Events: Special Event

“Pathways of Persistence” Open House & Reception

A graphic displaying event information for the April 12 Open House and Reception.Wherever you go in Lancaster County —up Route 30, down quiet country roads, or along bustling city streets—you’ll encounter the rich and enduring legacy of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Lancaster’s AANHPI residents have contributed to the county’s cultural, economic, and social landscape, adapting to challenges and thriving across generations. Pathways of Persistence, a collaboration between Lancaster Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders and LancasterHistory, celebrates these stories of resilience, perseverance, and impact. Through this exhibit, we honor the voices and experiences that have helped shape Lancaster, bringing to light the multifaceted contributions AANHPI individuals have made in business, culture, and beyond.

Join LancasterHistory and Lancaster Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (LAAPI) on Saturday, April 12 from 3-6pm for a special open house and reception celebrating Pathways of Persistence. Attendees will be able to view the exhibitions and enjoy snacks from Momma Son’s, a food vendor and caterer based in Columbia that specializes in Cambodian cuisine. At 4pm, there will be remarks from LancasterHistory, LAAPI, and community members who contributed photographs to the exhibit.

This event is free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome if capacity permits, but advance registration is appreciated. To attend, register online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

 

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Reception

April 12, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Avenue, Lancaster 3 - 6pm FREE | Registration Encouraged
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The 2025 Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum

Celebrate and gather with friends for the Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum! Join us on Wednesday, April 16 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.

The Annual Dinner begins at 6pm with cocktails, followed by a plated dinner at 6:30pm and a program, awards, and raffle drawings around 7:30pm. We’re excited to welcome local tree enthusiast Len Eiserer for a great presentation spotlighting “In Celebration of the Humble Serviceberry.”

RSVP INFORMATION & DINING OPTIONS

Tickets to attend the Annual Dinner for the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum are $65 per person. Ticket purchase includes access to the event, a plated dinner (salad, sides, main entree, and dessert), and the main presentation by Len Eiserer. Raffle tickets may be purchased during the cocktail reception at 6pm with cash. Proceeds from the dinner and raffle benefit the care and conservation of the Tanger Arboretum.

Dinner includes: Salad with sun-dried cranberries, garden vegetables, & balsamic vinaigrette, herb roasted potatoes and seasonal roasted vegetables, a main entree (choose one: chicken piccata, New England style baked haddock, or grilled vegetables and pecorino cheese ravioli), and crumb-topped apple pie with whipped cream. It is a cash bar.

RSVP by April 1, 2025 by completing your RSVP online, mailing in a RSVP card with payment, or by calling Emily Miller at (717) 392-4633, ext. 133. If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please also let Emily know by phone or by emailing emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org.

If you are unable to attend the Annual Dinner and would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, please click here.

Image of Len EisererABOUT THE PRESENTATION: Join local tree enthusiast Len Eiserer for a presentation celebrating the serviceberry (Amelanchier)! Serviceberries are crucial players in our native landscapes, providing food for pollinators and songbirds. They also played important roles in American history as a key food staple for Indigenous peoples and as a harbinger of springtime. Learn about the history and importance of the underrated, underutilized, and wonderful serviceberry!

Len Eiserer received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and his doctorate in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College. He has taught for 38 years and currently teaches at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). He maintains the website, Tree Treasures of Lancaster County, and serves on the board of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum.

Fundraiser In-Person Event Off-Site Event Program Reception

April 16, 2025 DoubleTree Resort, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 6-9pm $65/person
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2025 Annual Presidential Wreath Laying & Ceremony

Image of Buchanan's grave site in Woodward Hill Cemetery.Join LancasterHistory at Woodward Hill Cemetery for the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony for President James Buchanan, the United States’ 15th President. Taking place in the week of 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.

On April 19, the ceremony and remarks will include the following individuals and groups. Please note that this list will continue to be updated as more information develops.

  • Brigadier General Francis R. Montgomery will present the ceremonial wreath at the gravesite of James Buchanan;
  • The Lancaster Fencibles will fire a 21-gun salute;
  • A member of Masonic Lodge No. 43, James Buchanan’s lodge, will make brief remarks;
  • Boy Scout Troop 58 will conduct a pre-ceremony cleaning of the gravesite and plant new flowers as well as lead those assembled for the ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance; and
  • The Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard will present a new American Flag for the gravesite and play Taps on the bugle.

This event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. For directions to the Cemetery, please click here.

