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About Us

Our mission is to expand the economic capacity of downtown Hanover.

Main Street Hanover (MSH) launched in January 2013, a collaborative effort between Hanover Borough, Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, Partnership for Economic Development of York County, and York County Economic Alliance. Following the Main Street Four Point Approach© of Organization, Design, Economic Restructuring and Promotion, the community has embraced the revitalization movement.

Main Street Hanover applied for and received 501c3 status in October of 2018, thus launching a new chapter for the effort.  Now a stand-alone non-profit organization locally run by an appointed board of 11 community leaders, we can maintain our partnerships while focusing on expanding our impact.  We are excited about the growth and future of the downtown and our organization. 

The mission of Main Street Hanover is to expand the economic capacity of downtown Hanover, thus improving the business environment, enhancing the quality of place, and increasing community synergy.

2021-2022

Our Annual Report

​As another fiscal year ends for Main Street Hanover, it is appropriate to look back at the accomplishments of the past year and the momentum established since MSH was founded in 2013.

Check Out Full Annual Report

About Hanover

OUR HISTORY

The town of Hanover in York County, Pennsylvania was laid out in 1763 around a hub of five radiating streets which led to towns and cities in southern Pennsylvania and in Maryland (Abbottstown, Baltimore, Carlisle, Frederick, and York). This lucrative location at the prominent center of commerce provided goods and services to scores of travelers.

Railroads brought further economic well-being to the town and its prominence as a trade center increased. Industries anxious to take advantage of this profitable access to outlying markets began to locate along the railroad tracks in northern Hanover.

This economic boom prompted railroad activity and Hanover entered into its most prolific period of building construction during the late-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

As a continued hub of industry, it is the second-largest and second-wealthiest town in York County, and is continuously growing. As of 2012, there were 15,289 residents living within the 3.7 square miles encompassed by the Borough. With consistent growth and development, many new neighborhoods as well as commercial areas surrounding the downtown continue to be built and expand the Hanover community.

As a way of life.

Downtown Hanover is an inviting home to young professionals, families, and empty nesters, where people choose to live and work in a walkable and healthy community, enjoying a high quality of life. Utilizing upper floor living opportunities, downtown offers a variety of unique and creative places to be and to be seen. Gather on the Square and town’s many parks, meet new friends and connect with old ones for a quick lunch, a relaxing dinner, or an evening concert.

As an economic & industrial hub.

Supported by an educated workforce focused on lifelong learning and a strong work ethic, Downtown Hanover is the center of inventive and traditional manufacturing and industry. By sustaining and investing in local artists and innovators, start up businesses, or lasting generational establishments, the spirit of entrepreneurship is strong and thriving in Downtown Hanover.

Appreciate the rich historic character.

Downtown Hanover’s storied past and legendary colonial and Civil War history provide the foundation for discovering and honoring those who have come before – from the town’s sturdy German roots to tales from the Battle of Hanover. As a first time visitor or a lifelong resident, stroll through town and enjoy the strong preservation ethic while marveling at the historic architecture including Colonial Revival and Queen Anne style buildings.

Enjoy food, glorious food.

Whether it’s enjoying the bounty from the Hanover Farmers’ Market, sampling the flavors of Hanover’s local snack food kings, or dining at outdoor cafés, neighborhood pubs, and local bistros, Downtown Hanover appeals to a variety of tastes. Celebrate a special occasion, grab a quick bite, or enjoy an everyday meal and delight in locally-grown food and locally-inspired cuisine.

Our Vision

Crossroads of History & Heritage

In 2012, the Hanover community created the following vision for Downtown Hanover: Hanover, Pennsylvania, at the crossroads of history and heritage in the southwestern corner of York County, is a bucolic residential community and a bustling hub of industry and innovation. Centrally located, Downtown Hanover is easily accessible, at the intersection of PA State Routes 94, 194 and 116, and a relaxing scenic drive from Gettysburg. Experience Downtown Hanover as an affordable place to live, an ideal place to work, a vibrant place to shop, and a fun place to be.

This vision is realized and will become a reality as a result of a unified, coordinated, and progressive group of private, public, and non-profit stakeholders and community members.

The Future of Hanover

Discover how we plan to continue to transform and develop Hanover.

