Thaddeus Stevens’ 234th Birthday Party
You only turn 234 once, right? Join LancasterHistory to celebrate Thaddeus Stevens’ 234th birthday with a celebration at Southern Market! On Wednesday, April 1, from 5-7pm, gather at Southern Market for good cheer, birthday cupcakes, and a round of trivia. Southern Market’s Bar 1888 will also be whipping up a special cocktail for the month of April (and available on April 1) called “The Teetotaler,” inspired by Stevens’ drinking preferences.
“Thaddeus Stevens’ 234th Birthday Celebration” will take place on Wednesday, April 1 from 5-7pm at Southern Market, 100 S. Queen Street in Lancaster. The event is free and open to the public, and does not require registration. Southern Market will also be open for regular food and drink purchases.
Thank You to Willow Valley Communities and Mosaic For Their Support of LancasterHistory and the Stevens & Smith Center!

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Off-Site Event
Celebrate and gather with friends for the Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum! Join us on Wednesday, April 8 from 6-9pm at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster for an evening of fellowship and fun, benefitting the care and conservation of the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum at LancasterHistory.

Join LancasterHistory at Woodward Hill Cemetery for the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony for President James Buchanan, the United States’ 15th President. Taking place two days after Buchanan’s birthday, the ceremony features the laying of fresh flowers at the gravesite of the former president and remarks by the presiding officer of the Pennsylvania National Guard as well as local dignitaries.
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the Grand Opening of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy!
297 years and Lancaster County is still standing! Come toast the founding of Lancaster County with fun, facts, and a few surprises along the way. At our annual County Founding Day celebration, we’ll feature flash talks from local historians, pop-up exhibits, and the return of Lancaster County Cake Wars!