Hands-on House, Children's Museum of Lancaster

"On our last visit, I asked our nephew what his favorite thing at 

Hands-on House was...he said, without hesitation, 'ALL OF IT' !!’

-Molly Hamlin

---

Our Mission

A legacy that spans generations

Nearly 40 years since our founding, Hands-on House has become a treasured community touchstone---a place where families return, year after year, to reconnect with curiosity, creativity, and one another.

From the beginning we have been here to foster the intellectual, social, and emotional development of thousands of children, offering exhibits and experiences that empower them to connect, create, and learn through immersive, independent, and purposeful play. 

We've had countless conversations that sound like:

"The market was my absolute favorite when I was a kid and it's so special I can now bring *my kid * to enjoy a new version of the same exhibit!"

Looking ahead...

Our vision for Hands-On House is to become:

• A Celebration of All that Makes Growing Up in Lancaster Special —increasing visitors’ appreciation for our region’s history, geography, ecology, industries, and cultural diversity. 
• A Leading-Edge “Third Space” for Early Learning — extending education beyond home and school, preparing children for lifelong success and school readiness. 
• A Community Hub for All Families with Young Children — supporting parents’ and caregivers’ well-being with opportunities to gather, connect, and learn together during their children’s early years

---

                                 

---

We are a member supported museum

As a donor, you become a sustaining MEMBER of our community. Thanks to your generous support we are able to keep Hands-on House open and accessible for all. A donation made on November 21st supports the continuation and development of:

• Insert lines about exhibits, programs, flexible memberships, scholarships etc
• 
  

Can You Imagine Growing up Without Hands-on House?!

Whether you visited HOH in its early days---or you have a connection to it today--- can you imagine kids missing out on these core-memory moments?

Hands-on House is STILL (nearly 40 years later) here because of the support from people like you—-still inspiring curiosity, creativity, and immersive learning for a new generation of kids. This work, as a non-profit, depends on our community. 

If your childhood was shaped by the power of play, consider helping us pass that gift on during Extra Give 2025 (Play it forward, if you will!)

---

Thank you to our community!

We're so grateful for the amazing nonprofit neighbors in our community! In the years to come we're excited to bridge missions and partner with more organizations to create new playful learning opportunities in Lancaster.

Whether it's been an interaction with one of our educators, a special family memory, or trips to the museum just feel like a natural part of your routine...we hope that if Hands-on House has touched your life you will consider supporting us in the Extra Give!

Simply sharing this fundraising page with your community goes a long way to helping us reach our goal. Know that every monetary donation, even as low as $25, is appreciated and deeply felt by the children and families we serve!

From all of us at Hands-on House: THANK YOU!