Main Street Hanover Celebrates Over a Decade of Service from Board Chair Mindy Crawford

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Hanover, PA — As Main Street Hanover prepares to welcome new leadership to its Board of Directors this fall, the organization is taking a moment to recognize one of its many dedicated volunteers: Mindy Crawford, who has served Main Street Hanover in various volunteer capacities since 2015, including as Board Chairperson.
Crawford’s term as Board Chairperson concludes in September 2026, marking an opportunity for Main Street Hanover to reflect on her nearly 12 years of involvement with the organization and the lasting impact of her service.
Recently, Main Street Hanover Marketing & Administrative Coordinator Alex Brown sat down with Crawford to talk about her experience volunteering with the organization, her connection to downtown revitalization, and what she hopes to see for Main Street Hanover’s future.
For Crawford, working alongside Main Street organizations has been a natural extension of her professional career in historic preservation.
“I’ve worked at both Historic York and Preservation Pennsylvania,” Crawford explained. “It was through this that Downtown Inc. in York came to be. From then on, I kind of automatically became a board member. So, I’ve been working alongside Main Streets for my entire career.”
Crawford first became involved with Main Street Hanover in June 2015, initially joining the organization as a guest speaker before being invited to officially serve as a volunteer and board member.
Her professional interests in history, preservation and community development have naturally overlapped with her volunteer work.
“It’s always a challenge, all my interests overlap,” she said. “History and community. It finds a way of all coming together through all the different things that I do.”
Over the years, Crawford has been involved in many aspects of Main Street Hanover’s work, but one of her favorite memories extends beyond her board service. She was invited to participate in Hanover’s Christmas Committee, something she had specifically hoped to become involved with.
Within Main Street Hanover, however, Crawford points to a particularly important moment: helping hire Executive Director Moriah Tyler.
“Seeing how she’s really taken Main Street and made it into a flourishing organization has been wonderful to see,” Crawford said. “I mean we’ve changed so much in just two years.”
That growth has also changed Crawford’s own relationship with downtown Hanover.
“Last year I did almost all of my Christmas shopping in Downtown, isn’t that crazy?” she said with a laugh.
When asked what makes an effective volunteer, Crawford emphasized that volunteering requires commitment and initiative.
“Once you say yes, you must give it the time,” she said. “You must be ready and willing for everything; you can’t expect to be spoon-fed.”
That philosophy has characterized Crawford’s own service to Main Street Hanover. Her willingness to share her expertise, ask questions, participate in discussions and invest her time has made her an invaluable member of the organization.
And while her term as Board Chairperson is coming to an end, Crawford remains enthusiastic about what lies ahead.
“I’m just genuinely excited about the future of Main Street Hanover,” she said.
A Career Built on Preservation and Community
Crawford’s commitment to historic preservation and community revitalization extends well beyond Main Street Hanover. What began as a part-time job typing National Register nominations in 1982 developed into a decades-long career in historic preservation.
She has served as Executive Director of Preservation Pennsylvania since 2006, following 24 years with Historic York, Inc., including 20 years as its Executive Director. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from York College and a master’s degree in historic preservation from Goucher College.
In addition to her professional work, Crawford teaches nonprofit management in Goucher College’s Master of Historic Preservation program and lectures nationally on 19th-century history. She is also developing a historic and architectural walking tour of her hometown of Hanover.
Crawford serves on the boards of several history and preservation organizations, including the National Preservation Partners Network, Pennsylvania Historical Association, Pennsylvania Chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association, Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Authority, Main Street Hanover and Hanover Economic Development Corporation.
Outside of work and volunteering, Crawford enjoys exploring the Lincoln Highway and other historic roads in search of roadside architecture and the perfect souvenir snow globe. She also participates in Civil War dancing and living history events with her husband, Rodney.
Crawford is also the author of Historic Pennsylvania: A Tour of the State’s Top 100 National Landmarks, a guide highlighting some of Pennsylvania’s most significant and publicly accessible National Historic Landmarks.
Main Street Hanover is grateful for Crawford’s years of leadership, expertise and service and looks forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation created through the dedication of volunteers like her.
“I’m just genuinely excited about the future of Main Street Hanover.” — Mindy Crawford
About Preservation Pennsylvania
Preservation Pennsylvania is the Commonwealth’s only independent, statewide nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting historically and architecturally significant places. Founded in 1982, the organization advances historic preservation through grassroots and legislative advocacy, technical assistance, educational programs, and partnerships with communities, government agencies, and local heritage organizations.
Through its work, Preservation Pennsylvania helps communities protect cultural resources, encourage economic development, strengthen community identity, and improve quality of life. The organization also hosts the annual Statewide Conference on Heritage and Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards and publishes Pennsylvania At Risk, highlighting endangered historic properties. Its preservation advocacy, including efforts to secure historic tax credits, plays an important role in safeguarding Pennsylvania’s architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.

