Welcome to the Hummelstown Area Historical Society
Office Hours:
Monday 11:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday 3:00-7:00pm
Museum Hours:
Open the first Sunday of the Month 1-4 PM or by appointment
Call 717-566-6314 to schedule a tour
"Forgotten No More" available for purchase
Proceeds from the sale of this book help support the Hummelstown Area Historical Society.
New Members-Only Perk
News & Updates
The Evolution & History of the American Casket:
It’s Not as Simple as You Think
Hummelstown Area Historical Society
October 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM
Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown
When you hear the word casket a very specific image probably comes to your mind. You think of a rectangular-shaped container with handles on both sides and a lid that opens and closes. But how did we come to achieve the modern-day casket?
On October 20, 2025, I invite you to join me to explore the evolution of the American casket at the Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home at 7:00pm. Many may ask “what’s to say about caskets,” but I hope to enlighten the audience on how extensive, and sometimes bizarre, the history of the casket is. I assure you this program will not be morbid but is intended to shed some light on a subject that most people don’t really think about. Do you know the difference between a casket and a coffin? This is just one of the many questions that will be answered during this presentation.
The program will begin in ancient Egypt with the influence of sarcophagi on early casket makers in America and will travel through the years until we reach modern times. From cabinetmakers to large manufacturing facilities, we will touch on some of the most influential innovators as their casket empires rose and fell. Did you ever wonder who crafted Marilyn Monroe’s casket, JFK’s, Dolly Madison’s? Most likely not, but this will all be covered.
Along the way we will look at some of the most unique patents that never caught on. Have you ever heard of celluloid caskets? What about one made of papier mâché? There’s probably a reason for that.
In the absence of modern medicine, people were terrified that they would be mistakenly buried alive. This is where life preserving coffins and grave signals originated. Not only did they want to make sure no one got buried alive, families wanted to make sure that their loved ones were safe from ghouls and graverobbers. What better way than to invent coffin torpedoes…No I am not making this up.
I promise that you will learn more than you ever thought that you needed to know about caskets and how they came to be what we think of today.
November Event
Join retired LD teachers Elaine Enders and Sue Copenhaver for a unique and creative egg-decorating class! Learn the traditional art of etching brown eggs with vinegar to reveal the beautiful natural shades of the shell.
📅 Saturday, November 1
🕛 12:00–4:00 PM
📍 Parish House, Hummelstown Historical Society
💲 $35 per person (prepaid)
Spaces are limited — reserve your spot today!
Contact Sue Copenhaver at 717-503-8558 or sweetbing7711@gmail.com to register.
Historical Society Books For Sale
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with Hummelstown’s History!
As a prelude to America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026, your Society is selling books about Hummelstown’s history. Some books are reprints; while others are new publications. Each one was published to document and preserve some aspect of the area’s history.
The book titles, descriptions, and prices are described below:
1.Only in Hummelstown – A reprint of the popular history of the Hummelstown area was written as a year by year chronology from the town’s founding in 1762 until 2019. There are 25 pages featuring colored photographs and art work of familiar sites in town. Over 1000 entries detail the town’s development. $25
2. Events in Hummelstown, 2020 – 2025 – This new supplement to Only in Hummelstown details town events during the current decade. $20
3. Anthology 2 – The new publication presents newspaper articles, histories, speeches, pamphlets, and yearbook excerpts related to Hummelstown’s area history. Twenty three entries are accompanied by photographs. 200 pages. $25
4. Ingomar Papers – The fifty tales and recollections about life in Hummelstown in the 1800’s were originally penned by Adam Hummel Baum and appeared in the Hummelstown Sun in 1891 and 1892. Third Edition. $15
5. Echoes of the Amish – The new book features letters, cards, notes and diary entries of the thirty three year friendship between former Society Member Arlene Huss and Naomi Zook, an Old Order Amish member. Fifteen colorful prints and photographs accompany the 130 page text. $20
6. South Hanover Township Trailblazers – This tribute is of 32 former township women who contributed to township history and served as role models for past and current area residents. Photographs accompany many of the stories. Second Edition. 75 pages. $20
7. A History of the Hummelstown Area Historical Society for the Golden Jubilee – 1971-2021. A year by year account from the founding of the Society in 1971 until 2021 showcases its activities to preserve, educate, and serve the community. The book features 50 photographs of people, buildings, and events. 170 pages. $20
How to Purchase
Parish House Open House: First Sunday of every month, afternoon hours.
History House: During business hours (please call ahead at 717-566-6314).
Jean and Wade Seibert: Call 717-919-0509 to arrange for delivery.
By Mail: Add $7.00 postage fee. Call Jean Seibert at 717-222-6100 for details.
These books make wonderful Christmas gifts!
Quantities are limited, so order early.
Checks payable to HAHS.
A portion of proceeds supports future renovations at the Parish House.
