Historic Rock Ford in Lancaster, Pa., consisting of the ca. 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts, is hosting a new exhibit titled Long Rifles of the American Revolution: How Lancaster County Craftsmen Helped Win the War, which opened June 1 and will run through Oct. 30 at the Snyder Gallery. The exhibit, guest-curated by Pennsylvania long-rifle authority John Kolar, will include approximately 35 Revolutionary War-era rifles from the collection of Historic Rock Ford as well as loaned rifles and related accoutrements from museums and private collectors from across the nation. Lending institutions include the Bucks County Historical Society and the State Museum of Pennsylvania as well as from the private collections of John Kolar, Paul Ware, David Hansen, and the late Joe Kindig III. Of significant consideration are two loans from the National Museum of the United States Army, The Thomas Tileston 1773 rifle as well as the 1776 seal of the 1st Continental Regiment, of which Edward Hand was the first commander and also commissioned the fabrication of a regimental standard, which contains the image on the seal. Edward Hands signature is on the only known surviving document bearing the original imprint from this seal. This exhibit represents the first, and perhaps the only, occasion that these weapons have been brought together in a single exhibition. It is accented by storyboards, maps, and illustrations from the work of renowned military-history artist Don Troiani, all to place these artful weapons in their proper historic context. The work of such prominent Lancaster artisans as J.P. Beck, Jacob Dickert, Joel Ferree, Heinnerich Fesler, and the Baker family of riflemakers is showcased. As has been articulated in the writings of both Joe Kindig Jr. and Joe Kindig III, despite their highly functional purpose, the unique personal styles and advanced artisanship of these rifles has earned them a prominent place in early American decorative arts as fine examples of what was perhaps the first truly American art form. This exhibit entails far more than a display of Revolutionary War weaponry. Rather, it is presented in a narrative format to tell the story of how Lancaster County and its rifle makers played a pivotal role in supplying American rifle regiments with a weapon that provided the accuracy and flexibility to successfully overturn the tactics of musket and bayonet wielded by rigid columns of troops that had previously ruled the battlefields of 18th-century Europe. It is particularly appropriate that this exhibit is taking place at the Rock Ford estate of Edward Hand, the commanding officer of the First Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment, which played a critical role at the Siege of Boston, the Battle of New York and the First and Second Battles of Trenton. For more information, call 717-393-7223 or visit www.HistoricRockFord.org.