About Main Street Hanover

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.

 

Main Street Hanover is a 501c3 non-profit & proceeds benefit the revitalization of Downtown Hanover.

Main Street Hanover Celebrates Over a Decade of Service from Board Chair Mindy Crawford

Upcoming Events

Stay updated on the latest events happening in Hanover.

Upcoming
October 3, 2026
Outdoor

Snack Town Fall Fest 2026

Snack Town Fall Fest is a one-day festival featuring food trucks, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), craft vendors, kid and family activities, and live music.
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October 10, 2026
Outdoor

2nd Saturday October - Trick Or Treat

Come downtown for October’s 2nd Saturday! Get ready for a spooktacular time at our Downtown Trick or Treat event.
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November 16, 2026
Outdoor

2nd Saturday November

Discover the charm of local shops, seasonal specials, and unique experiences waiting around every corner. Whether you’re starting your holiday shopping or simply enjoying a day out, there’s something for everyone downtown.
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November 28, 2026
Outdoor

Christmas in Hanover Festival

Get ready for a season of holiday cheer with Christmas in Hanover! Our festive lineup includes exciting events and activities that will bring the community together to celebrate the holidays.
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December 12, 2026
Outdoor

2nd Saturday December - Hot Chocolate and Cookie Stroll

Join us for the Hot Chocolate and Cookie Stroll on December 13, 2025! Stroll through our charming downtown, visit local businesses, and enjoy samples of delicious cookies and hot chocolate along the way. While you explore, enjoy festive entertainment including carolers spreading holiday cheer and a visit to Santa’s Cabin in the Square.
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Discover the Vibrant Culture and Community

Attending events in Hanover allows you to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and vibrant social scene of the town. From lively festivals to art exhibitions and live performances, there's always something exciting happening in Hanover.

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A group of friends enjoying some taste testing at Snack Town Brew Fest

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the top attractions to visit in Hanover?

Visitors often inquire about the Hanover Historic District, which is known for its over 2600 mid-19th to mid-20th-century buildings.

Are there guided tours available in Hanover?

In Hanover, Pennsylvania, history enthusiasts can enjoy a journey through time with visits to the Hanover Area Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s rich past; the Warehime-Myers Mansion, a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture; and the Neas House, one of the oldest surviving structures in Hanover, offering a glimpse into the life of the 18th-century Pennsylvania German settlers. These historical landmarks provide a captivating window into Hanover’s heritage and are a must-visit for those looking to experience the town’s historical charm.

Can visitors engage in any unique local activities?

In addition to Codorus State Park and Hickory Falls, Hanover is also known for the Snack Town Street Fair, a vibrant festival celebrating the town’s snack food heritage with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, created in partnership between the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and Utz Brands.

What historical experiences can one have in Hanover?

Hanover provides a rich historical experience with tours like the Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour and the Spirits of Jennie Wade Ghost Night Tour in nearby Gettysburg.

What is Hanover known for?

Hanover, Pennsylvania, is renowned as the Snack Food Capital of the World, home to iconic brands like Utz Quality Foods and Snyder’s of Hanover, which is part of the Campbell Snacks portfolio.                              

Where can I grab a drink?

Dolphin & Anchor Pub: Located in the heart of Hanover, they offer traditional beer styles with a twist.

Fat Bat Brewing Company: A local brewery started by a beer-loving brother and sister team, known for their craft beer selections.

Sign of the Horse Brewery: A contemporary brewery catering to craft brew enthusiasts with a range of house taps.

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Lydian Stone Brewing Company: A nano brewery offering a variety of craft beers, from the light or malty to the hoppy or stouts; and, plenty of conversation.

Where can I get a map of Hanover?

The Borough office at 33 Frederick St,‍ Hanover has everything you will need to find your way around Hanover.

Contact Us

Email

info@discoverhanoverpa.org

Phone

+1 (717) 637-6130 ext. 105

Office

40 York St Suite 2, Hanover, PA 17331