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Upcoming Exhibits
Laughter is the best policy! A new photo exhibit titled Funny Fotos in the museum’s Photo Gallery at the Cumberland County Historical Society brings smiles and chuckles to all while looking at the variety of photographs offered for viewing. All of the photos are from the Society’s Photo Archives and date from the Civil War to the 1980s. Come with a sense of humor and look at over a hundred years of life in Cumberland County and reflect on people, poses, situations and attitudes changing through time. Mark Twain said “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.”
Miller Gallery
Guest curator Jerry A. Clouse presents ware from various potteries found in Cumberland, Adams, Perry, Franklin and Dauphin counties, dating from c. 1813 to 1918. Over 150 pieces of stoneware and earthenware pottery will be on exhibit. The potteries range geographically from Waynesboro on the west to Harrisburg on the east and Newport on the north to Gettysburg on the south. Some potteries are one- or two-man operations such as the Keenytown pottery in South Middleton Township, while others are near industrial-size, such as Cowden & Wilcox in Harrisburg. The pieces show a variety of uses, forms and glazes; all determined by skill and need. A 50-page full color catalog with new research describing the pieces in the exhibit is available in the Museum Shop.
Cumberland County
William Thompson: The Forgotten Patriot
William Thompson, The Forgotten Patriot 1736-1781 This often unremembered Carlisle resident was an officer in the French and Indian War. Later, William Thompson became the United State's first commissioned Colonel and the Brigadier General in command of New York City during the Revolutionary War. Thompson was also a surveyor, entrepreneur, judge, politician and prisoner of war. Explore these many identities as his lifetime comes alive through artifacts in this traveling exhibit at the Cumberland County Historical Society, presented by Ken Hoover and Dr. Robert Guy.
Windows to History
“Windows to History,” are eight window exhibits throughout the museum that give a close-up view to the past of Cumberland County. “Windows” rotate every four months with a total of twelve new exhibits per year. Many window exhibits feature collections of other county historical organizations. CCHS is privileged to have local businesses, schools and people who have a story and artifacts to share about Cumberland County, provide items for the Windows to History.
Current “Windows to History” Exhibits An interesting step back into the past displays mid-nineteenth century men's accessories and toiletries. These items, all gifts of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Keller and family reflect a gentleman's appearance of the day - and the tools he used to groom with.
Fly Fishing in Cumberland County was first reported in print as early as 1829. The American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine published the first essay on fly fishing, covering fly fishing streams in Cumberland County such as the Letort in Carlisle, Big Spring in Newville and the Silver Spring in what is now known as Silver Spring Township. Learn more about early publications and changes to this beautiful sport displayed in this Window to History.
One of the new Windows to History is a sanctuary for carved birds. These colorful creatures were carved and painted by Ralph E. Hackman who was born in Carlisle in June of 1872. A local blacksmith shop ran from the 1890s through the 1930s. It was run by Uriah T. "Dick" Gardner and his son Charles M. "Hovis" Gardner. In fact, the village of Uriah was named for "Dick" Gardner, who cleared land, farmed and ran the blacksmith shop. Son Charles continued running the blacksmith shop until he quit in the 30s during the Depression to become a mechanic.
Carefully inspect the powder horn on display – can you see the description carved by Thomas Cooke in 1775? Soldiers would often etch designs on their personal powder horns with either a knife or a needle during winter camp. These designs often noted an event in the owner’s life. Picture yourself in this top hat formerly worn by Israel Custer of East Pennsboro. Beaver top hats were popular throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, symbolizing status and wealth, while providing protection from the weather. Examine the Civil War relics collected by Joshua E. Van Camp. Dr. Van Camp enlisted in Company H, 133rd Pennsylvania Voluntary Infantry at the age of 18, and was a Sergeant when he was discharged after the Civil War ended in June 1865 from Company E. 108th Penna. Volunteer Regiment. He collected small mementos while visiting battlefields and other historical sites after the war. Dr. Thomas C. Stevenson practiced homeopathic medicine in Carlisle from 1851 until his death in 1879. This Window to History displays Dr. Stevenson’s surgical kit and other interesting items used to treat his patients – attempting to cure patients by treating “like with like”. Homeopathy was popular in the United States from 1840 to 1900. The Cumberland County Historical Society is an
active history center with an award winning museum, library, photo archives,
educational center, museum shop and historic Two Mile House. The Historical
Society’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and promote research
of Cumberland County history. Anyone interested in local history is invited
to become a member. Call 249-7610 or visit our web site www.historicalsociety.com
for more information and to see the museum virtual tour. Cumberland County
Historical Society is located at 21 N. Pitt Street, in Carlisle Pennsylvania.
Hours are Monday 3 to 9 pm, Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday
10 am to 3 pm. Admission to the museum is free.
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