
🎄 Stop by History on High and get your picture taken with Molly Pitcher, courtesy of Kringle and Krampus!
🎁 Pick up some great Molly Pitcher souvenirs and gifts.

Then, at 2:00 p.m., head over to South Street and the Old Graveyard to join the Downtown Carlisle Association’s birthday celebration from 2:00–5:00 p.m.

Come celebrate Carlisle’s most famous Revolutionary War heroine! ❤️🤍💙