Brig. Gen. Francis R. Montgomery is the Assistant Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Brig. Gen. Montgomery graduated from the US Army War College in 2018, earning a Masters in Strategic Studies. He earned his Bachelors in Civil Engineering in 1996 from Widener University. Brig. Gen. Montgomery has held numerous diverse positions throughout his 28 years of service, including the Construction and Facilities Management Office, 213th Regional Support Group Commander, J3/Director of Military Support, 28th Infantry Division Rear Detachment Chief of Staff, and the 328th Brigade Support Battalion Commander. He has received numerous awards and decorations, including, but not limited to, the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star medal, and Meritorious Service Medal (second award).

Dedication/Memorial In-Person Event Off-Site Event Outdoor

April 19, 2025 Woodward Hill Cemetery, 508 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 10am FREE

C. Emlen Urban By The Letter

Join LancasterHistory on Saturday, May 3 at 10am and 2pm at LancasterHistory for 90-minute presentations by author and architect Gregory J. Scott on his latest work, Urban Alphabet. This new release focuses on the architectural details that Lancaster’s most prolific architect, C. Emlen Urban, incorporated into the designs of his many buildings throughout Lancaster City and the County. Attendees will learn about these different architectural details and come away from the presentation with a better understanding and appreciation for the artistry of Urban’s work.

A headshot of a man with light skin. He wears a black turtleneck shirt with a gray blazer on top. His hands are clasped in front of him and he smiles at the camera.
Gregory J. Scott

Gregory J. Scott is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, partner emeritus at RLPS Architects, architectural columnist for Lancaster Newspaper LNP, recent architectural correspondent for Lancaster NBC affiliate WGAL, and twice recipient of the Journalist and Educator Award presented by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. Gregg and his wife, Terri, reside in Northeast Harbor, ME, and Lancaster, PA. They have two children and two grandchildren. Gregg’s current board and community positions include the Hamilton Club, Northeast Harbor Neighborhood House, Mount Desert Island Housing Trust, and Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services advisor. He is also an Eagle Scout.

About Urban Alphabet
Urban Alphabet is an illustrated dictionary detailing the work of C. Emlen Urban, the architectural legend who left an indelible and distinctive mark on the City of Lancaster a century ago. The author, Gregory J. Scott, FAIA, connects each letter of the alphabet to the architectural term for a detail or style of architecture common to Urban’s buildings. Urban Alphabet is the second book in a series created by Scott to foster an appreciation and understanding of the inspired work of Lancaster’s most prolific architect.

REGISTRATION
Presentations will take place on Saturday, May 3 at 10am and 2pm at LancasterHistory. Copies of Urban Legend and Urban Alphabet will be available for purchase in LancasterHistory’s Museum Store while supplies last. Scott will be available after each presentation for book signings.

Presentations are free and open to the public, but advance registration is appreciated and encouraged as space for walk-ins is not guaranteed.

REGISTER FOR THE 10AM PROGRAM

REGISTER FOR THE 2PM PROGRAM

Note for Registrants: Successful registrants will receive an email confirmation with their tickets after checking out. If you do not receive an email within 5-10 minutes of checking out, please check your junk/spam folders. If you receive no email, please contact LancasterHistory to verify your registration.

Book Signing In-Person Event Lecture

May 3, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster Presentations at 10am & 2pm FREE | Registration Appreciated

County Founding Day 2025

Celebrate Lancaster County’s 296th Birthday on the Campus of History!

On May 10, 1729, Lancaster County was born. Since then, 10 generations of Lancastrians have lived, laughed, loved, and eaten shoofly pie in our community. Join LancasterHistory for the annual County Founding Day celebration and life a glass to everyone who has called Lancaster County home over the last 296 years. Enjoy extended museum hours, flash talks from local historians, pop-up exhibits, and, of course, birthday cake!

County Founding Day 2025 will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 530-8pm.

Stay tuned for more information and tickets!

Open House Family-Friendly In-Person Event Reception

May 8, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 5:30pm

Baseball’s Color Line in Local and National Contexts

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.

In 1925, the Harrisburg Giants, a Negro League baseball team, began playing their Sunday games at Rossmere Base Ball Park in Lancaster. Join LancasterHistory, Community Action Partnership (CAP), and local historian Jeremy Raff as we celebrate the Giants’ 100th anniversary with a special exhibit  and documentary screening about the 1920s teams that created their own leagues when Major League Baseball excluded them.

This event will take place in person at LancasterHistory on Tuesday, June 17. Stay tuned for more information and registration!

Film Screening In-Person Event Panel Reception

June 17, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 5pm Reception | 5:30pm Presentation FREE | Registration Required