The Grand Opening of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy!

Join LancasterHistory for a weekend celebration, including a ribbon cutting, Grand Opening Gala, and a family-friendly community block party

Opening on May 1, 2026, in the heart of downtown Lancaster, the restored historic properties once owned by Thaddeus Stevens and his partner Lydia Hamilton Smith are re-envisioned as a state-of-the-art museum and education space. Innovative exhibits, created with leading historians and designers, confront slavery, freedom, and the ongoing fight for equality in America. LancasterHistory—together with many collaborative partners—are eager to welcome the public for this once-in-a-generation moment for our community, a celebration as bold as the history it honors!

The excitement kicks off Friday morning as we officially open the Stevens & Smith Center with a celebratory ribbon-cutting! Doors open at 8am for coffee, light fare, and mingling. At 9am, the program begins with inspiring remarks and special guest performances that set the stage for a powerful new chapter.

This event is free and open to the entire community; we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Please RSVP so we can ensure ample seating and plenty of breakfast items for everyone. Join us as we mark this historic moment together and open the doors to something extraordinary!

RSVP for the Ribbon Cutting Questions about the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony should be directed to Erin Sell at ERIN.SELL@LANCASTERHISTORY.ORG or 717.392.4633, ext. 141.

Lancaster – Grand Opening Weekend of the Stevens & Smith Center Ribbon Cutting

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