George Nace (Neas) House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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George Nace (Neas) House
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 113-115 W. Chestnut St., Hanover, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | c. 1795 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001181 |
| Added to NRHP | April 26, 1972 |
The George Nace House, also known as the Neas House, is a very old and important home. It's located in the historic part of Hanover, Pennsylvania, in York County, Pennsylvania. This house was built around 1783 by a person named Mathias Neas. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This means it's a special building worth protecting.
Contents
History of the Neas House
Early Owners and Family Life
The George Nace House is found in the Hanover Historic District. It was built around 1783 by Mathias Nace (also known as Neas). Mathias was a tanner, someone who prepared animal hides. He bought the land for the house in 1782 from his brother, George Nace.
Later, George Nace, Jr. took ownership of the house and land. George Nace, Jr. was an important person in Hanover. He was the town's third postmaster from 1790 to 1813. After that, he became Hanover's first burgess in 1815. A burgess is like a mayor, leading the town. He also served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
George Nace, Jr. lived in the house with his wife, Catharine. Her daughter, Amanda, also lived there. Amanda later married Mathias Nace Forney. He was one of the people who started the Hanover Savings Fund Society. This society later became the Bank of Hanover.
The House Today: A Museum and Headquarters
In 1974, the Hanover Area Historical Society bought the Neas House. They worked hard to restore it, making it look like it did long ago. Today, the house serves as the society's main office. It is also a museum where visitors can learn about the area's past. The house was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Architectural Style and Special Collections
Design of the Historic Home
The Neas House is a two-and-a-half-story building. It is made of brick and has a Georgian style. This style was popular in the 1700s. The house sits on a strong foundation made of rubble fieldstone. It has two chimneys and a steep roof. You can also see Federal-style details in its design.
Inside the Neas House Museum
The house has nine rooms and nine fireplaces. It also has an old-fashioned warming kitchen with exposed wooden beams. Inside the museum, you can see furniture and personal items. These items belonged to the first families who lived there. They help show what life was like long ago.
One very special item is an American flag. This flag flew over the American Spectator newspaper office in Hanover. It was saved during the American Civil War. During the Battle of Hanover on June 30, 1863, Union and Confederate soldiers fought nearby. A group of people from Pennsylvania and New York saved the flag from being destroyed by Confederate troops. This battle happened just before the big Battle of Gettysburg in July.
The Yelland Library
The Neas House also holds the Yelland Library. This library has about 800 books. It also has old items and artifacts about the history of the Hanover area. The library is open to the public on Friday mornings. If you are a researcher, you can also visit by appointment on other weekdays.
Visiting the George Nace House
Tour Hours and Admission
You can take a tour of this historic house. Tours are available on Saturdays from noon to 3:00 p.m. They run from April through October each year. The house is closed during the colder winter months. The cost to visit is usually between $10 and $15 per person.
Library Access
The Yelland Library, located inside the Neas House, is open to everyone. You can visit on Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and noon. If those times don't work, you can also make an appointment to visit. Appointments are available Mondays through Saturdays.
See also
- Eichelberger High School, Hanover, Pennsylvania
- Hanover Historic District, Hanover, Pennsylvania
- United States Post Office (Hanover, Pennsylvania)
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