Historic Rock Ford is comprised of the circa 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts. Our historic site is situated on 33 acres of gardens, woods and grounds surrounded by Lancaster County Central Park located in the southeast corner of Lancaster City. This remarkable estate offers visitors the opportunity to encounter the outstanding original late-Georgian style architecture of the Hand Mansion, to experience its rooms furnished in exquisite period style while, in the Snyder Gallery, to explore a nationally recognized collection of Lancaster County decorative arts dating from circa 1760 to 1820 including furniture, portraiture, long rifles, tall case clocks, silver, and much more.
Description
Historic Rock Ford and War of the Roses Theatre Company are very excited to present “1776” America’s Prize-Winning Musical with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and book by Peter Stone. Performances will be on June 28-30 and July 1.
Experience history through this award-winning musical that highlights the Founding Fathers as humans trying against all odds to create a new nation. Join Historic Rock Ford for this once-in-a-generation performance that is being performed at the home of Revolutionary War General Edward Hand on the exact 250th anniversary of when the Continental Congress debated independence in Philadelphia.
Enjoy familiar songs such as “Sit Down, John” and “He Plays the Violin” as the performance unfolds on the piazza of the Hand Mansion, transformed into the stage itself. Rather than a traditional theatrical setting, the architecture and atmosphere of the Hand Mansion become an integral part of the experience, blurring the line between performance and place.
The show is directed by Jaime Hilton and features a stellar cast of 26 local actors
“1776” is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com Based on an original concept by Sherman Edwards. Original Production Directed by Peter Hunt and originally produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow.
The performance area will open 45 minutes prior to the start time.
Concessions will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Historic Rock Ford.
Performance dates: June 28 at 4 PM; June 29-30 at 7 PM; and July 1 at 7 PM
Ticket cost: $35 for reserved seating and $15 for-bring-your-own-chair seating
Parking: Limited on-site parking is available.
Date & Time
Jun 28 - Jul 1, 2026
Venue Details
Rock Ford Piazza and Lawn
881 Rockford RoadLancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
