The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley was formed in 1957 as a project of the Ephrata Recreation Center. In 1961 the Society purchased the Connell home from Alvin Wissler, who had purchased the property from the guardians and executors of Nora Connell.
The Society is interested in preserving the heritage of the Cocalico Valley, which the Society defines as the townships of East and West Cocalico and Ephrata (all once part of Cocalico Township), Clay, West Earl, and a portion of Earl. This area encompasses the boroughs of Ephrata, Akron, Denver, and Adamstown. Items found in the museum of the Society were either made in the Cocalico Valley, or are representative or typical of the things used in the Cocalico Valley area.