Events: Outdoor

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

Storytime [May 1, 2025]

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! 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. Book choice coming soon!

Storytime is free, and registration is required 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

May 1, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required
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Storytime [May 8, 2025]

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! 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. Book choice coming soon!

Storytime is free, and registration is required 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

May 8, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required
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Storytime [May 15, 2025]

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! 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. Book choice coming soon!

Storytime is free, and registration is required 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

May 15, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required
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Spring Seasonal Gathering Tour

A white flower with long petals. It is a star magnolia.
A Star Magnolia bloom.

Join the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum for their Spring Seasonal Gathering Tour on Saturday, May 14 at 10am. Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Board Members Jeffrey (Jeff) Hazlett and Bob Davis will lead attendees on a walking tour through the Arboretum for a glimpse at what’s new, what’s blooming, and what’s to come with the approach of warmer, sunnier months. In particular, attendees will learn about the many flowering trees on the grounds, the pollinator gardens, and the two recognized Pennsylvania Champion Trees that call the Arboretum home!

Jeff Hazlett is the current Vice President of the Board of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum and past president of the organization. He studied horticulture at Penn State University and is currently the president of Ever Green Tree & Lawn Care in Lancaster, PA. Jeff is a nature lover and an active volunteer for the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum and LancasterHistory.

Bob Davis is a member of the Board of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum and a former Board member of the American Conifer Society. He also serves as the Chair of the Program Committee of the Lancaster County Garden Club and has done so for 20 years. A tree and nature enthusiast, Bob maintains a personal collection of trees at his home and is the dedicated caretaker of the American Conifer Society Reference Garden in the Tanger Arboretum.

HOW TO REGISTER
The event, “Spring Seasonal Gathering Tour,” will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10am at LancasterHistory. Tickets are $10/Adult (18+) and $5/Child. 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. The tour will last approximately 1 hour. If you would like to attend but have questions or concerns about the accessibility of the walking route, please contact Emily Miller at (717) 392-4633, ext. 133 or emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org for more information.

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.

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor Tour

May 17, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10am $10/Adults (18+) | $5/Children | FREE for Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Members
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Storytime [May 22, 2025]

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! 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. Book choice coming soon!

Storytime is free, and registration is required 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

May 22, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required
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Storytime [May 29, 2025]

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! 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. Book choice coming soon!

Storytime is free, and registration is required 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

May 29, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required
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