elcome to the online home of The Historical Society of Dauphin County and the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion. The Historical Society of Dauphin County (HSDC) was founded in 1869 and has been headquartered at the Harris-Cameron Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, since 1941.
The mission of the HSDC is to collect, preserve, exhibit, publish, and promote interest in the history of Dauphin County for the education, enjoyment, and benefit of the public.
We welcome your interest in our collections, efforts, programs, and services.
Up and Coming at HSDC
A Conversation with T. Morris Chester presented by
Calobe Jackson has been rescheduled for February 16
February 16: 2nd Tuesdays - A Conversation with T. Morris Chester
March 9: 2nd Tuesdays - A Conversation with Mary S. Beatty
April 13: 2nd Tuesdays - National History Day Projects
Select Photos from HSDC's Archives Available for Purchase
HSDC has teamed with the Patriot-News and the Harrisburg SusqueCentennial Commission to make these photographs available to the public.
Building Harrisburg Now Available
Ken Frew's epic account (400 pages, 350-plus illustrations) of the history of Harrisburg’s architects, builders and buildings is now available for purchase.
Support HSDC while getting something in return. Our online shop includes the 2009-10 Susquehanna Heritage: Central Pennsylvania's Personal Civil War as well as Publications from the Past, which include transcripts of addresses given before the Society that cover topics such as transportation, industry, military and church histories.
Hours
- Alexander Research Library
- Tuesday through Friday
- 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Research Information
- Mansion Tours
- * Closed through March *
- Tuesday through Friday
- 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Last tour starts at 3:00 PM
- * Available again in April *
- Tour Information
- Society Office
- Monday through Friday
- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- * For research and tour hours
- please see above information *
Photo of the Week - January 25, 2010
LeRue Lemer took this cabinet card photo of William G. Schooley who stands with his ordinary bicycle and in his Harrisburg Wheel Club dress. The main characteristic of an ordinary bicycle was a large front wheel and tiny rear wheel. It was also called a penny-farthing as the difference in wheel sizes resembled the differences between a British penny and quarter-penny (farthing). Mr. Schooley is in at least five photographs featuring bicycles and appears to have been an avid member of the Wheel Club. In another image, he is shown with his wife and their tandem bicycle. Photo ID: Y00909.