The museum was founded in 1980 by Arthur Futer, renowned historian, Indian archeologist and noted Percussionist with the New Holland Band. First located in his home in New Holland, the museum was moved to the old New Holland Borough Building in 1983 and then moved again in 1997 to its present location, the second floor of the Eastern Lancaster County Library Building in New Holland.

The museum houses hundreds of musical instruments from 1620 to present day. In addition it includes many community band uniforms and memorabilia from community bands throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Included in the museum collection are photographs of New Holland Band activities throughout the long history of the band beginning in 1856. Since Mr. Futer was a well known and renowned percussionist the museum includes many examples of percussion instruments through the years. The drum being the oldest musical instrument, the collection includes examples of bass drums, tympani, snare drums, trap drums, cymbals, xylophones, as well as many of the accessories included in the percussion section.

It may not be commonly known that many of the bass and snare drums used in outstanding musical organizations such as the Philadelphia Orchestra and the US Marine Band obtain their drums from Mr. Bill Reamer, a resident of the New Holland Area. Mr. Reamer and his wife are volunteer tour guides for the New Holland Band Museum, taking their turn among 20 music minded individuals who serve as guides. Some examples of Reamer's work can be seen in the New Holland Band Museum, since the New Holland Band has also obtained drums from his work.

Because the band models itself in the Sousa tradition we also have many artifacts from the original Sousa Band including pictures. One of the highlights of the museum is the last baton used by Mr. Sousa the night before he died in March 1932.

The museum often has visitors from many prestigious musical organizations, including personnel from The Philadelphia Orchestra, US Marine Band, US Air Force Band and others. In fact part of our collection is on loan to the US Air Force Herald Trumpet Museum in Arlington, Virginia.

The museum is located on Chestnut Street SE of the New Holland Community Park on the second floor of the Eastern Lancaster County Library Building and is accessible for the physically challenged by elevator. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10AM to 4PM. The museum is open to organizations by appointment. Arrangements can be made by calling 717-354-5280 or 610-593-5694.