Inaugural Wreath-Laying for Lydia Hamilton Smith
Join us for LancasterHistory’s inaugural wreath-laying ceremony for Lydia Hamilton Smith. Smith was Thaddeus Stevens’ housekeeper, a businesswoman in her own right, and also a devout Roman Catholic who was buried at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery upon her death in 1884. Taking place the week before Smith’s birthday, the ceremony will feature the laying of fresh flowers at her gravesite and remarks by community leaders.
This event is free and open to the public. We are requesting that individuals register for the event so that we may contact them in the event of inclement weather that may cause us to cancel the event. Attendees may register online or by calling 717.392.4633. Please register with an actively monitored cellphone and email address in the event of cancellations.
Arrival & Parking Information
Attendees are encouraged to use street parking on the 200-block of Park Avenue and enter via the pedestrian-only entrance across from the intersection of Park Avenue and Shippen Street. This provides the easiest access to Lydia Hamilton Smith’s gravesite. (Enter Park Avenue Apartments at 255 Park Avenue in GPS navigation platforms and you’ll be just up the street.)
Attendees can also park inside the cemetery. If driving and parking inside the cemetery, it is best to use 401 New Holland Avenue as your destination in GPS navigation platforms. This will take you to the cemetery’s main entrance. The gravesite is on the opposite end of the cemetery from the auto entrance and attendees can park on the shoulder of the roads nearby.
Accessibility
St. Mary’s Cemetery and Lydia Hamilton Smith’s gravesite are wheelchair accessible in that they do not have stairs. However, most of the paths, though paved, are cracked, uneven, and have potholes. Access to the gravesite itself is on grass. Spaces to park that are nearest to the gravesite will be reserved for those with accessibility needs.
Note that St. Mary’s Cemetery is adjacent to Lancaster Cemetery, but has its own entrances. You will not be able to access Lydia Hamilton Smith’s gravesite from Lancaster Cemetery.
Dedication/Memorial In-Person Event Off-Site Event Outdoor
The Stevens & Smith Center is coming in early 2026, but before we fill the space with priceless artifacts and beautiful displays, we want to welcome guests in for a sneak peek– and a once in a lifetime party! With lavish food stations, bars, and music throughout the Center, the Sneak Peek Soirée is a chance to preview the Center and get a first look at its beautifully renovated spaces while supporting LancasterHistory’s education and public programs.
Join us 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.