Historic Rock Ford

Historic Rock Ford, featuring the circa 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts, is a remarkable estate that offers visitors the opportunity to encounter the outstanding original late-Georgian style architecture of the Hand Mansion, to experience its rooms furnished in exquisite period style while, in the Snyder Gallery, to explore a nationally recognized collection of Lancaster County decorative arts dating from circa 1760-1820 including furniture, portraiture, long rifles, tall case clocks, silver, and much more. 

In addition to viewing architecture and rate artifacts, visitors learn about the diverse and complex life of 18th Century Lancaster. In guided tours of the Hand Mansion, they will hear about Edward Hand's early medical career followed by his distinguished service as Adjutant General to George Washington during the American Revolution as well as his business and political career during the years he resided at Rock Ford. 

While Edward Hand and his family represent one segment of the Lancaster County population, wealthy landowners, Historic Rock Ford shares information about others who lived and worked on his farm or otherwise contributed to the prosperity of this community. Along with the topics of the American Revolution, domestic life and politics, we explore slavery in 18th Century Pennsylvania through the material culture associated with it. Historic Rock Ford has partnered with the African American Historical Society of South-Central Pennsylvania (AAHSSCPA) to better relate the stories of people whose lives were often undocumented. 

Since opening in 2021, in addition to showcasing its large collection of exquisite objects circa 1760-1820, all created, crafted and used in life here in Lancaster, the Snyder Gallery has hosted four annual Focus Exhibits. In 2025, "1825: Lafayette in Lancaster" re-traced the Marquis de Lafayette’s journey through Lancaster County as part of his farewell tour of America, highlighting historic material culture which reflects some of the stops that he made during his visit. Historic Rock Ford also celebrated the occasion with Lafayette Day, a one-day free family event which welcomed Lafayette and was attended by approximately 1,000 visitors. Opening in April 2026, the Focus Exhibit "Lancaster Revolutionaries" will be one part of a year-long series of special events, including a multi-day event in early July, to commemorate the America205 celebrations. 

Who We Are

Historic Rock Ford was the home of Edward Hand and his family as well as enslaved and free servants and laborers. Edward Hand was Adjutant General to George Washington during the American Revolution. Since 1958, the Rock Ford Foundation has owned and operated Historic Rock Ford as an historic house museum. The mission of the Rock Ford Foundation is to provide opportunities to connect with and explore the life of Edward Hand, the diverse communities and material culture of early Lancaster County, and the complex issues that shaped our nation in its formative years by preserving and interpreting Historic Rock Ford and its collections. Edward Hand, his mansion house, its collections, its grounds and the Snyder Gallery allow visitors to explore a multitude of subjects related to life in Early America .

Historic Rock Ford, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is considered one of Pennsylvania's foremost historic house museums and one of Lancaster County's cultural landmarks. The original rooms of the Rock Ford mansion showcase an outstanding collection of late 18th and early 19th century furniture and decorative arts reflecting the period of residence of the Hand family at Rock Ford. Each year, Historic Rock Ford hosts visitors from around the nation and the world and offers a variety of educational programs and special events relating to life in the era of the Early American Republic.

While Edward Hand represents one segment of the population, wealthy white landowners, Historic Rock Ford endeavors to share information about all the people who lived and worked on his farm or otherwise contributed to his success in life. Edward Hand was a doctor, soldier, immigrant, patriot, husband, father, farmer, politician and slave owner. Along with the topics of the American Revolution, domestic life and politics, we explore slavery in 18th Century Pennsylvania through the material culture associated with it. Historic Rock Ford has partnered with the African American Historical Society of South-Central Pennsylvania to better tell the stories of people whose lives were often undocumented.