Historic Rock Ford will open for its 2026 season with a focus on celebrating Americas Semiquincentennial. The historic site, comprised of the ca. 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts, is located at 881 Rockford Road, Lancaster, Pa., and is operated by the Rock Ford Foundation, a private not-for-profit corporation. This years new exhibit in the Snyder Gallery, Lancasters Revolutionaries, will focus on the many individuals from Lancaster who made significant contributions to the patriot cause. Their motivation reflected a deep commitment to the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence. Two guest curators will contribute signature sections to the exhibit: Dr. Leroy Hopkins, Jr. on the Black community in Lancaster at the time of the Revolution and Jess McPherson on the Indigenous community of Lancaster in the 18th century. Some of the exciting loans featured in the exhibit include the doorway to George Rosss Lancaster home, courtesy of LancasterHistory; Benjamin Wests portrait of Ann Wood Henry, courtesy of the Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel; and a 1780 letter Edward Hand wrote to his wife reacting to Benedict Arnolds treason, courtesy of The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The exhibit runs until Oct. 31. In addition to the new exhibit, Historic Rock Ford will host over 60 events to celebrate America250, including lectures, theater, living history, concerts, and more. The seasons three programming series are America250, Historic Fashion, and Untold Stories of the Revolution. The America250 series will feature major celebratory events, including a Family Day event on Sunday, June 7, and a large living history event on Thursday and Friday, July 2 and 3. Both events are free, but registration is requested for planning purposes. The America250 event series highlights the culture and society of Colonial America and the Early Republic, the political events that made the revolution possible, and the military engagements from the Revolutionary War. The Historic Fashion series explores the fashion of the 18th and early 19th centuries and how styles connect to the culture, economy, and society of Colonial America and the Early Republic. The Untold Stories of the Revolution series explores the stories of Revolutionary America that are rarely heard in discussions, including stories of ordinary soldiers, historically marginalized communities, religious communities, women, and more. All of these series feature nationally recognized historians. I am really proud of the programming our team has put together to celebrate America250, stated executive director Christina McSherry. All the programming is grounded in providing a variety of opportunities for our guests to engage with history and learn about the founding of our country and early America. We have events that will appeal to everyone, of all ages, throughout the season. From large celebratory events and concerts to lectures that investigate complex issues and events that shaped our nation, to hands-on activities, living history, and classes, however you want to celebrate America250, you will find it at Historic Rock Ford this year, furthered McSherry. Guided tours of the Hand Mansion are Tuesday through Friday and Sunday at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. and noon. The Snyder Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and until 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets may be purchased through the Historic Rock Ford website. For more information on Historic Rock Fords season and membership opportunities, visit www.historicrockford.org.