Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: I would like to have a special event at the 1719 Hans Herr House and Museum (ex.: wedding, birthday party, family reunion). Does the Museum permit this? What are my options for this?

We appreciate your interest in the Museum as a setting for your special occasion. It is possible to schedule private functions at the Museum on many days of the year, including evenings and other times when the Museum is normally closed. Please understand that on the dates of our special events, it may not be possible to accommodate another event. A Museum staff person must be present for any special use of the Museum.

Contact the Administrative Assistant by writing the Museum (1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, Pennsylvania 17584), by telephone (717) 464-4438, or by e-mail: info@hansherr.org

(below) flyleaf of 1820 edition of  the Mennonite hymnal  Unpartheyische Gesangbuch,

FAQ: I am (or think I am) a descendant of Hans Herr. How can I find out more?

Congratulations! You are part of a very large group, whether you know it or not. While Hans Herr's descendants are not quite as numerous as those promised by the Lord to the Patriarch Abraham (Gen 22.17: "I will increase your descendants until they are numerous as the stars in the sky and the sands of the seashore" and Gen 32.12: "I will make them like the sands of the seashore, which are beyond counting"), there are certainly plenty of people with the surnames Herr, Heer, or Hare, who are descended from Hans, not to mention those with other surnames.

In 1908, a genealogical record of the lineal descendants of Hans Herr was published; this was republished with an improved index in 1980. We offer this record for sale in our giftshop. It is, however, incomplete in two respects. First, certain lines of descent are not represented in this record: the Kentucky branch of the family, though numerous, is mysteriously completely absent. Second, because the record ends at 1908, many people now trying to trace their lineage may have difficulty using the record, because they do not know of the generation of their ancestors before that date.

In other words, if you know the name of your grandfather, say, and he was born in 1916, we may or may not be able to help you much. At the present (2005) we have heard a rumor that a more comprehensive genealogical record has been prepared and is filed electronically on a computer, somewhere, and that it will be turned into a website, but more than that we don't know.

We wish to encourage you to explore your own past. Generally, we recommend that you contact other members of your family and try to get as much information as you can from them. You may also wish to contact the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, although their genealogical records are also incomplete. We wish that we could give you a more complete, instantaneous resolution of your search, but we fear that it is the nature of genealogical research that the successes are such a thrill because there is great labor involved. Best wishes in your quest!

(below) gilt-decorated presentation pitcher from the Museum's collection

FAQ: I have some old things (ex. farm equipment, Herr family memorabilia, artifacts) I would like to donate to the Museum. What are your policies concerning this, and what can I do next?

Generally speaking, we are happy to examine artifacts (even fairly large objects like threshers) to determine their suitability in the Museum. Smaller objects you may bring to the Museum: a staff member will ensure that the Curator will examine them. Especially for larger items, the Museum staff (sometimes including members of the Board) will wish to make a determination about the suitability of a donation before preparing any donation forms. (For certain small items, like postcards, books by Benjamin Herr, and pottery sherds, a donation form may be prepared immediately).

The Museum's accession policy specifies several forms to be used in the accession process: one must be signed by the donor to certify the gift. Other forms are prepared by the Office of the Curator.

Please keep in mind that a donation to the Museum does not guarantee that the object or objects donated will be on display now or at any time in the future. Many items in the collection of the Museum are presently in storage as appropriate to the item.

For more information, or to discuss donations, contact the Museum Curator, by writing the Museum (1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, Pennsylvania 17584), by telephone (717) 464-4438, or by e-mail: curator@hansherr.org

FAQ: I would like to volunteer at the Museum. What do I need to do?

This is a question we really like to hear -- not that we don't like the others! We are very pleased with our volunteer staff, and in fact, the Museum relies upon volunteers for nearly every operation of the institution. Volunteers give tours, but that is only the beginning of volunteer opportunities!

Our special events, Heritage Day, Snitz Fest, and Christmas Candlelight Tours, The Fall and Spring Frolicks, and Mama and Me, and even our special package tours for school groups, all call for volunteers to help to staff tours, games, rides, and the many, many crafts and activities which make these events so memorable. Look at a list of presentations at one of our special events, and you can be almost completely certain that the presentation is given by a volunteer.

In the Office of the Curator, volunteers clean and prepare artifacts, catalog materials,  inventory the collection, and research. On the grounds, volunteers keep the grounds, paint buildings, do both minor and major structural repairs, feed the chickens, cultivate the garden, tend the orchard, collect apples and nuts, and generally maintain an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment for our visitors. In the buildings, volunteers clean and maintain equipment and furnishings, sweep and dust, wash windows, vacuum, and so on. At the main desk in the  visitors' center, volunteers take inventory of the gift shop, restock and shelf, assist visitors with gift selection, and sell gifts and tickets, answer the telephone, and perform many small secretarial tasks such as folding and  sorting mailings. Volunteers help to maintain our office equipment, sweep snow from the second attic as necessary, shop for groceries for the special events... the lists go on and on.

(Some special ideas for volunteers are in the What's New Archive section)

Now of course, no one volunteer does ALL these things (though the paid staff do!!!).

To volunteer in any capacity contact the Museum Director, by writing the Museum (1849 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, Pennsylvania 17584), by telephone (717) 464-4438, or by e-mail: info@hansherr.org