Hans Herr House

The Hans Herr House is a rectangular sandstone building with a steep roof and small windows built in 1719. The structure reflects German architectural design and operates today as a museum complex with outbuildings, a blacksmith shop, and a reconstructed Native American dwelling.

The building was constructed in 1719 and originally served as both a private home and a gathering place for Mennonite worshippers. It marks the beginning of European settlement in Lancaster County during the colonial era.

The house displays colonial-era furniture, tools, and household items that show how early Pennsylvania German families lived day to day. Visitors can see the objects these settlers actually used in their homes and fields.

Visitors can explore the property through guided tours that lead through the main house, outbuildings, and the blacksmith shop. The site operates year-round, so guests should confirm current visiting hours before arrival.

The building features wooden steps that are pegged directly into diagonal beams, a construction method rooted in medieval German carpentry. This ancient building technique was brought to colonial America and remains visible in the structure today.

Location: Pennsylvania

Website: http://hansherr.org

GPS coordinates: 39.98080,-76.26220

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:02