Learn More

Key Staff

Justine K. Trucksess
Executive Director
717-637-6130 x 101
jtrucksess@mainstreethanover.org

Noël Soisson
Marketing, Events, and Development Coordinator
717-637-6130 x 103
nsoisson@mainstreethanover.org

Leadership

Main Street Hanover Board of Directors:

Daniel Frey, Esq., Chairperson, Barley Snyder
Mindy Crawford, Vice Chairperson, Preservation PA
Nikki Hoffman, Treasurer, Stambaugh Ness
Jess Kelley, Secretary, Campbell’s Snacks
Sharon Kebil-Whisler, M&T Bank
Gary Laird, Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce
Brian Shaffer, Gettysburg Foundation
Sarah Stich, Just Wellness, LLC

Justine Trucksess

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Marker Details

Image Warchime-Myers Mansion
Heart of Hanover

The Myers Mansion was built over a period of three years, beginning in 1911, as the residence of Clinton N. Myers of Hanover Shoe Company. William Warehime generously donated the Warehime-Myers Mansion at 305 Baltimore Street in Hanover, its contents and the grounds to the Hanover Area Historical Society along with an endowment for the conservation of the properties. Mr. Warehime grew up across the street from the Myers Mansion and had long admired the neo-classical structure. The mansion remained in the Myers family until 1997 when Mr. Warehime purchased it from Molly Powl Myers, a granddaughter, who lived in Montana.

Learn more about the mansion and how to visit here.

Image Hanover's Healing Touch
Civil War Trails

Pleasant Hill Hotel became a makeshift hospital during the period following the Battle of Hanover and the Battle of Gettysburg.  That building stood beside the current mansion location on Baltimore St.

Image Hanover Area History Museum
Places of Interest

The new museum is home to hundreds of unique items, covering some 300 years of local history, and is the culmination of thousands of hours of research and development by a small, but dedicated team of volunteers. From the tale of Digges’ Choice in the 1720s to an entire display dedicated to the beloved summertime Forest Park, the museum takes guests on a journey that is structured both by time period and topic. Major themes covered include local religion, language, education, transportation and manufacturing.

Find more information along with how to visit here.

Marker Details

Image Stuart's Fruitless Odyssey
Heart of Hanover

After disengaging from the Union cavalry in the late afternoon of June 30, Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry division left Hanover. Stuart and his men embarked upon a half.-circle odyssey south then northeast around town while Stuart's rear guard, did not depart Hanover until after dark. The next day, July 1, Stuart and a portion of his exhausted troops advanced to Carlisle searching for supplies and information. Some historians contend that Lee suffered an "information blackout" during the first two days of the Battle of Gettysburg, thereby depriving Confederates of strategic high points and information during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Image Confederates Invade Free Soil
Civil War Trails

By June 29, Stuart had reached Union Mills, dangerously out of touch with Lee. Stuart had captured 125 Union wagons carrying provisions, along with 600 mules saddled with supplies, all of which bogged down his progress and kept him far away from Lee.

Marker Details

Image Heroics of the Union Cavalry
Heart of Hanover

To some, the nameless, stoic picket on horseback on the Hanover Square symbolizes the dignity and honor of the cavalry, and the vigilance of every day, tough--and--tumble Union soldiers.

Marker Details

Image Profiles in Union Cavalry Courage
Heart of Hanover

Capturing two prisoners and a Confederate battle flag south of town in this vicinity, Private Burke was the first Medal of Honor Recipient for valor in a Civil War battle on free soil. Read all the profiles by visiting the marker.

Marker Details

Image Center of the Storm
Heart of Hanover

In 1863, charming brick and wooden homes lined both sides of Frederick Street from Center Square to the Winebrenner Tannery and the Karl Forney Farm. This are became the turbulent center of confusion during the battle as cavalrymen from New York and Pennsylvania fight face.-to.-face against those from North Carolina and Virginia.

Marker Details

Image Search and Destroy, Hide and Seek
Heart of Hanover

In many towns like Hanover, rail depots also were telegraph headquarters. Hanover's was on present-day Railroad Street. Three days before the Battle of Hanover, Confederate Lt. Col. Elijah White's men were on a mission: search for and destroy Pennsylvania railroad bridges and telegraph lines.

Marker Details

Image Hospitality Before Hostility
Heart of Hanover

Joanna Wrentzel (née Thomas), of Hanover, wrote “The morning of the battle I went to the square with a wash basket of bread and a kettle of apple butter and helped feed the soldiers that were coming into Hanover. The soldiers were awful tired and hungry and were glad to get the food people were giving them.” Visit DiscoverHanoverPA.org for more information.

