Historic Rock Ford is delighted to continue its ongoing collaboration with the National Museum of the United States Army (NMUSA) in Fort Belvoir, Va., with two special objects on loan to the newest exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Armys Founding, Call to Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War, open now through June 2027. On display from Historic Rock Ford are two Revolutionary War era weapons made by prominent Lancaster County, Pa., gunsmiths Joel Ferree and Manuel Ferree. As an arms contractor, Joel Ferree produced rifles, muskets, and barrels for use by militias. He was a supporter of Independence and said, I am determined to use my endeavors to serve my country in the common cause! In 1776, the colonial Committees of Safety were directed by Congress to manufacture 3,000 pistols based on the British Pattern 1759 Light Dragoon Pistol. This pistol is currently the only known Revolutionary War Light Dragoon pistol signed by a Pennsylvania gunsmith. We have formed a great partnership with Historic Rock Ford. Their contribution of loaned artifacts has enhanced our new Rev War exhibit. We look forward to working with them on future projects, said Paul Morando, director, NMUSA. In 2022, the NMUSA loaned artifacts to Rock Fords exhibition Long Rifles of the American Revolution: How Lancaster County Craftsmen Helped Win the War. Visitors were awarded the special opportunity to see the Revolutionary Seal of the 1st Continental Regiment, ca. 1775. The stamp itself replicates the decorative device found on the field of the regimental standard as described in Edward Hands letter of March 8, 1776. In addition, a long rifle ca. 1773 from Boston, Mass., engraved Thomas Tileston 1773, was loaned. Tileston was an early member of the Sons of Liberty. Historic Rock Ford published a companion book to its 2022 exhibition. Copies are available for purchase through Historic Rock Fords website or by calling 717-392-7223. As guest curator for the 2022 exhibit at Historic Rock Ford, the help given to us by Paul Morando and his staff at the NMUSA, and the objects they lent us, made our exhibit very successful, and we are thankful for their help, stated John Kolar. Historic Rock Ford curator Sarah Alberico recently visited the Call to Arms exhibit with her family. I thought Paul and his staff did an absolutely exceptional and professional job with the exhibit. I was honored that Historic Rock Ford could be a special part of it. Call to Arms at the NMUSA features nearly 300 artifacts, including items never before displayed in the United States. Step into the stories of the brave people who fought for the nations independence through this powerful new exhibition commemorating the U.S. Armys 250th Birthday and Americas 250th. This landmark display features rare Revolutionary War artifacts from the original colonies, England, France and Canada, brought to life through the experiences of the soldiers who became our nations first veterans. The two-year exhibit is being considered the worlds most impressive collection of American Revolution artifacts on public display. Historic Rock Ford comprises the ca. 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts. It is owned and operated by the Rock Ford Foundation, a private, not-for-profit corporation in Lancaster, Pa. The National Museum of the United States Army provides the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions through the eyes of the American soldier. By preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting invaluable artifacts, the National Army Museum creates learning opportunities for all visitors and bonds the American people to their oldest military service. The U.S. Army owns and operates the museum. The Army Historical Foundation continues its fundraising role in support of the museum and manages all retail, catering, and special events. For more information, visit www.theNMUSA.org.