Events: Special Event

Open The Door: A Discussion of the History of Race & Baseball in Lancaster County

A black and white image of a young Black man in a baseball uniform.
Keith Kelley began playing for the Lancaster Red Roses in 1951, pitching a no-hitter in his debut. From the Collections of LancasterHistory.

On Sunday, April 26, 1925, the Harrisburg Giants of the Eastern Colored League played the first of five official league games at Rossmere Base Ball Park in Lancaster County. The Eastern Colored League was one of many segregated leagues that existed in the first half of the 20th Century when white owners observed an unwritten but clearly understood rule barring Black players from their teams. Yet despite the bigotry they faced elsewhere, Black owners, players, and fans built the Negro Leagues into a space where they could thrive. From the Harrisburg Giants to Jackie Robinson to Black and brown players in the game today, the history of baseball isn’t just about scores and statistics—it provides a lens through which to view the history of race and democracy in America.

Join LancasterHistory, local historian Jeremy Raff, and Crispus Attucks Community Center’s Young Professionals of Color Network on Tuesday June 17, 2025 for a special event celebrating the Harrisburg Giants and the Negro Leagues. The evening will begin with a short film and panel discussion to celebrate the Giants’ centennial and the opening of LancasterHistory’s latest exhibit Open the Door: The Harrisburg Giants, the Red Roses, and Baseball’s Color Line in Central Pennsylvania. Following the panel, we’ll break into smaller groups for further discussions of sports and race in America.

Schedule of Events

  • 5:30pm –  A Century of Change Film Screening and Panel Discussion
    • A Century of Change, a PBS documentary, tells the story of the Negro National League teams which were not only an economic staple in the Black community, but a source of pride. The panel, moderated by Jeremy Raff, will feature Lancaster historian Leroy Hopkins, baseball historian Ted Knorr, visual creative Joseph Mobley, and India Garnett, grand niece of Rap Dixon, a star for the Harrisburg Giants.
  • 6:30pm – Reception
  • 7:00pm – Small Group Discussions

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. To register, please click here or call (717) 392-4633 to register over the phone.

This inclusive event welcomes participants of all ages and backgrounds who wish to engage in constructive dialogue. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior to ensure a respectful environment for all attendees.

If you have any questions, please contact Starleisha Gingrich, Education and Programs Manager at LancasterHistory, (starleisha.gingrich@lancasterhistory.org) or Josh Hunter, Director of the Crispus Attucks Community Center (jhunter@caplanc.org).

Presented In Partnership with Crispus Attucks Community Center and Young Professionals of Color Lancaster

The logos for Crispus Attucks Community Center and Young Professionals of Color Lancaster.

Film Screening In-Person Event Panel Reception

June 17, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 5:30 - 8pm FREE | Registration Requested

2025 Annual Gathering of LancasterHistory

A color illustration of Thaddeus Stevens, James Buchanan, and a frog caddie playing golf.
Artwork by Mike Abel

Enjoy a summer evening of history and fellowship on Wednesday, June 25! Savor decadent light bites and refreshing cocktails, explore captivating exhibits, and stroll the lush grounds of the Tanger Arboretum. Challenge your friends to lively games and learn about what’s ahead at LancasterHistory! And, don’t miss our exciting new way to directly support artifacts and projects: investing in our “Pet Project” Program.

All proceeds from the Annual Gathering benefit the education and public programs of LancasterHistory.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

  • Beginning at 5:30pm: Cocktails & decadent bites
  • 6pm: Brief Remarks by Robin Sarratt, President & CEO of LancasterHistory
  • Special Opportunities throughout the Evening
    • Old Buck’s Wine Pull
    • Lawn Games
    • Sneak Peek of New Historic Artifacts
    • “Pet Project” Adoption Fair

RESERVATIONS

Tickets are available at the levels below. Each level is preceded by the name of said level (ex. “Preservation Pioneer”), followed by the price per person. Each ticket includes admission to the event, light bites, and drinks. The higher the level, the more support you give to LancasterHistory. While some table seating will be available, this event is not a sit-down dinner but an elevated cocktail party.

  • Individual Ticket: $100/person
  • Heritage Champion: $250/person
  • Preservation Pioneer: $500/person
  • LancasterHistory Legend: $1,000/person

A portion of each ticket level is tax deductible. For higher levels ($250 and up), an added benefit is attendees name(s) listed on the event program.

RSVP by June 16, 2025 by completing one of the following:

Unable to attend but want to show your support? Consider making a gift! Thank you for your generosity!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There is ample parking available on-site at LancasterHistory. “Dressy casual” dress is suggested for this event (ex. sundresses, khakis with blazer, collared shirt, etc…).

 

Special Thanks to Our Event Partner

Groff Funeral and Cremation Services logo

With thanks to the following partners for their ongoing support of educational programs at LancasterHistory

Various logos for businesses.

Fundraiser In-Person Event

June 25, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603 5:30-7:30pm Tickets Begin at $100