Events

Nature Series | The Art & Cultivation of Bonsai

  • April 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
A graphic with the title of the program and an image of the speaker.

A graphic with the title of the program and an image of the speaker.On Saturday, April 26, learn all about the tiny but mighty bonsai with Millersville University’s Dr. Ryan Wagner! Whether you’re new to bonsai or are an experienced bonsai caretaker, get tips on the “dos” and “don’ts” of bonsai with special attention to aesthetics and improving general health. At this presentation, you’ll discover the history of bonsai and the different inspirational styles, while fostering an appreciation of the diversity of bonsai design. Plus, experience a live demonstration of techniques used to develop and shape bonsai.

Dr. Ryan Wagner is a Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Biology at Millersville University.  Before joining the faculty at MU, Wagner completed his post-doctoral work at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, and his Ph.D. at Washington State University in Pullman, WA, where he studied plant physiology. Having grown up in South Dakota, Wagner has long held an interest in all botanical areas, including the horticultural art of bonsai. After joining the regional Lancaster Bonsai Society in 2005, Wagner experienced rapid growth in both his horticultural and artistic development as applied to bonsai. Wagner has given numerous lectures aimed at introducing bonsai to the public and to provide newcomers and experienced bonsai artists alike with practical information aimed at developing/improving their creations.

HOW TO REGISTER
The event, “The Art & Cultivation of Bonsai” will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 10-11:30am 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!

Featured Event Demonstration In-Person Event Nature Series Program

Storytime [May 1, 2025]

The book cover for "Finding Wild."
Penguin Random House

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a history or nature-focused theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For May 1, we’ll be reading Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd (Illustrated by Abigail Halpin).

There are so many places that wild can exist, if only you know where to look! Can you find it? Two kids set off on an adventure away from their urban home and discover all the beauty of the natural world. From the bark on the trees to the sudden storm that moves across the sky to fire and flowers, and snowflakes and fresh fruit. As the children make their way through the woods and back to the paved and noisy streets, they discover that wild exists not just off in some distant place, but right in their own backyard. (Penguin Random House)

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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May First Friday Open House

Join us on Friday, May 2, for First Friday at the Stevens & Smith Center! From 5-7pm, enjoy a sneak peek of the Stevens & Smith Center, see the incredible progress happening at this future museum, and learn about the road ahead to opening in 2026.

This is one of a series of events throughout April and May to support the Stevens & Smith Center and its capital campaign. For a full list of upcoming events, please visit stevensandsmithcenter.org/events.

The First Friday Open House on May 2 is free and open to the public and does not require advance registration. This event is also family friendly; all ages are encouraged to attend. The event will take place at the Stevens & Smith Center, 45 S. Queen Street, Lancaster. Please use the entrance around the corner on East Vine Street.

This event has also been cross-posted to stevensandsmithcenter.org/events for ease of access.

Open House Family-Friendly Fundraiser In-Person Event Reception

May 2, 2025 The Stevens & Smith Center, 45 S. Queen Str., Lancaster 5-7pm FREE

The Nation Is Plunged In Grief

A black and white historic photograph of Abraham Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Step back to May 1865 and eavesdrop on Mr. Buchanan and his house guests as they react to the news of President Lincoln’s assassination. In this living history tour, you’ll meet the President and hear him discuss with his companions the penalties that may confront the southern states and the challenges Andrew Johnson will face as he ascends to the presidency.

The Nation Is Plunged in Grief, a special living history tour of Wheatland, will be held on Saturday, May 3. Tours will be available on the hour, beginning at 10am and continuing until the last tour at 3pm. Please Note: These tours are not our regular General Admission tours and will not be Buchanan-focused. Living History Tours are an immersive and interactive experience that incorporate historical tools, activities, and dress to give observers or participants a sense of stepping back in time. 

Tickets are available for purchase online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633. Advance reservations are highly recommended as tours may sell out and walk-in tickets may not be available. Members receive complimentary admission, but must reserve their tickets in advance. This tour is eligible for our Museums for All rate!

