Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley

08/17/2026

08/15/2026

Something is stirring in downtown. Ephrata Shadows tickets are officially on sale!
Join Mainspring of Ephrata and the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley for a historical ghost tour. This walking tour features an evening of local legends, unexplained happenings, and the true history behind the stories — follow a cloaked guide through downtown and you'll find the buildings you pass every day have more to say than you'd think.
📅 October 23, 24, 30 & 31
🕡 6:30 PM & 8:00 PM departures
🎟️ $15 | Ages 16+
📍 East End and/or West End tours
Small groups. Limited tickets. Don't wait on this one.
Grab your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995699897115?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley & Mainspring of Ephrata to explore the mysterious side of downtown Ephrata.

08/10/2026

Revolutionary War reenactor, Irvin Snavely, will be at the museum on Saturday, August 22, during the museum’s regular hours of 10:00am-2:00pm. Mr. Snavely will be portraying a German Continental soldier and will gladly share his knowledge and answer any questions. Look for his display on the lawn!

08/07/2026

Don't forget.... WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, show this flyer (either print a hard copy or show on your phone) at the Two Cousins in Reamstown and 15% of your order will go to the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley! What better way to support your local history society than by enjoying delicious food! Dine-in or Takeout.... YOU MUST PAY CASH!! Thank you to Two Cousins for partnering with us!

07/17/2026

DON’T FORGET! The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) is hosting a field trip to Boyertown Museum of Historical Vehicles on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The museum preserves and educates visitors about our local transportation history. Almost all of the vehicles, from cars and trucks to wagons and carriages, were built in Pennsylvania. Anyone interested in attending this “drive yourself” field trip can meet at the Boyertown Museum, 85 South Walnut Street, Boyertown, PA 19512 at 1:00pm on July 22, 2026. Attendees will pay their own admission of $9 at the time of the tour. Contact Penny Lyba at (717)484-2020 or the HSCV at (717)733-1616 with any questions. We hope you’ll join us!

07/07/2026

Don't forget.... WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, show this flyer (either print a hard copy or show on your phone) at the Two Cousins in Reamstown and 15% of your order will go to the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley! What better way to support your local history society than by enjoying delicious food! Dine-in or Takeout.... YOU MUST PAY CASH!! Thank you to Two Cousins for partnering with us!

07/02/2026

The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July! Please note that our museum and library will be closed on Saturday 7/4/26 in observance of the holiday. For more information, go to www.cocalicovalleyhs.org

06/25/2026

ATTENTION! THE MUSEUM AND LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2026 TO OBSERVE INDEPENDENCE DAY. THE LIBRARY WILL OPEN ON MONDAY 7/6/26 FOR NORMAL HOURS OF 9:30am-6:00pm AND THE MUSEUM WILL OPEN ON SATURDAY 7/11/26 FOR NORMAL HOURS OF 10:00am-2:00pm.

06/14/2026

Celebrate America250 on June 27 at the Historic Ephrata Cloister!

Join us on Saturday, June 27 from 10am to 4pm for an America250 celebration! 🎉

From December 1777 to June 1778 the Ephrata Cloister was the site of a Revolutionary War Hospital. Ephrata's hospital accommodated 260 soldiers of which 60 of these soldiers died and are buried on the grounds of our site. During this special 250th event, visitors can learn more about the military hospital and its impact on the pacifist members of the Ephrata Cloister.

Throughout the day there will be performances, family-friendly activities, lectures, demonstrations, music in the Amphitheater, and more! Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Event highlights:
- See Ephrata's military hospital brought to life with a Lantern Tours reprise!
- Hear historic music from our Ephrata Cloister Chorus with a special performance in the Amphitheater to close out the event.
- Visit the witness tree on property, as well as the monument honoring the soldiers in the Mount Zion Cemetery.

Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $5/person for non-members. Ephrata Cloister Associates members receive free admission. Children under age 3 are free.

Wristbands are required for select performances, such as the Lantern Tours reprise. After paying admission, visitors can pick up a wristband for a specific performance time. These wrist bands are first-come first-served.

This event is rain-or-shine, and parking is first-come first-served. We hope to see you there!