Community leaders, historians, business leaders, and friends will gather on April 23, 2026, at the Hershey Lodge, for the Celebration of Harrisburg, an event honoring the rich history of the Harrisburg community and the 140-year legacy of service provided by The Salvation Army Harrisburg.
“This is a special milestone for our Salvation Army Harrisburg Corps and an opportunity to share our story of the early beginnings in Harrisburg, the programs and people we support, and the impact we continue to have on food insecurity, education, nutrition, workforce development, self-sufficiency programs, and children’s services,” says Major Christopher Mauk, Harrisburg Corps Officer.
The Celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m. with networking, followed by lunch and a program at 11:30 a.m. In a fireside chat setting, the panel discussion will focus on Harrisburg’s rich history and The Salvation Army’s longstanding role in helping the community through times of challenge and growth. The theme of this year’s event is resiliency, recognizing that both Harrisburg and the individuals served by The Salvation Army Harrisburg have faced obstacles and found strength through community support, working together, and a spirit of hope.
The panelists include David Schankweiler, Founder of Journal Multimedia and Interim President of Harrisburg University; Barbara Barksdale, Harrisburg historian; David Morrison, Executive Director of Historic Harrisburg Association; and Toni Lynn Mark, Development Director of The Salvation Army Harrisburg.
Panelists will discuss milestone moments in Harrisburg’s history when the community came together to overcome significant challenges, and Schankweiler will also share insights on exciting developments ahead for the Harrisburg community.
The event will also feature Harrisburg-themed giveaways and a “History Makers” Wall of Fame, where event sponsors will recognize an individual from their organization who has made a meaningful impact in the community.
Proceeds from the “Celebration of Harrisburg” will support programs and services at The Salvation Army Harrisburg, including a Choice Shopping Food Pantry, basic needs assistance, workforce development, short-term and long-term case management, after-school and summer youth programs, literacy initiatives for children, and disaster services. Collectively, these programs serve more than 20,000 individuals in the Harrisburg area each year.
Tickets and sponsorships are available at: https://bit.ly/CelebrateHBG
