Date: October 26, 2026
Registration: Open (View Cost and Register)
Join us for a memorable journey through the people, labor, and landscapes that have shaped Adams County. This thoughtfully curated trip weaves together history, agriculture, and community—revealing how past and present continue to take root in the same soil.
Begin in Gettysburg at the Thaddeus Stevens Museum, where themes of justice, education, and 19th‑century labor come vividly to life. The experience continues at Hollabaugh Bros., Inc., where the rhythms of modern farm life unfold. From there, travel into the countryside to the Historic Round Barn & Farm Market, an iconic landmark that offers a warm welcome to Adams County’s enduring agricultural traditions and vibrant local food culture. Conclude the day at the National Apple Museum, where the story of Adams County’s orchards comes into full view.
Trip Highlights
Thaddeus Stevens Museum (Thad’s Place)
Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Thad’s Place is the first museum dedicated solely to the life and legacy of Thaddeus Stevens, one of the nation’s most influential abolitionists and civil rights advocates. The museum features artifacts, letters, newspapers, and other historical materials that highlight his contributions to American history.
Stevens lived in Gettysburg from 1816 to 1842, where he practiced law, operated iron mills, and served as a Pennsylvania legislator. Known for his strong support of public education and his outspoken opposition to slavery, he later moved to Lancaster and was elected to Congress. There, he became a leading force in ending slavery and played a key role in the adoption of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law.
Hollabaugh Bros., Inc.
Located in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, in the heart of Adams County’s fruit-growing region, Hollabaugh Bros., Inc. is a family-owned farm that has been growing fruit for more than 70 years. Founded by twin brothers Donald and Harold Hollabaugh, the business began with a small roadside market in 1955 and has grown into a thriving farm and retail market known throughout south-central Pennsylvania.
Today, the farm encompasses nearly 500 acres and is operated by multiple generations of the Hollabaugh family. The farm’s growth has been guided by a blend of tradition, innovation, and agricultural education, with several family members returning to the operation after earning degrees from Penn State University.
In addition to growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables—including apples, peaches, pears, berries, corn, tomatoes, and asparagus—Hollabaugh Bros. has become a valued community destination. The farm hosts seasonal festivals, educational farm tours, workshops, pick-your-own experiences, and special events that connect visitors with local agriculture and the rhythms of farm life.
Historic Round Barn & Farm Market
Located near Biglerville, Pennsylvania, just west of Gettysburg, the Historic Round Barn & Farm Market is one of Adams County’s most recognizable agricultural landmarks.
The market is operated by the Knouse family, whose farming roots in the region span four generations. The family’s history is closely tied to Adams County’s renowned fruit industry and to the development of the grower-owned Knouse Foods Cooperative, which became one of the nation’s leading processors of apples and fruit products. Today, the family continues to farm nearby orchards, supplying many of the fruits and vegetables sold at the market.
Since opening in 1993, the Round Barn Farm Market has welcomed visitors from across the region with fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and seasonal offerings. The market also serves as a showcase for the agricultural heritage that has shaped Adams County for generations.
National Apple Museum
Located in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, the National Apple Museum preserves and celebrates the rich history of the apple and tree fruit industry that helped shape Adams County and south-central Pennsylvania. Opened in 1990, the museum is housed in a beautifully restored pre-Civil War bank barn and is owned and operated by the Biglerville Historical and Preservation Society.
The museum’s collections highlight the evolution of fruit growing and orchard management, showcasing the tools, equipment, and innovations that supported the region’s agricultural development. Exhibits include early fruit-picking, packing, and shipping equipment, pest management tools, historic orchard photographs, fruit labels, and a recreated 1880s farm kitchen and general store.
The museum was made possible through the efforts of local community members dedicated to preserving Adams County’s agricultural heritage. A founding member of the preservation society, Clair Ditzler, donated land and a historic barn to serve as the museum’s home and helped lead the effort to transform it into a public museum.
Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Depart Penn State York |
| 9:45 a.m. |
Arrive at the Thaddeus Stevens Museum (Thad’s Place), Gettysburg
|
| 11:30 a.m. | Depart from Thad’s Place |
| 11:50 a.m. |
Arrive at Hollabaugh Bros., Inc., Biglerville
|
| 12:50 p.m. | Depart Hollabaugh Bros., Inc. |
| 1:05 p.m. |
Arrive at Historic Round Barn & Farm Market, Biglerville
|
| 1:50 p.m. | Depart Historic Round Barn & Farm Market |
| 2:05 p.m. |
Arrive at National Apple Museum, Biglerville
|
| 3:15 p.m. | Depart National Apple Museum |
| 4:30 p.m. | Arrive at Penn State York |
Cost per person
Member pricing: $72
Nonmember pricing: $97
Cost includes: Bus transportation and the Hollabaugh Bros. wagon tour ticket
Not included: Lunch and gratuities. The bus company suggests a gratuity of $3–$4 per participant for the driver. An OLLI staff member will have an envelope available for those who wish to contribute.