Overview
The Middletown Area Historical Society Museum preserves local history. The museum sits at 2 West Main Street in Middletown, PA. It occupies the historic Grosh House, built in 1820. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and documents. It offers rotating exhibits and educational programs. The museum staff welcomes visitors of all ages.
Mission
The museum aims to collect and share Middletown’s story. It gathers artifacts that reflect local life. It records oral histories from long-time residents. It offers public programs that teach regional heritage. It fosters community pride and understanding.
History of the Building
The Grosh House dates to 1820. Jacob Grosh built it as a private home. Merchants lived there for decades. The building later served as apartments and offices. The Middletown Area Historical Society acquired it in 1992. Volunteers restored the house over four years. The museum opened its doors in 1996.
Permanent Exhibits
The museum hosts three main galleries:
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Early Middletown
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Displays Native American tools and artifacts.
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Shows items from the colonial era and the Revolutionary War.
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Includes maps of the 18th-century settlement.
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Industrial Growth
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Exhibits on the canal and railroad era.
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Features tools from local mills and factories.
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Presents photographs of 19th-century workers.
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20th-Century Life
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Showcases household items from the 1900s.
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Displays school memorabilia and sports trophies.
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Highlights World War I and II military artifacts.
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Each gallery uses clear labels and brief captions. Visitors can follow a timeline from 1700 to 2000.
Rotating Exhibits
The museum changes one gallery every three months. Recent themes include:
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Historic Clothing: Period dresses and uniforms from 1800–1950.
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Railroad Stories: Personal letters and tools from the Pennsylvania Railroad.
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Canal Era: Boat models, ledger books, and trade goods from the Union Canal.
The museum posts the current exhibit schedule online and at its entrance.
Research Library
The museum maintains a small research library. It holds:
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Cemetery records for Middletown and Lower Swatara Township.
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Church registers dating back to 1750.
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Newspaper clippings from the Middletown Press and other local papers.
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Family genealogies and local history books.
Researchers visit by appointment. Volunteers help with document searches. The library supports local history projects and school assignments.
Educational Programs
The museum offers programs for schools and adults:
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School Tours: Guided visits for grades 3–12 aligned with state history standards.
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Living History Days: Costumed reenactors demonstrate crafts and trades.
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Lecture Series: Local historians speak on topics like canal building and baseball in Middletown.
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Workshops: Sessions on preserving family photos and documents.
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Summer Camp: A one-week history day camp for ages 8–12.
Each program uses clear language and hands-on activities to engage learners.
Special Events
The museum hosts community events each year:
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Founders’ Day (May) celebrates Middletown’s 1755 founding with tours and music.
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Heritage Fair (September) features local artisans and historical demonstrations.
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Holiday Open House (December) offers craft sales and seasonal displays.
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Canal Day Festival (July) includes canal boat rides and family activities.
Volunteers staff event booths and offer guided tours. Local vendors and performers join each event.
Membership and Support
The museum offers membership levels:
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Individual: Annual fee $25, includes newsletter and free admission.
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Family: Annual fee $40, covers two adults and children under 18.
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Patron: Annual fee $100, adds invitation to special member events.
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Lifetime: One-time fee $500, includes permanent recognition on a donor wall.
Members receive a quarterly newsletter and discounts on lectures. The museum accepts donations of artifacts and funds. A board of trustees oversees finances and operations.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers help in many roles:
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Docents: Guide visitors through exhibits.
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Research Assistants: Index documents and photograph collections.
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Event Staff: Set up displays and greet guests.
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Maintenance Helpers: Perform light cleaning and gardening.
The museum provides basic training and a volunteer handbook. Volunteers may set their schedules and earn service hours.
Museum Policies
The museum follows clear policies to protect collections:
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No Food or Drink inside exhibit areas.
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No Flash Photography to preserve artifacts.
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Handling Artifacts only by trained staff.
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Quiet Voices to maintain a respectful atmosphere.
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Accessibility features include a ramp entrance and restroom.
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Service Animals welcome; pets must remain outside.
Visitors may request brochures in larger print.
Hours and Admission
The museum welcomes visitors on:
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Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
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Saturday: 10:00 am–2:00 pm
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Sunday and Monday: Closed
Admission is free. Group tours require advance booking. Donations at the door support museum programs.
Location and Parking
The museum sits in downtown Middletown at the corner of Main and Poplar Streets. Free street parking surrounds the building. A municipal lot lies two blocks east off Pine Street. The museum lies a block off Route 230, five miles east of Harrisburg.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can combine their museum visit with nearby sites:
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Swatara Creek Park: Offers trails and fishing at Hoffer Park.
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Indian Echo Caverns (5 miles east): Guided cave tours and gem panning.
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Fort Hunter Mansion & Park (7 miles north): Tours of an 18th-century estate.
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Farmers Market: Thursdays May–October on East Main Street.
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Middletown Grange Fairgrounds: Hosts the annual county fair and events.
These sites provide outdoor recreation and local dining options.
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Contact Information
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Address: 2 West Main Street, Middletown, PA 17057
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Phone: (717) 944-1789
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Email: info@middletownhistory.org
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Website: www.middletownhistory.org
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Facebook: /MiddletownHistory
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Instagram: @MiddletownHistory
The website offers exhibit details, research guides, and event calendars.
Conclusion
The Middletown Area Historical Society Museum offers a clear view of local history. The museum’s exhibits trace regional growth from colonial days to modern life. Visitors explore artifacts, attend events, and use the research library. The museum’s programs serve schools, families, and history buffs. Free admission and accessible facilities welcome all visitors. Plan your visit to learn Middletown’s past and support its preservation efforts.
After visiting the Middletown Area Historical Society Museum, don’t miss a show at the Elks Theatre.
