The Stevens & Smith Center

Building a world-class museum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy will feature cutting-edge interpretation and immersive, audio-visual experiences, encouraging visitors to consider the experiences of freedom seekers and their allies—and how the the struggle for equality continues to shape the United States today.

LancasterHistory is honored to partner with Centerbrook Architects and Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), an international team of researchers, artists, and exhibition designers, to help us bring the Stevens and Smith Center to life. Since 1978, RAA has worked on some of the world’s most celebrated institutions, such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the forthcoming Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago. To date, RAA has completed over 700 museum commissions in more than 50 countries.

A full-color image of the historic facades of Thaddeus Stevens' home and law office and the Kleiss Tavern on South Queen Street. — The law office and home of Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith on South Queen Street in Lancaster, PA.

The Stevens & Smith Center will be housed within two historic buildings in Lancaster City: the law office and home shared by Smith and Stevens, and the adjacent Kleiss Brewery. Situated within the footprint of the Lancaster County Convention Center, the Stevens & Smith Center will also be within walking distance of other Lancaster City landmarks and attractions and local transportation networks.

The Stevens & Smith Center Will Explore…

A rendering of illuminated plinths of abolitionists with visitors viewing the information.

Freedom & Slavery

When Stevens moved to Lancaster in the 1840s, slavery was the most critical issue facing the nation. Southeastern Pennsylvania has been called “Underground Central,” and Black resistance to slavery was widespread in Lancaster County. Exhibits and immersive experiences at the Stevens & Smith Center will focus on key events, both local and national, that led to the Civil War.

A rendering of people watching an immersive experience with video and audio.

The Civil War & Reconstruction

During the Civil War and the rebuilding of the nation that followed, Black people advocated for equality and civil rights. In Congress, Stevens championed radical policies including nationwide emancipation, universal voting rights, and federal protection for Black people’s rights in the postwar South. At the Stevens & Smith Center, visitors will be inspired to continue the fight to ensure civil rights for all Americans.

A rendering of a large exhibition space with multiple hanging banners from the ceiling and floor seated, free-standing plinths.

Reshaping the Constitution

Thaddeus Stevens led Republicans in Congress during the shaping of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the US Constitution. Among the most important ever passed, these amendments ended slavery, extended full citizenship to most Americans, and guaranteed Black men the right to vote. Visitors will develop an appreciation for the ways these amendments formed the basis for all future civil rights legislation, transforming American life.

A rendering of a meeting space showing a group of people seated in a circle in a discussion.

The Ongoing Fight for Equality

After Thaddeus Stevens died in 1868, Lydia Hamilton Smith continued to fight for her rights amid rising racial violence and the erosion of Reconstruction’s legal protections. The legacies of Stevens and Smith – and the long struggle for equality that continued to gain momentum in the century after their lives – resonates in our lives today. Visitors will discover the power that individuals and their networks possess to advocate for change and push our nation forward toward equality.

Through Historic Artifacts & Experiences…

A large, colorful quilt made of many different color patches on a dark gray background.

See Historic Objects

See historic objects, such as a rare abolitionist quilt made by Quaker Deborah Simmons Coates featuring the seal of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society.

A graphic featuring a scan of a handwritten letter from Elizabeth Pownall to her aunt.

Read Original Documents

Read original documents describing powerful moments of Black resistance and resilience in Lancaster County.

A black and white sketched illustration of Thaddeus Stevens reading and pointing above a crowd on men.

Hear the Speeches

Hear the sharp wit of Thaddeus Stevens as he vigorously advocates for equality in Congress.

Experience Compelling Stories

Experience what it was like to be a Black soldier fighting for freedom on the front lines of the Civil War.

A group of three Black men, three Black women, and one white woman march along a pool fence in protest to segregation.

Inspire Your Community

Inspire your community to honor Stevens’ and Smith’s legacies by continuing to advocate for equality and democracy today.

Designed for Every Visitor.

The Stevens & Smith Center will set a new standard for accessibility and inclusion.

At many museums and historic sites, accessibility is limited by design decisions made long ago. LancasterHistory has the rare opportunity to consider accessibility at every phase of planning.

We’ve partnered with several respected teams–including Prime Access Consulting, Centerbrook Architects, Ralph Appelbaum Associates, and Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta–to ensure accessibility beyond basic ADA compliance. From floor plans to typefaces, we’ve prioritized accessibility to make the Center a more enjoyable and inspiring experience for all.

A rendering of visitors viewing a large multi-media display. — A Shared Household: Personal Lives, Public Lives

A historical building in downtown Lancaster masked by an ampersand.

Be A Part of History.

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