Historical Society of Dauphin County, Harrisburg

About Historical Society of Dauphin County

The Historical Society of Dauphin County in Harrisburg preserves and interprets the region's history through guided tours of the Harris-Cameron Mansion and access to research collections. Visitors tour the 1766 limestone mansion, a National Historic Landmark, accompanied by experienced docents through rooms little changed since U.S. Senator Simon Cameron occupied it from 1863 to 1941. The tour includes Cameron's office with original furnishings, a Victorian parlor with celebrated French mirrors, a glass-filled solarium featuring French wallpapers, bedrooms furnished in Colonial and Victorian styles, and a 1929 Art Deco bathroom. The mansion overlooks the Susquehanna River from its east garden. The Alexander Research Library opens to the public for genealogical and historical research on regional topics. The Society also operates a museum store stocking local history books, maps, posters, and note cards. Founded in 1869, the organization collects and exhibits materials documenting Dauphin County's development from its earliest European settlement.