Events: Family-Friendly

July Storytime | “Of Thee I Sing”

The book cover of "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters."Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this July! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For July 3, we’ll be reading Of Thee I Sing: A Letter To My Daughters by Barack Obama (Illustrated by Loren Long).

In this poignant letter to his daughters, Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children. Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood. (Penguin Random House)

Storytime is free, and registration is requested to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

July 3, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested

Wheatland “At Your Own Pace”

McMaster’s portrait of Buchanan hanging above the mantle in Wheatland’s parlor. (Courtesy of Larry Lefever Photography)

Explore President James Buchanan’s Wheatland at your own pace. On this self-guided tour, you can explore the President’s home and see what you want for as long as you want. Tour guides will be stationed around the mansion to provide visitors with information about the spaces, objects, and people who once called Wheatland home.

At-Your-Own-Pace tours are great for families (pick up a scavenger hunt from reception on your way in!) and those who want to take their time viewing the mansion in contrast to our regular ‘guided tour’ experience. Spend as little or as much time (within operating hours!) as you’d like in President Buchanan’s beloved home.

“Go-At-Your-Own-Pace” Tours are only available on Saturday, July 5. Entry times are every 30 minutes from 10am (first tour entry) until 3pm (last tour entry). Ticket purchase also includes self-guided access to LancasterHistory’s museum exhibitions. Tickets are $17/Adult (14+), $15/Senior (65+), $10/Youth (6-13), and free for children 5 and under. LancasterHistory Members receive complimentary admission. This tour is eligible for our Museums for All rate!

To purchase tickets in advance, please go online or call (717) 392-4633. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

At Your Own Pace Tour Family-Friendly In-Person Event Tour

July 5, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA Tour Entry Every 30 Minutes, 10am - 3pm FREE/Members | $17/Adults (18+) | $15/Seniors (65+) | $10 (11-College ID)

July Storytime | “Froggy Learns to Swim”

Image of the book cover of "Froggy Learns To Swim," with an illustration of a cartoon frog wearing swim trunks and scuba gear.Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this July! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For July 10, we’ll be reading Froggy Learns to Swim by Jonathan London (Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz).

Frogs are supposed to be great swimmers. “Not me!” says Froggy, who’s afraid of the water. But with a little encouragement, some practice, and the help of a silly song or two, Froggy becomes an expert frog-kicker! (Penguin Random House)

Storytime is free, and registration is requested to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

July 10, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested

Music on the Lawn, feat. Trouble with Annie

An image of the band members of Trouble with Annie.
Trouble with Annie

Music on the Lawn returns this summer with more fantastic local bands in James Buchanan’s backyard! This family- (and dog-) friendly event welcomes attendees to relax and enjoy an evening outdoors with live music. July’s concert features Trouble with Annie playing the best of country music from the ’90s through the 2000s.

Tickets are free for LancasterHistory Members, $10/Adult (18+) Non-Members, and free for Children 17 & Under. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (717) 392-4633. Tickets are also available at-the-door with cash or card (cash preferred).

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, foldable chairs, and picnics. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. If you require any special accommodations to attend, please notify Annie Weeks at (717) 392-4633, ext. 134 or annie.weeks@lancasterhistory.org in advance. Restrooms available onsite. In the event of inclement weather, the call will be made at noon on July 12 and ticketholders will be notified. The rain date for this event is Sunday, July 13 from 1-3pm.

 

Many Thanks to Our 2025 Music on the Lawn Season Sponsors!

A graphic with the sponsor logos of Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities, Ville Painters, EHD, and Yurchak Printing.

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

July 12, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 5-7pm FREE/LancasterHistory Members | $10/Non-Member Adults (18+) | FREE/Children 17 & Under

July Storytime | “Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books”

The book cover of "Abe Lincoln" with an illustrated cover of a book sitting in a tall tree reading.Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this July! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For July 17, we’ll be reading Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winters (Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter).

Learn about the early life of Abraham Lincoln in this picture book biography that Kirkus Reviews calls “a moving tribute to the power of books and words.” In a tiny log cabin a boy listened with delight to the storytelling of his ma and pa. He traced letters in sand, snow, and dust. He borrowed books and walked miles to bring them back. When he grew up, he became the sixteenth president of the United States. His name was Abraham Lincoln. (Simon & Schuster)

Storytime is free, and registration is requested to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

July 17, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested

July Storytime | “Sofia Valdez, Future Prez”

Book cover for "Sofia Valdez, Future Prez."

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this July! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For July 24, we’ll be reading Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty (Illustrated by David Roberts).

Children who join Sofia in her story will learn that they can help their community—or even one day become president of the United States! Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school . . . until one day when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill, and he can no longer do so. Sofia (aka Sofi) misses her Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea: The town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do. (Abrams Books)

Storytime is free, and registration is requested to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

July 24, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested

Butterflies & Moths As Pollinators

A woman with light skin and mid-length blonde hair. She wears glasses, butterfly earrings, and a blue button up shirt.
Debra Carman

Discover the worlds of some of our favorite pollinators, butterflies and moths, at July’s Nature Series program! Master Gardener Deb Carman will present on the niche that lepidopterans (butterflies and moths) occupy among other insect pollinators. Learn about the similarities and differences between dazzling butterflies and marvelous moths, as well as what native plants attract certain species.

