Historical Society of Dauphin County

10/23/2026

It’s beginning to look spooky at the John Harris mansion! Tonight at our Haunted History program, we will hear chilling tales and enjoy tantalizing spirits and light bites! And explore some of the creepier elements of our collections…

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-history-at-the-john-harris-mansion-tickets-1999398070451?sg=03ce0c9a035925956b9befd2b0c167c696a307b5447365120a382b98a220d88137c2e42ae6318c7b45620f8800633e02ebb5b07ba5c8a5d3bc69a8a6c904509f0725e75a9445ee3451cedc5b2f&aff=ebdsshios

10/18/2026

Harrisburg’s Lincoln Cemetery, where over 120 African American Civil War veterans are buried, now has new trees! In spite of the blustery weather, it was a beautiful day to be out digging, raking, and cleaning this historically significant place.

10/18/2026

🌳 Small trees. BIG energy!

SOAL Restoration Weekend is in full swing at the Historic Lincoln Cemetery, and today we’re replanting the tree canopy. One tree, one shovel, one very determined crew at a time.

Descendants, neighbors, volunteers, and supporters from near and far are working together to care for Harrisburg’s oldest surviving historically Black burial ground. There’s history to share, work to do, and plenty to smile about.

These young trees are tomorrow’s shade, habitat for wildlife, and part of a more welcoming landscape for families coming to visit their ancestors.

We’re still at it! Send this crew some love below and share a little of today’s joy. We’re planting to honor people we must never forget. You can still come by today and Sunday, noon til dusk.
Plant the Next Century: Community Tree Planting at Historic Lincoln Cemetery

09/17/2026

This , visit the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion to view our Patriots of Dauphin County exhibit. Learn about the ways Dauphin County residents defined for themselves what it meant to be an American during the Revolution and early years of our nation.

You'll see this Oath of Allegiance, taken by Robert Barr in July of 1777. The General Assembly of Pennsylvania required all men to take an oath renouncing King George III and Great Britain and swear loyalty to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Barr's oath was donated to the Historical Society of Dauphin County by the German Family.

For more information on Oaths of Allegiance, visit us today! Tours are available at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.

09/11/2026

Grateful to PHMC for the support and validation that the important work of local historic preservation is worth funding.

Two Harrisburg-based museums and a historical society have been chosen to receive thousands in state grant money. Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, the National Civil War Museum, and the Historical Society of Dauphin County will all receive funding for operations, according to a Friday press...

08/27/2026

Sitting in the parlor of the Harris-Cameron mansion last night, it felt like catching up with an old friend.

Once again, the amazing Dave Biser regaled us as Mr. John Harris, Jr.

Thank you Dave for your many years of service to HSDC and for bringing to life John Harris Junior, Harrisburg’s founding father.

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

Flowers and Jazz goes to the Boston Tea Party on August 14! For more info click here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flowers-jazz-goes-to-the-boston-tea-party-registration-1995023180036