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.
We have some warmer things planned with our free Saturday programs for Winter.
Free historic programs at CI every Saturday year round! 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.
The Conococheague Institute on DC News Now
Winter is a busier time then you may think: As well as preparing new exhibits, setting up our spring bookings for 3000 students, and repairing structures, we also have a lot of media marketing! We were delighted to have DC News Now out to talk about our upcoming programs, Animal Husbandry on the Frontier, and our Revolutionary Homestead Initiative!
The Animals Are Coming!
Lappans Springs Farm is donating the animals to our upcoming animal husbandry programs. Meet Deuce, Jackie, New Goat and Boots with us as we eagerly await their arrival.
Bringing Revolutionary History to Life: Free programs every Saturday year round
Every Saturday 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.
Saturdays, January to March 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Revolutionary Homestead: Winter
Try to imagine yourself living through the birth of our nation: Could you start a fire with flint and steel? Spin fibers into thread? And where would your loyalties lie? Revolutionary Homestead highlights how simple lives were affected by one of the most formative times in our history.
Experience life for frontier families during the 1770s through engaging living history demonstrations and presentations. Learn about daily life during the American Revolution, including the crafts, culture, and chores that shaped the era.
No RSVP required, our free Saturday programs this winter are sponsored by Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread, and the Americana Corner Preserving America Partners program.
Monthly Premium Presentations
Park Day: Preserve our History
Saturday, April 26, 2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wanted! Enthusiastic and engaged volunteers to help the Conococheague Institute spruce up for the Spring. Volunteers will engage in painting trims and frames of historic structures that serve a key role in preserving early American history, as well as further historic maintenance and construction.
Outdoor conservation activities will include invasive removal, tree care, garden plantings and weed removals, and trail and bridge maintenance.
As our Animal Husbandry on the Frontier program will have just launched, volunteers will also assist in the maintaining and expanding this new resource.
All tools and training will be provided by CI, but be sure to bring adequate clothing for the season.
RSVP by contacting us at visit@cimlg.org or 717 328 2800.
Park Day is a nationwide initiative by the American Battlefield Trust, and encourages support for your local historic site. Find out more at https://www.battlefields.org/parkday
Our Spring Revolutionary Homestead programs sponsored by the Americana Corner Preserving America Partners program will also be ongoing throughout the day.
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!