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Samuel C. Slaymaker, III, Executive Director of Rock Ford Plantation in Lancaster, PA, joined the Practical Preservation Podcast to discuss the museum and property’s history, services, and events. We covered a multitude of topics including:
- Samuel’s background and what led him to his current role of director, including growing up in his ancestral home, itself once a historical house museum
- The significance of Rock Ford Plantation’s original owner, Edward Hand, and his impact on Early America – including his role as Adjutant General to General George Washington
- How the museum handles challenging topics, including the history of enslaved persons who resided and worked on the plantation
- How Rock Ford Plantation’s interior was fortuitously preserved, and consequently became one of the best preserved examples of original late Georgian architecture in America
- Rock Ford’s subsequent rescue by a group of caring Lancaster citizens (Rock Ford Foundation) from certain destruction in the 1950’s
- In addition to the site’s primary role as a museum and historical site, details about services, activities, and events at Rock Ford, including weddings
- How there is no substitute for connecting directly with a historical place
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Samuel suggests some ways that interested people can support Rock Ford, including volunteering or becoming a member.