Marker Details

Image Trailblazing Writers Leader, Long, and Prowell
Heart of Hanover

On these first blocks of Frederick Street lived pioneering newspaperwoman Mary Sophia Leader (1835--1913), famous author John Luther Long (1861--1927), and historian George Reeser Prowell (1849--1928), all buried one mile south of here in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Marker Details

Image Hanover's Underground Railroad Conductors
Heart of Hanover

Just north of the Mason--Dixon line, the divide between states where slavery was legal and free states like Pennsylvania, Hanover was a logical stop on the Underground Railroad.

Marker Details

Image Union Strikes Back
Heart of Hanover

As the Union reclaimed the square for good, Kilpatrick ordered troops, with the help of citizens, to barricade streets with barrels, farm wagons, dry goods boxes, and other materials to provide cover.

This pen drawing depicts what a barricade would have looked like as it is a depiction of a similar event in Baltimore, MD.

Image Fate of the Nation
Civil War Trails

In 1887, Union Gen. Alfred Pleasonton, writing of the Gettysburg Campaign, asserted that “Hanover saved the fate of the nation.” It is of the Battle of Hanover that he spoke.

Marker Details

Image High Noon in Hanover
Heart of Hanover

As the battle continued into the mid-day, both sides maneuvered their cannons into place to support their soldiers efforts. Both sides exchanged cannon fire for up to two hours.  Artillery units would have looked similar to this photograph of a Union Field Artillery Unit in position.

Marker Details

Image Neas House
Places of Interest

The historic Neas House at Chestnut and High Streets in Hanover is a Georgian residence built around 1783 by Mathias Neas, a tanner who acquired six lots from his brother, George Neas, in November 1782.

Marker Details

Image Aftermath and Stench of Death
Heart of Hanover

York County produced more than 6,200 soldiers in the Civil War. While no final tally is possible, the number of county men who died from war wounds and disease was as high as 900. Hanover's Mount Olivet Cemetery alone has at least 235 Union graves.

Marker Details

Image Titans of Hanover Industry
Heart of Hanover

Varied industries, such as foundries; distillers; and coal, lumber and hemp rope distributors, bought or rented parcels within the Commons. The Commons roughly extended from Railroad Street to the west, North Street to the north, and Chestnut Street to the east.

For more information on current industry leaders, visit the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and read about their apprenticeship program in the area through partnerships with local manufacturers.

Marker Details

Image Warfare Engulfs Downtown
Heart of Hanover

Downtown saw heavy fighting as the battle of Hanover erupted in this area – hand-to-hand combat broke out amid gunfire, shrieks, and shouts.

Marker Details

Image Hanover Market House
Places of Interest

Open every Saturday morning the Hanover Market House on E. Chestnut St. was constructed in 1933 and has been there ever since. 

Originally operating in Center Square, the original open-air market building was often mistaken as a misplaced covered bridge.  The structure featured the town’s only jail cell below ground level.  The market operated in this open air structure from 1815 to 1872.

Marker Details

Image Lincoln Plaque
Places of Interest

This plaque memorialized the visit of President Lincoln to Hanover on his journey to Gettysburg to deliver the famous ‘Gettysburg Address’.

Marker Details

Image Commons on Locomotives
Heart of Hanover

Hanover’s first industrial park was built around the railroad lines in the late 19th century. The area known as the ‘Hanover Commons’ helped shape the town’s future as a community of entrepreneurs and family businesses.

Image Working on the Railroad
Heart of Hanover

There is no doubt that Hanover’s access to rail lines helped position it as a hub of industry and innovation. The businesses in Hanover thrived with access to major metropolitan areas.

Image Lincoln in Hanover
Civil War Trails

President Lincoln’s stop at the Hanover Branch Railroad station was a cause for great celebration in the town. Many went gather for a glimpse at the President as he traveled to Gettysburg, where he delivered his address the next day.

For more information about the Gettysburg Address or Lincoln’s stop in Hanover visit: Battlefields.org

Image Guthrie Memorial Public Library
Places of Interest

The Guthrie Memorial Library, Hanover’s Public Library, is a welcoming environment representing education, recreation, and progress. The library forms a cultural connection that joins people through text, technology and meeting spaces. Visit YorkLibraries.org.

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