On Friday, September 5, join LancasterHistory and Strong Towns Lancaster for Park(ing) Day at the Stevens & Smith Center! Park(ing) Day is a global, public, participatory project where people from across the world temporarily repurpose curbside parking spaces into communal spaces for parks, artwork, conversation, and more. With LancasterHistory’s expansion into Lancaster City, we’re excited to be a bigger part of the downtown community both inside and outside the building that was once Thaddeus Stevens’ home and law office!

On First Friday, LancasterHistory staff will be outside on South Queen Street talking about the Stevens & Smith Center and giving you a preview of the new programs we’re developing for the new site. Visitors will get hands on with history as they try on costumes from LancasterHistory’s education collection and recite key speeches that explore the meaning of freedom in America. It’s an evening designed for community connection, historical reflection, and creative expression as we transform a simple parking space into a place for meaningful dialogue about our past, present, and future.

September First Friday is a free event and open to the public. No registration required. The Stevens & Smith Center will not be open that evening for public visitation. All activities will take place outdoors.