The Conococheague Institute is a hands-on regional learning center. We are headquartered within Rock Hill Farm, a well-preserved historic farmstead that was established in the early 18th century in southern Franklin County, Pennsylvania, near the village of Welsh Run. Our 30-acre site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes two historic house museums with outbuildings, a research library, two relocated historic log structures, walking trails with access to a pioneer cemetery, several historic gardens, an early childhood playground and picnic areas.
The mission of the Conococheague Institute is to develop and foster awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the cultural and natural history of the Appalachian frontier of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.
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The name 'Conococheague Institute' symbolizes our focus on the early 18th Century, when the area was referred to as the Conococheague Settlement, (from the important waterway that gave the region its identity).
Throughout the centuries it has been spelled Canigotschik, Conecocheague, Conegocheek, Conegocheige, Conegochiegh, Conegoge, Conegogee, Conegogeek, Conigochego, Conigotoschick, Conijachola, Connatachequa, Connogocheague, Conocochego, Cunnaquachegue, Cunnatachegue, Cunnatichegue, and Guneukitschik.
In the Lenape language it is translated as 'Water of many turns' and it is phonetically pronounced as 'KAH-no-KAH-cheek'. Today locals pronounce it as 'Conica-jig'.
From 16,000 B.C.E to the 1700's C.E the land was inhabited by Susquehannoks, Shawnees, Lenni Lenape (Delawares) and tribes that made up the Six Nations (Iroquois). Numerous archaeology finds have shown extensive evidence of this rich cultural heritage, as the area was primarily a hunting and transportation corridor for tribes moving north and south.
Now is a great time to visit the Conococheague Institute. With over 30 acres of a remote rural landscape, you can escape the crowds and enjoy nature's beauty. For Birding enthusiasts, our viewing platform over our wetlands area contains a wealth of healthy bird species from Redwing Blackbirds to our more extravagant Great Blue Herons.
Our Grounds are dog friendly, so enjoy walking your furry friend around our Cemetery Trail Loop (which crosses the Welsh Run three times), or enjoy the shade under our tree line walk.
Nature never takes a break, so check out the flowers in bloom throughout the grounds, or smell the herbs in our Kitchen Garden.
Book an educational program, or visit during our Saturday programming from 10am to 4pm YEAR ROUND.
Attend a Rock Hill tour by booking a special tour to learn more about the architecture and family history of the region.
Even when the buildings are closed, History doesn't stop! We now have walking tours and information packets at dispensers near the Visitor Center and our Interpretive Wayside panels give a rich history of the Buildings and their story.
For those currently unable to visit, we have been producing virtual programs and adding them to YouTube. Check them out at Colonial Living at the Conococheague Institute.
You can make every week an adventure, with free historic programs at CI every Saturday year round! Our Revolutionary Homestead living history programs change with the seasons: Help bake bread, plant seeds in the garden, feed the sheep, or play games in the tavern, there is always something happening. Contact us for more details.
Of course every Saturday, the gift shop, exhibits and bathrooms are also open from 10am to 4pm. See you soon.
PLUS: New Summer hours for 2025. Now open each Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day!
ABC 27 Good Day PA
10 weeks old, and already famous, Hawthorne took the trip to Harrisburg to be on ABC27 Good Day PA, with Amy Kehm. We talked about our Revolutionary Homestead programs, 1775 events and partnership with Americana Corner. Check it out here or at http://www.gooddaypa.com/
For the summer of 2025, we'll have additional open hours and programs every Sunday too!
1775: Spring on the Farmstead Recap
Relive the highlights of our event with this lovely video showcasing what made it so special. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to its success—from our dedicated volunteers, special guests Daniel Sieh and the Uxbridge Fife and Drum, Antietam Dairy, and the the visitors who share a love for early American history.
We’re also incredibly grateful to our event sponsors—Americana Corner, Middletown Valley Bank, F&M Trust, and the Franklin County Visitors Bureau—for making experiences like this possible for our community.
Be sure to watch until the end for a teaser of our upcoming event, June 14th, 1775: A Call to Arms!
Bringing Revolutionary History to Life: Free programs every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Every weekend join our team for some hands on programs. With a focus on daily life in the 18th Century, you're sure to learn something new every time.
Note: Programs run from 10-4 unless noted otherwise, with museum and gift shop access 10-5.
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Revolutionary Homestead
Imagine living through the birth of our nation: Could you start a fire with flint and steel? Spin fibers into thread? Plant and harvest food from the garden? And where would your loyalties lie?
"Revolutionary Homestead" explores how simple lives were shaped by one of the most formative periods in our history.
Experience frontier life in the 1770s through engaging living history demonstrations and presentations. Featuring a new animal husbandry initiative, hands-on gardening, and more, join us for history brought to life!
Perfect for all ages, step into our frontier story, where history comes to life!
No RSVP required, our free weekend summer programs are sponsored by the Americana Corner Preserving America Partners program
Monthly Premium Activities
Saturday, June 14th, 10am to 4pm
1775: A Call to Arms
Step back to the early days of the American Revolution at 1775: A Call to Arms, an immersive 18th-century living history event!
With the siege of Boston underway, and the Battle of Bunker Hill about to occur, the tavern is a hotbed for discussion about joining the fight. Witness firelock demonstrations, engage in interactive militia drills, and enjoy soldiers' songs and music by Forbes Road Frolic.
Learn about military baking with historian Daniel Sieh as he prepares ships' biscuits, a staple for soldiers of the time. Experience the indigenous perspective of the period through insightful presentations by Pocomoke cultural ambassador Drew Shuptar Rayvis.
Help the women of the homestead adapt to the increased role they took, as men departed for militia duties, the Siege of Boston and beyond.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore history from multiple angles—through the sights, sounds, and stories that shaped 1775!
Tasty food and drink vendors make this a full day experience, this event is sponsored by the Americana Corner’s Preserving America Partners program, and F&M Trust.
Strategic Plan: On Track and Moving Forward
We've made amazing progress on our Strategic Plan 2023-2026, and you can read it here!
It focuses on the larger concepts for the organization in the next few years, as we strive to fulfill our vision to
“Become the leading museum and historic site in the region that represents 18th century frontier life accurately, offers to the public engaging learning experiences, and continues to grow and further its reach both financially and in reputation.”
1st Quarter Pioneer Times is Out Now! Read it here...
Interested in learning more about the recent happenings at CI? Check out our Quarterly Newsletter "The Pioneer Times". Hot off the press, the March 2025 Issue is out now.
You can read old issues below too.
December 2024 Pioneer Times September 2024 Pioneer Times, June 2024 Pioneer Times March 2024 Pioneer Times, December 2023 Pioneer Times, September 2023 Pioneer Times, June 2023 Pioneer Times, March 2023 Pioneer Times
Stop by the porch of the Visitor Center where boxes contain Children's 'Explorer' activity packs. This free activity pack is a great way for families with young children to enjoy History and Nature at CI.
For more information on upcoming events, become a Member and sign up for our email newsletters.
To stay up to date on the progress here at the Conococheague Institute, make sure to follow our Facebook page...or stop by and see the progress yourself!