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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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The Research Center & Historic CollectionsThe Heart of History

Collecting and interpreting the history of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is at the heart of LancasterHistory’s mission. Through primary sources and artifacts from Lancaster’s past, we aim to create context for understanding the story of Lancaster County and its place in state and national history.

Fragments of broken pottery, featuring various patterns and colors including brown floral, yellow, blue, green, and pink, are displayed against a dark background. Some pieces show intricate designs and curved shapes.

The Research Center

Many of the historic documents found in the Stevens & Smith Center and the research that helped inform its exhibitions came from the resources–both people and artifacts!–found in the LancasterHistory Research Center, located at our main headquarters at 230 North President Avenue.

The Research Center at LancasterHistory supports the needs of the public to conduct research on the historic past of Lancaster County and related topics. Knowledgeable staff can help support your research and enhance your understanding of the past. They can connect you to books, newspapers, maps, archival documents, photographs, objects, and more across the historic collections of LancasterHistory. Our goal is to make the history of Lancaster accessible, whether onsite at our Museum & Research Center or online.

Visiting the Research Center

Whether you are researching your roots, investigating the history of your house, or writing up a National History Day project, our Research Center team is here to help you! You can visit the Research Center, located in the LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center at 230 N. President Avenue in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and our talented team of librarians can help you navigate the historic collections and make the most of your visit. You can also reach out to the team online by contacting research@lancasterhistory.org.

For more specific information about the Research Center, please visit LancasterHistory’s Research Center page.

Searching the Collections

LancasterHistory maintains two databases that you can use to search the historic collections at LancasterHistory while from the comfort of, well, anywhere!

  • The Library Catalog at LancasterHistory allows the public to search published books, indexes, maps and atlases, vertical files, and copies of original documents on microfilm held at the LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center.
    • The Collections Database allows the public to search all 3-Dimensional artifacts, archival materials, and photographs that can be found at the LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center, particularly those in the Archives. Many items have been digitized, but digitization is an ongoing process and records are continuously added and updated.

      LancasterHistory MembershipsResearching on Repeat?

      Several people stand and converse inside a museum exhibit featuring text panels, historical images, and bright murals about equality, the 14th Amendment, and the ERA Amendment.

      Become a Member and Save on Admission

      Whether you find yourself making repeated trips to the Research Center or just want to help support the continued growth and accessibility of the Collections, consider becoming a Member of LancasterHistory! Members receive complimentary admission to the Research Center and discounts on Research Center services and classes.

      Become a Member
      A sepia-toned historical photograph shows a man in a suit and bow tie standing next to a woman with dark hair parted in the center, both looking directly at the camera.

      Ready to Research?Learn More

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