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Contributed and Written by James McMahon and Andre Dominguez A New Object for Ware Commons LancasterHistory is pleased to announce that a nineteenth century velocipede built and operated by celebrated Lancaster balloonist John Wise will soon join President James Buchanan’s 1853 Rockaway Carriage on the mezzanine of Ware Commons. The two-wheeled velocipede and four-wheeled carriage […]
Read MoreThis 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 […]
Read MoreLancasterHistory recently accepted the donation of a miniature quilt flown into space aboard the eighth mission of Space Shuttle Challenger as part of the Skylab-2 mission (STS51-F). The mission occurred between July 29 and August 6, 1985. The donation is a gift of Cheryl White-Malpezzi, a granddaughter of one of the original quilters from Marietta, […]
Read MoreThis Black History Month, LancasterHistory dives deeper into the Black Lancastrians in the Arts: A Lasting Legacy photo exhibit on display at Stoudt Gallery. This exhibit explores the enduring work of African American artists in Lancaster County who have contributed to the film, art, music, and literary community on a local, national, and international level. […]
Read More“A Splendid Little War” This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Spanish-American War. Described as a “splendid little war” by future Secretary of State John Hay, the war lasted only a few months. The defeat of Spain ended Spanish colonial rule in the Americas and resulted in the United States acquiring territories in the […]
Read MoreWritten by Patrick Clarke, Director of President James Buchanan’s Wheatland Edited by Emily Miller Before You Read: This article is written to educate about the health struggles of the Buchanan family and the prevalence and impact of tuberculous on communities. Therefore, there are discussions of themes relating to disease (epidemics), death, and dying that may […]
Read MoreFounding and Growth Organized in 1886 and incorporated in 1901, the Lancaster County Historical Society (precursor to LancasterHistory) got off to a rather rough start. After holding thirteen meetings between 1886 and 1887, the Society would not hold another meeting until 1896. A revitalized Society held regular monthly meetings on Friday afternoons at 2:00 pm. […]
Read MoreWe’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 […]
Read MoreArticle written by Patrick Clarke Edited by Emily Miller John Henry William Bonitz was born in Germany ca. 1840. He immigrated to the United States in 1850 and by 1856, at the age of 16, he landed a job as a messenger clerk for the Secretary of War, Mr. Jefferson Davis. William’s son, Frederich, would […]
Read MoreThis summer, LancasterHistory welcomed five undergraduate students into our NEH Summer Internship Program. We also welcomed two students who worked exclusively on projects relating to the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History & Democracy. Starting in early June, the interns worked on various individual projects, participated in workshops, and travelled to other […]
Read MoreThe neighborhood of Lancaster’s Eighth Ward is known by the nickname “Cabbage Hill.”