In addition to being the home of Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith, the corner of South Queen and East Vine Streets is home to a rich history of beer and brewing. Here, in 1759, John Frick founded one of the oldest breweries in Lancaster. In the 1860s, the building became a popular lager beer saloon where even the teetotaling Thaddeus Stevens occasionally enjoyed a drink. Enjoy a drink and light bites at LancasterHistory’s popular History Happy Hour, inside the Stevens & Smith Center!

A lively talk about the Stevens & Smith Center’s brewing and drinking history will be hosted by Stephanie Townrow, Director of Interpretation & Exhibitions at LancasterHistory’s Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center and a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Delaware. Stephanie brings a deep knowledge of historic foodways and years of experience researching Stevens, Smith, and the history of the site—as well as a love of beer and history.

History Happy Hour will take place on Thursday, July 10 from 5:30 – 7:30pm at the Stevens & Smith Center, 13-15 East Vine Street, Lancaster, PA. Doors open at 5:30pm and the main program will begin at 6pm. We’re excited to partner with Raney Cellars Brewing Company of Millersville, PA who will be providing and serving History Happy Hour’s beer selection for the evening!

Tickets are $35/person and include access to event, the program by Stephanie Townrow, and a drink and light appetizers. Event suggested for ages 18 or older, and individuals must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

Tickets go on sale Monday, June 30, 2025 at 10am Eastern. Once tickets sell out, there will not be a waiting list. We appreciate your enthusiasm for history!

Purchase Tickets

Thank You to Our History Happy Hour Sponsor!