Historic Rock Ford and Kauffman Museum
881 Rock Ford Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17608-0264
(717) 392-7223
www.rockfordplantation.org

Born in Ireland, Edward Hand received medical training at Trinity College in Dublin. He then enlisted as Surgeon's Mate with the 18th Royal Irish Regiment of Foot and was sent to garrison Fort Pitt in America. In 1744 he resigned from British service and went to Lancaster to practice medicine.

In July of 1775, Hand joined the Continental Army as Lieutenant Colonel of the 1st Battalion of Pennsylvania Riflemen, leading troops at Boston, Long Island, White Plains, and Trenton. He became Adjutant General to Washington in 1781. After the war Hand returned to Lancaster, where he was elected Burgess. In 1794 he moved to Rock Ford, where he lived until 1802.

Today his beautiful Georgian style brick mansion has changed little since it was built in 1794. Rock Ford's four floors conform to the design typical of the period -- a large center hall surrounded by four corner rooms.

Visitors will enjoy walking the original 18th century floors and seeing the original rails, shutters, doors, cupboards, panelling and window panes. Many of the objects within the house were uncovered through archaeological digs throughout the property. Outside, landscaped lawns, an herb garden, an orchard, and other features, provide for a pleasant stroll.

The Kauffman Museum is located in a reconstructed 18th century barn. The exhibits illustrate every day life in the 18th century and feature works of fraktur (a style of letter formerly used in German manuscripts and printing), pewter, copper, brass, tin, wood carvings, firearms, and furniture. Special events are held here throughout the year. Call for a calendar.

Groups are welcome (15 - 54 people) for a one-hour Guided Tour of Rock Ford. Add at least 30 additional minutes for a Self-Guided Tour of the Kauffman Museum.

School Group Tours are a special treat. Suitable for Grades K - 12, they include a 40-minute Introductory Lesson and Demonstration that cover a variety of topics: 18th Century Medicine, Clothing Styles, and the Hand Family. Have a Seat! features a take-apart Windsor chair, and 18th Century Toys and a story about Blue Willow China can also be included. Students go on to tour the Mansion, looking for "Mystery Objects" throughout. Optionally they can go on for a Self-Guided Tour of the Kauffman Collection. A Pre-Visit Information Packet is also included, so students can come prepared. Chaperone requirements are 1:10 for grades K - 3 and 1:15 for older students. School Groups may eat a bagged lunch on the grounds. Bring a blanket.