Author: Shianne Hargrove

The Restoration of Wheatland’s Back Porch

From LancasterHistory News

Written by Patrick Clarke, Director of President James Buchanan’s Wheatland The Wheatland mansion was built at the end of the Federal style period in 1828 for William Jenkins, the president of the Farmers’ Bank of Lancaster. We don’t know the architect or builder, but they may have been familiar with the popular manuals circulating in […]

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Lydia Hamilton Smith: A Multifaceted Woman

From PhotoBlog

On February 8, LancasterHistory hosted the inaugural wreath-laying for Lydia Hamilton Smith at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Following our long tradition of participating in such ceremonies for President James Buchanan and Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, this year, we initiated the same honors for Mrs. Smith. Remarks by LancasterHistory President & CEO Robin Sarratt were followed by […]

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The Buzzards Are Here! The Buzzards Are Here!

From PhotoBlog

Written By Nick Siegert, Group Tour Coordinator Posted by Shianne Hargrove The most recent installation of the “Thieves & Vagabonds” exhibition swooped in late last year, joining the series of “case studies” that make up the interior, curved walls of the exhibit. The Buzzard Gang, 1867-1948, tells the story of a famous (and infamous) family […]

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The Voice & The Silk Gown: Marian Anderson’s Visit to J.P. McCaskey High School

From Notes From The Library

This month, LancasterHistory examines the intricate workings of women’s historical fashion—highlighting the versatile designs, patterns, fabrics, and accessories throughout the centuries with a local touch. One garment that stands out in this examination has an international, national, and local story etched in its silk. Famed opera singer Marian Anderson came to Lancaster County in 1947 […]

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Spencer F. Wilkerson: The 7th Ward Undertaker

From Notes From The Library

We’ve all been asked that dreaded question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” at least once in childhood. Our seven-year-old minds usually conjure images of doctors, teachers, or firefighters pulling cats out of trees. They are the standard. However, one seven-year-old wasn’t interested in meeting the standard. Spencer F. Wilkerson knew […]

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