HAHS History -- 40th Anniversary
Interest in a historical society began on April 18, 1965, when Dr. and Mrs. Robert Martin entertained 20 interested community-minded people in their home. At this informal gathering, it was decided to go public, to see if interest could be generated to establish a historical society in Hanover. By May, a public meeting was held by those interested in pursuing the endeavor. Memberships were solicited. By October the Hanover Area Historical Society boasted 54 individuals: 11 contributing, 13 sustaining, and 7 life memberships. The first Board of Directors and officers began work, and the Hanover area began the financial aid of the Society.
The next several years produced quite a bit of enthusiasm by the community, which saw the value of saving as much of Hanover's heritage as possible and restoring the first Burgess' home, the Neas House, as a museum for residents to enjoy. In 1966 the Society entered into an agreement with the York Historical Society to have it guide the Hanover society until it could sustain itself. This lasted for approximately 10 years.
In the years that followed, many developments occurred. By researching deeds, pre-Civil War structures in Hanover began to be recognized with a plaque. In 1970 a newsletter was begun; Harold (Hap) Ward was the editor-in-chief for many years. Robert J. Sheffer obtained the Neas House from owners Catherine Flagle and Helen Krug; ownership became a reality in 1971, at a cost of $2,500. On August 17, 1974, the Neas House was officially dedicated. In 1974 Earl Rohrbaugh presented an early one-room log cabin which had sttod in stickes. In 1975, a community fund raising drive, with the goal of $80,000, began under the direction of Jack Krebs and William Loar; over $100,000 was collected. Mrs. Charlotte Sheppard had challenged the community that she would purchase the home adjacent to the Neas House and give it to the Society if the goal were met: the donated house was demolished for the lawn and orchard of the Neas House. Restoration of the Neas House began in 1977 and continued for three years. On January 5, 1980, the Society's administration office was moved into the newly refurbished house.
Patty Bell and Bruce Rebert put together a walking-tour booklet of Hanover, to help acquaint the community to its heritage during the Civil War period. At about this same time, the Society became associated with the Neumismatic Society of Hanover. Together, they promoted buildings and historic monuments of Hanover's past through a series of commemorative medals. The series ended in 1993, having featured 12 historic memories of Hanover. A Road Rally tour of historical places was also formed during these years, providing the community with sites of historical heritage; brochures of the Rally Tour and Walking Tour were prepared and made for purchase.
Exhibits started to be a vital part of the Society's endeavor to visually educate the community of its heritage. In the fall of 1983, a major exhibit of Folk Art of the Hanover area from 1783-88 was held. Exhibits of varying interests to the members and the community have continued; the Quilt Exhibit in 2004 will be available for sale on video in 2005, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of exhibits.
Oral histories became an important manner for preserving the daily life in the area. Tapes and typed manuscripts are on file in the Society's office. Limited family histories, as well as cemetery records, tax records, and photos have been preserved. Allen Haar and his Photo Committee began preserving all photos in the collection with state of art computer technology in 2004-05.
The Neas House was furnished, through loans and purchases, abiding by the 1815 estate inventory. Hanover artifacts are still sought and purchased for future generations to enjoy. A varied number of programs, fundraisers, bus trips and workshops have been held over the past 40 years. W. E. Bittinger's family established a scholarship in his memory to a graduating senior pursuing a college degree in history. A fund in memory of Elizabeth (Himes) Winebrenner was established for promoting Community History Awareness; two Wayside Stations were purchased in 2005 with the last of the fund.
In 1989 the Weaver House was acquired as a separate building for the administration offices, allowing more rooms in the Neas house to be furnished with artifacts and on-going exhibits. After several years, a decline started; by early 2000 there were problems in all areas. In June 2003, a second revitalization began, with all areas moving into high gear. The motto adopted in 1971 continues to guide all members, "PRIDE IN THE PAST -- FAITH IN THE FUTURE." The Society is flourishing in 2005, the 40th Anniversary of the Society, because a strong team effort values the preservation of our local heritage. Past President Dr. Verne Busler, Jr. anxiously awaits expansion of facilities to meet the needs of an ever-growing community.