Events: Stevens & Smith Center

Thaddeus Stevens’ 234th Birthday Party

An image of Thaddeus Stevens wearing a birthday hat with confetti flying in the background.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!

Logos for Willow Valley Communities and Mosaic by Willow Valley.

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Off-Site Event

April 1, 2026 Southern Market, 100 S. Queen St., Lancaster 5-7pm FREE | Registration Not Required

Grand Opening Weekend of the Stevens & Smith Center

Graphic advertising the Grand Opening Weekend of May 1-2, 2026 for the Stevens & Smith Center.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!

Join LancasterHistory for a weekend celebration, including a ribbon cutting, Grand Opening Gala, and a family-friendly community block party!

More information to come!

Dedication/Memorial Family-Friendly In-Person Event Opening Reception

May 1, 2026 The Stevens & Smith Center, 13-15 E. Vine Str., Lancaster