In-Person Event Living History Tour

May 3, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 North President Avenue, Lancaster Tours 10am - 3pm FREE/Members | $17/Adults (18+) | $15/Seniors (65+) | $10 (11-College ID)
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C. Emlen Urban By The Letter

Join LancasterHistory on Saturday, May 3 at 10am and 2pm at LancasterHistory for 90-minute presentations by author and architect Gregory J. Scott on his latest work, Urban Alphabet. This new release focuses on the architectural details that Lancaster’s most prolific architect, C. Emlen Urban, incorporated into the designs of his many buildings throughout Lancaster City and the County. Attendees will learn about these different architectural details and come away from the presentation with a better understanding and appreciation for the artistry of Urban’s work.

A headshot of a man with light skin. He wears a black turtleneck shirt with a gray blazer on top. His hands are clasped in front of him and he smiles at the camera.
Gregory J. Scott

Gregory J. Scott is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, partner emeritus at RLPS Architects, architectural columnist for Lancaster Newspaper LNP, recent architectural correspondent for Lancaster NBC affiliate WGAL, and twice recipient of the Journalist and Educator Award presented by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. Gregg and his wife, Terri, reside in Northeast Harbor, ME, and Lancaster, PA. They have two children and two grandchildren. Gregg’s current board and community positions include the Hamilton Club, Northeast Harbor Neighborhood House, Mount Desert Island Housing Trust, and Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services advisor. He is also an Eagle Scout.

About Urban Alphabet
Urban Alphabet is an illustrated dictionary detailing the work of C. Emlen Urban, the architectural legend who left an indelible and distinctive mark on the City of Lancaster a century ago. The author, Gregory J. Scott, FAIA, connects each letter of the alphabet to the architectural term for a detail or style of architecture common to Urban’s buildings. Urban Alphabet is the second book in a series created by Scott to foster an appreciation and understanding of the inspired work of Lancaster’s most prolific architect.

REGISTRATION
Presentations will take place on Saturday, May 3 at 10am and 2pm at LancasterHistory. Copies of Urban Legend and Urban Alphabet will be available for purchase in LancasterHistory’s Museum Store while supplies last. Scott will be available after each presentation for book signings.

Presentations are free and open to the public, but advance registration is appreciated and encouraged as space for walk-ins is not guaranteed.

REGISTER FOR THE 10AM PROGRAM

REGISTER FOR THE 2PM PROGRAM

Note for Registrants: Successful registrants will receive an email confirmation with their tickets after checking out. If you do not receive an email within 5-10 minutes of checking out, please check your junk/spam folders. If you receive no email, please contact LancasterHistory to verify your registration.

Book Signing In-Person Event Lecture

May 3, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster Presentations at 10am & 2pm FREE | Registration Appreciated

County Founding Day 2025

Celebrate Lancaster County’s 296th Birthday on the Campus of History!

An illustration of a cat wearing a toga next to text "County Founding Day."On May 10, 1729, Lancaster County was born. Since then, 10 generations of Lancastrians have lived, laughed, loved, and eaten shoofly pie in our community. Join LancasterHistory for the annual County Founding Day celebration and lift a glass to everyone who has called Lancaster County home over the last 296 years. In addition to evening museum hours, the event will include special flash talks, access to exhibits, and kids activities.

County Founding Day will include:

  • Regional History Flash Talks: 15-minute talks from local researchers on a variety of topics;
  • Pop-Up Exhibits: Artifacts and documents will be on display in coordination with the flash talks;
  • Cake Wars: Area bakers will craft odes to Lancaster County in dessert form. Attendees will get to taste at least one of their creations.;
  • Kids Activity Area: Crafts and activities for children inside and outside if weather permits; and
  • Light Refreshments: Enjoy light bites, a specialty cocktail by Jimmy Juice (locally brewed in Pequea) and non-alcoholic options.

The speaker schedule will be posted in early May. Please check back later.

County will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 5:30-8pm. Tickets are $20 for Non-LancasterHistory Members and $15 for LancasterHistory Members aged 18 and older. Children 17 and under are free. (Children must be accompanied by a paying adult aged 18 or older.) Tickets are required so that space, cake, and activities can be guaranteed for all. To purchase tickets, click here to buy online or call (717) 392-4633 to purchase over the phone. Ticket purchase includes access to the event, light bites and a specialty cocktail*, cake, and access to a series of flash talks by local historians.

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*Must be 21 years or older with valid ID to consume alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic options will be available.

