Our Story
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 home, its grounds and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts allow visitors to explore a multitude of subjects related to life in Early America.
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. 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 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 annual Focus Exhibits. In 2022, "Long Rifles of the American Revolution: How Lancaster County Craftsmen Helped Win the War" featured over 35 Pennsylvania Long Rifles and related artifacts on loan from museums and private collections across the nation. The 2023 Focus Exhibit was "The Market Town & The Metropolis: 18th Century Lancaster and Its Artistic Connections to Philadelphia," and this year, "A Time to Mourn: Death & Mourning in Pennsylvania 1750-1820" explored the customs, attire and decorative arts surrounding mourning. Opening in April of 2025, next year's Focus Exhibit will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette's farewell tour of America, especially his time spent in Lancaster.