Latest Publications

Sarah Tyson Rorer: The Pure Food Movement & Mount Gretna’s Rorer Hall of Cookery.

Coming in Late Winter/Early Spring 2026!

She’s been described as an “early Martha Stewart, “America’s first dietitian,” and a “pioneer of domestic science,” yet, in many ways, Sarah Tyson Rorer defies these comparisons. She was internationally known for her pioneering research and education of the public, exhibiting at two World Fairs. It is Mrs. Rorer we can thank for her role in starting Home Economics/Family & Consumer Science classes in schools. Feisty, smart and a leader in healthful diet and exercise, you’ll want to become acquainted with this remarkable woman who loved our Chautauqua and all things Mount Gretna.

The story of this early Mount Gretna and Colebrook resident, all in historic context with plentiful imagery and archival material, will keep you turning the pages. Researched and written by Jean-Paul Benowitz, Director of Public Heritage Studies at Elizabethtown College, designed and illustrated by Kristi Donahue (Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society) and with help from Michael Trump (Lebanon County Historical Society), this collaboration uncovers remarkable facts and artifacts about an early food expert who campaigned to reform the food we eat, how we prepare it, and how we teach culinary arts. What a timely book for our day and age.

[Preview Select Pages]

Cottage Histories

Have you ever wondered what your cottage would tell you if it could talk?  In fact, we used to have a program with that title: “If Cottages Could Talk.” At the program, cottage owners shared the results of their research, enlightening all in attendance about the cottages and the broader history of the community.

One of the most often asked questions we get is, “What can you tell me about my cottage?” The Mount Gretna Area Historical Society would love to add your story to our collection and compile a database of such information and encourages all owners to research and share with us what they learn about the history of their properties.

Interested? How do I get started? Click here.

Proud to Support the 28th Infantry Division Association

Business Member Recognition