As you consider a venue for your wedding reception, party, fundraiser, club or business meeting, we invite you to look closely at what the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion has to offer.
The Harris-Cameron Mansion, located at 219 South Front Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was home to the capital city’s founder, John Harris, Jr. and his sons from 1766 to 1835.
It was sold to prominent Harrisburg lawyer and later Pennsylvania attorney general Thomas Elder, who lived there until 1853.
Next, the house was owned by the Rev. Beverly Waugh who, with his wife, opened the Pennsylvania Female College in the mansion.
In 1862-63, the house was bought by U.S. Senator Simon Cameron, who was President Abraham Lincoln’s first Secretary of War and Ambassador to Russia. Cameron set about turning the Georgian house into a Victorian mansion in the Italianate style. It is this house, along with some later additions, that visitors see today. Cameron’s descendants lived in the house until 1933, and it was given to the Historical Society of Dauphin County in 1941.
The first floor of the mansion may be rented for dinner parties, weddings, family celebrations, business functions — even musical events. The Cameron family’s antique Steinway grand piano is available for your event.
Among the outstanding features is a grand parlor with double fireplaces, gilded chandeliers, and mirrors brought back from Europe by Cameron.
The glass-enclosed solarium was Sen. Cameron’s favorite spot for breakfast. Your guests will enjoy it, too. A beautifully decorated dining room features antique furnishings, displays of family china, and portraits of notable county residents from the past. This room may be used as a serving area only or for dining, as well.
The Mansion can accommodate approximately 100 people for a reception or stand-up gathering, 90 for a served sit-down affair using two separate rooms, and 60 for a buffet sit-down affair or if all guests will be seated in the same room.
We can put you in touch with several area caterers if you need help finding one. Our experienced staff will help you in every step of your event.
Your event at the Harris-Cameron Mansion may be elegant or simple, but it will always be memorable.
For more information, pricing and availability email office@dauphincountyhistory.org or phone (717) 233-3462. Visit us on Facebook as ‘Historical Society of Dauphin County.” Regular tour hours are Tuesday-Friday, at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Call to arrange for a special showing if you’re planning an event.