Debra Carman is a Penn State Master Gardener (York County), Chair of the Native Plant Habitat Committee, and a butterfly and moth habitat specialist. Carmon’s mission is to inspire others to make positive environmental changes in their gardening practices. She enjoys teaching the importance of creating environmentally friendly habitats with native plants that foster food webs for all wildlife.

HOW TO REGISTER
The event, “Butterflies & Moths As Pollinators” will take place on Saturday, July 26 at 10am at LancasterHistory. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $10/Adults and $5/Children (17 & Under). Friends of the Tanger Arboretum members receive complimentary admission, but should still register for the program. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (717) 392-4633. Advance tickets recommended as walk-in tickets are not guaranteed.

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

Membership gets you more! Membership to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum not only supports the care and conservation of this local natural resource, but also gets you great benefits such as complimentary admission to Nature Series programs! Learn more about membership and sign up today here.

The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum is a member of the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admission Program. AHS Reciprocal Admission Program members may register for tickets in advance and must show a valid membership card upon checking in. AHS Members should contact Emily Miller, emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org, with any questions or to register for tickets in advance.


This event is hosted by the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum. The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, a subsidiary organization of LancasterHistory, helps foster public interest in, and support for, the maintenance and development of the Tanger Arboretum as a community asset. To learn more about the Arboretum or to become a member, please visit the Arboretum’s webpage.

 


The 2025 Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Nature Series is sponsored by Ever Green Tree & Lawn Care! Thank you for your support!

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Nature Series Program

July 26, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave, Lancaster 10-11:30am $10/Adults | $5/Children (17 & Under) | FREE for Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Members

July Storytime | “Acorn Was A Little Wild”

Book cover of "Acorn Was A Little Wild" featuring an illustration of an anthropomorphic acorn falling through the leaves.Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this July! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For July 31, we’ll be reading Acorn Was A Little Wild by Jen Arena (Illustrated by Jessica Gibson).

When Acorn jumps off the oak tree, he finds a wide world full of exciting new experiences! A charming picture book about a young acorn’s grand adventure and the incredible transformation that follows. (Scholastic Books)

Storytime is free, and registration is requested to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

July 31, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Requested

Wheatland “At Your Own Pace”

McMaster’s portrait of Buchanan hanging above the mantle in Wheatland’s parlor. (Courtesy of Larry Lefever Photography)

Explore President James Buchanan’s Wheatland at your own pace. On this self-guided tour, you can explore the President’s home and see what you want for as long as you want. Tour guides will be stationed around the mansion to provide visitors with information about the spaces, objects, and people who once called Wheatland home.

At-Your-Own-Pace tours are great for families (pick up a scavenger hunt from reception on your way in!) and those who want to take their time viewing the mansion in contrast to our regular ‘guided tour’ experience. Spend as little or as much time (within operating hours!) as you’d like in President Buchanan’s beloved home.

“Go-At-Your-Own-Pace” Tours are only available on Saturday, August 2. Entry times are every 30 minutes from 10am (first tour entry) until 3pm (last tour entry). Ticket purchase also includes self-guided access to LancasterHistory’s museum exhibitions. Tickets are $17/Adult (14+), $15/Senior (65+), $10/Youth (6-13), and free for children 5 and under. LancasterHistory Members receive complimentary admission. This tour is eligible for our Museums for All rate!

To purchase tickets in advance, please go online or call (717) 392-4633. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

At Your Own Pace Tour Family-Friendly In-Person Event Tour

August 2, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA Tour Entry Every 30 Minutes, 10am - 3pm FREE/Members | $17/Adults (18+) | $15/Seniors (65+) | $10 (11-College ID)

Music on the Lawn, feat. The Jordan Rast Trio

A black and white photo of three young men with various string guitar instruments.
The Jordan Rast Trio

Music on the Lawn returns this summer with more fantastic local bands in James Buchanan’s backyard! This family- (and dog-) friendly event welcomes attendees to relax and enjoy an evening outdoors with live music. August’s concert features The Jordan Rast Trio playing bluegrass, country, and Americana music.

Tickets are free for LancasterHistory Members, $10/Adult (18+) Non-Members, and free for Children 17 & Under. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (717) 392-4633. Tickets are also available at-the-door with cash or card (cash preferred).

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, foldable chairs, and picnics. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. If you require any special accommodations to attend, please notify Annie Weeks at (717) 392-4633, ext. 134 or annie.weeks@lancasterhistory.org in advance. Restrooms available onsite. In the event of inclement weather, the call will be made at noon on August 23 and ticketholders will be notified. The rain date for this event is Sunday, August 24 from 1-3pm.

 

Many Thanks to Our 2025 Music on the Lawn Season Sponsors!

A graphic with the sponsor logos of Mosaic by Willow Valley Communities, Ville Painters, EHD, and Yurchak Printing.

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

August 23, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 5-7pm FREE/LancasterHistory Members | $10/Non-Member Adults (18+) | FREE/Children 17 & Under