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The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy
The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy
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About LancasterHistoryOur Purpose

LancasterHistory is a community-based, not-for-profit organization established to educate the public on Lancaster County and its significance within the context of state and national history.

We strive to advance the missions of regional historical organizations, and promote the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of resources representing Lancaster’s history.

White background with a light gray square logo at the top, followed by LancasterHistory in large white text stacked in two lines, highlighting Lancaster's rich local history.

We are custodians of a complex past—we collect, preserve, and exhibit materials that chronicle Lancaster County’s heritage, and engage with public, who’s history we preserve.

What We Do

A person with shoulder-length brown hair and wearing a white shirt stands in front of a museum exhibit, reading information panels and looking at black and white historical photographs on the wall.

LancasterHistory exists to engage and educate the public with multi-layered stories of the past, featuring the people, places, and events that shaped Lancaster County. Our team helps bring history to life through…

  • Events
    • Programs
      • Internships
        • Conservation
          • Exhibitions
            • Education

              Through the Stevens & Smith CenterLancasterHistory honors the legacies of Lydia Hamilton Smith and Thaddeus Stevens by helping the next generation carry on their work with courage, perseverance, and hope.

              Mission Statement

              At the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, we chronicle, interpret, and advance the accomplishments of Thaddeus Stevens, Lydia Hamilton Smith, and others who fought for equality and championed citizenship in the United States. We seek to promote democracy in action by connecting past and present freedom struggles — emboldening visitors to make positive change in their communities.

              Values Statement

              We draw inspiration and vitality from the lives of Thaddeus Stevens, Lydia Hamilton Smith, and others to: align our actions with all seekers of freedom; ensure equality of opportunity in all our endeavors; shoulder our responsibilities as citizens in a representative democracy; and foster positive change in our communities and country.