Cumberland County Historical Society

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Carlisle, PA
Cumberland County Historical Society

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Archives & Library hours:
By appointment - https://www.historicalsociety.com/make-an-appointment/
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The mission of the Cumberland County Historical Society is to collect, preserve, interpret and promote research and education about the history of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

11/02/2026

📜 Archives Month at CCHS!

Discover the stories hidden within our archives!

One of the goals of the Elizabeth V. and George F. Gardner Digital Library is to showcase the incredible primary resources held at CCHS through articles highlighting our collections and materials.

We’re excited to share a new initiative: transcribing fascinating letters from our collection! Our first featured letter is from Margaret Currey to her brother William, describing her work at the Carlisle Mansion House in 1840.

🔗 Read the letter here: https://bit.ly/4yrCpMc

More letters are already available, with many more to come!

📸 Pictured: The Mansion House Hotel at the southwest corner of Pitt and High Streets (01110C).

10/31/2026

🎃👻 Happy Halloween from the Cumberland County Historical Society! 🧙‍♀️🦸‍♂️

Were you a princess, ghost, clown, superhero, or witch when you went trick-or-treating? 🍬🍭

We’re sharing some of our favorite Halloween photos, including our staff having a little fun with masks! 😷🎭 We love seeing the creative, spooky, and silly ways people celebrate Halloween.

Now it’s your turn! 👇 What was your favorite Halloween costume of all time? Was it something spooky, silly, or magical? Share your Halloween memories in the comments below!

📸 Bonus fun: Share a photo of your favorite costume if you have one!

Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and Happy Halloween! 🎃🕸️

10/30/2026

History isn’t just in textbooks—it’s alive in our community! 🌟

Reflecting on 2026, we are overflowing with gratitude for everyone who helped make local history accessible:

To our Volunteers: Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge, and enthusiasm with thousands of visitors!

To our Interns: Shoutout to Riley MacIntyre and Alex Tomlinson from Shippensburg University for their incredible work in research, exhibits, and programming this summer!

To our Supporters: Thank you to the M&T Charitable Foundation for investing $5,000 in the future of Cumberland County’s young learners.

Whether you attended a presentation, walked the new Patriot’s Path, or sent a camper to our summer programs, thank you for being part of our history.

💙 Want to help us inspire the next generation? Consider contributing to our Annual Fund! Every contribution helps preserve our shared stories and keep our educational programs accessible to all.

👉 Give to the Annual Fund today: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/uziskt

Drop a comment below with your favorite memory with us this year! 👇

10/29/2026

https://www.tiktok.com//video/7702146838954036494

10/29/2026

🎭 A Little Comic Strip Fun in Carlisle!

Throwback to October 29, 1947! Citizens of Dogpatch brought the beloved characters of the Li’l Abner comic strip to life on a float during a parade in Carlisle. What a fun glimpse into our community’s past! 🎉

📸 Photo by James Steinmetz
🗂️ CCHS Photo Collection | ST-1166A

What a wonderful way to remember the creativity and community spirit that have been part of Carlisle’s history for generations!

10/28/2026

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

🏡 Discover the Historic Woodburn House B&B in Newville!

The Woodburn family has deep roots in Cumberland County, dating back to the 18th century. Built between 1894 and 1899, this beautiful Queen Anne-style home belonged to William Chambers Woodburn, one of the founders of the Newville Knitting Mill, once the town’s largest employer.

The home features distinctive stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork, a wraparound porch, and unique arched windows that showcase its Victorian charm.

Today, owner Martina White operates the Woodburn House Bed and Breakfast, preserving this special piece of Newville’s history for future generations. ❤️

10/27/2026

Memories of Our Revolutionary Ancestors 🇺🇸

📅 Thursday, October 29 | 6:00–7:00 PM

Join us at the Cumberland County Historical Society for a fascinating presentation by Jerry Clouse exploring the lives and legacies of Revolutionary-era patriots from Cumberland and Perry counties!

While some local citizens played prominent roles in the American Revolution, many others quietly served their country before returning to everyday life. Some were buried in unmarked graves, while others were remembered through monuments and tributes.

Through a captivating PowerPoint presentation, discover the stories of these patriots and explore how their contributions have been remembered throughout generations. Come learn more about the local people whose lives connect us to the founding of our nation! 🇺🇸

🎟️ Registration:
• Members: FREE
• Non-members: $6

🔗 Register here: https://www.historicalsociety.com/event/memories-of-our-revolutionary-ancestors/

📍 Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by discovering the stories of the people who helped shape our history!

10/26/2026

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 Historic Hawk Mansion in Shippensburg!

Located at 100 East Orange Street, Hawk Mansion is a stunning example of Victorian architecture with Queen Anne influences. Built between 1895 and 1898 by Harry R. Hawk, the 23-room mansion features a curved front porch, corner tower, stained-glass windows, seven fireplaces, and beautiful original woodwork.

Current owners Dan and Jan Turner purchased the mansion in 2024 and have been carefully restoring it to its original grandeur, bringing this remarkable piece of Shippensburg history back to life. The mansion is expected to be available as an Airbnb in the near future!

✨ A beautiful reminder of the history and architectural treasures found throughout Cumberland County.

10/25/2026

Join the Cumberland County Historical Society for a guided walking tour of Camp Michaux and explore the many chapters of history connected to this remarkable location.

Saturday, November 14, 2026, 1 pm to 3 pm

Led by David Smith, this popular tour will explore the site’s transformation through several distinct periods, including:

• Bunker Hill Farm — the property’s agricultural beginnings.
• Pine Grove Furnace Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp — a chapter in the history of the New Deal.
• Pine Grove Furnace POW Interrogation Camp — the site’s role during World War II.
• United Church of Christ and United Presbyterian Church Camp — its later years as a church camp.

Discover how one location served so many different purposes and learn the stories that make Camp Michaux an important part of our region’s history.

Tour Details
📍 Meeting Location: The furnace at Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Registration Fees:
• Members: $12
• Non-members: $18
• School-age children: $6
https://www.historicalsociety.com/product/whiskey-rebellion-walking-tour/

Space may be limited, so register in advance!

We hope you’ll join us for this opportunity to explore local history, enjoy the outdoors, and uncover the stories of Camp Michaux!

10/24/2026

👻🎃 Stop by History on High today during Spooky Saturday! 🍬

Take a break from the spooky fun and stop in for a special treat! We’d love to see you as you enjoy all the Halloween excitement in downtown Carlisle. 🧡

📍 History on High Museum Shop
Noon to 3 pm
33 W. High Street, Carlisle

Happy Spooky Saturday! 🕸️👻

Address

21 N Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA
17013

Telephone

+17172497610

Website

http://www.historicalsociety.com/

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