The Conococheague Institute

DETAILS

Project: A Revolutionary Homestead at The Conococheague Institute
Term: Five Years 
Commitment: $125,000

DESCRIPTION

The Conococheague Institute (CI) is a hands-on regional learning center headquartered within Rock Hill Farm, a well-preserved historic farmstead that was established in the early 18th century. With the support of Americana Corner, CI will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a new immersive animal husbandry program, offering visitors a unique, hands-on exploration of life on a frontier farmstead. This addition to CI’s historical programming will enhance current offerings and help bridge a gap in the portrayal of early American life.

Visitors will be immersed in the daily routines of animal care, highlighting the direct connection between settlers and their livestock. Participants will be able to feed animals, milk goats, and engage in the full wool production process—shearing, cleaning, carding and spinning. These activities will provide a deeper understanding of how raw materials were transformed into finished products essential to survival.

In addition to this program, Americana Corner’s support allows CI to enhance its living history program and add large scale events focused on the American Revolution, offering a unique insight into life during this momentous time. Presentations will be focused on farm life and the militia duties expected of able-bodied men, the expansion of women's roles on the farm, and the concept of freedom for different people. 

OBJECTIVES 

• Add an animal husbandry program to CI’s engaging educational programs that will be used year round in education bookings, regular free programs and special events.  

• Supplement CI’s existing staff and volunteers periodically with professional presenters who can both present to the public and provide instruction to student interns.  

• Increase staffing to open exhibits and living history programs on Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

• Host several new tentpole events in 2025 focused on homestead life during the American Revolution.  

• Expand upon new tentpole event success with new elements (lecturers, presentations, larger reenactment groups and multi-site collaboration in future years).  

• Further awareness of American history with a large-scale marketing campaign, allowing growth in public awareness and acknowledgements of CI’s new activities.  

Learn more about the Preserving America Partners program.