Want To Be A Part of County Founding Day?
Calling all local historians—and bakers! LancasterHistory’s annual County Founding Day celebration is coming on Thursday, May 8, and we want you to be part of it!  For County Founding Day 2025, we’re introducing two opportunities for Lancastrians to help us celebrate our community’s 296th birthday. Click here to learn more!

Open House Family-Friendly In-Person Event Reception

May 8, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 5:30 - 8pm $20 Non-Members | $15 Members | FREE for Children 17 and Under
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Storytime [May 8, 2025]

The book cover for "The Hike."
Amazon

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical or nature-focused theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. On May 8, we’ll read The Hike by Alison Farrell.

Three intrepid young female explorers set out to conquer the outdoors in their local forest, enjoying the process in their own different ways. Wren brings a sketchbook and a flag, El brings a poetry notebook, and Hattie brings feathers (and holds Bean the dog’s leash). They get lost and use maps to find their way. They draw wildlife, spot deer tracks, and see a deer before it startles and disappears, all before they finally and joyfully reach their destination. (Amazon)

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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Nature Series | Empowering Community Climate Resilience

A graphic with the title of the program and an image of the speaker.Feeling overwhelmed by climate anxiety? Feeling isolated in your search for climate action? Building strong communities around climate resilience can help! Join the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum on Saturday, May 10 as we welcome Aidan Fife, Director of Community Engagement at RegenAll, to learn about the ways to get involved with your community that can provide hope and agency in the face of climate change. Discover actionable steps, like making home energy improvements or joining RegenAll’s Climate Action Neighborhood program, listen to stories of climate hope, and find ways to make climate action feel tangible, actionable, and possible.

Aidan Fife has a passion for ecology, regenerative agriculture, and education. After international experience with the Peace Corps and work at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, DC, Aidan returned to Lancaster where he shifted his focus locally to find ways for Lancastrians to collaborate to build better soils, community, and climate resilience. He serves as the Director of Community Engagement at RegenAll, a Lancaster-based non-profit dedicated to organizing and working collaboratively with communities and individuals toward local climate solutions. When Aidan isn’t inside dreaming of a vibrant regenerative future, you can find him out on nearby farms planting fruit and nut trees on pasture.

HOW TO REGISTER
The event, “Empowering Community Climate Resilience” will take place on Saturday, May 10 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!

In-Person Event Nature Series Program

May 10, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave, Lancaster 10am $10/Adults | $5/Children (17 & Under) | FREE for Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Members
Get Tickets

Unraveling The Red Tape: Researching Historic Government Records | Part 1

A up-close photograph of a historic map of Hinkletown, showing colorful markings of houses and the Conestoga River on a creased map.Has your research come to a roadblock? Wondering where to look next for your ancestors? On Saturday, May 10 at 10am, unlock the past and discover new avenues for research by exploring Lancaster County’s historic government records! Join Heather Tennies, Director of Archives & Manuscript Collections, and Marianne Heckles, Archives Assistant, to examine the historic government records held at LancasterHistory, how to access them, and how the records can be used for genealogical, historical, or property research.

On May 10, the class will focus on Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court Records. Heather and Marianne will introduce the probate system and highlight the information found in various types of estate papers, including Auditors’ Reports, Miscellaneous Orphans’ Court papers, and Vendue Lists.

This class is recommended for those with previous research experience. We also recommend taking Part 2: Civil and Criminal Court Records on May 17, but this class may be taken by itself.

Unraveling The Red Tape: Researching Historic Government Records | Part 1 will take place on Saturday, May 10 from 10am – 12pm at LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster. Tickets are $20 for LancasterHistory Members and $25 for Non-Members. Advance registration is encouraged as the class has limited capacity. To register, please click here to register online or call (717) 392-4633 to register over the phone.

Those who successfully register receive a confirmation email. No supplies or tools are needed to take this class, but note-taking items are recommended.

Class In-Person Event Program

May 10, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 10am -12pm $20 LancasterHistory Members | $25 Non-Members
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Making A Museum: The Stevens & Smith Center Story (So Far)

The Stevens & Smith Center has been in the making for decades. LancasterHistory assumed responsibility for the project in 2010, with a commitment to develop a state-of-the-art museum that will foster learning, dialogue, and reflection. Join Robin Sarratt, LancasterHistory’s President & CEO, Stephanie Townrow, Director of Exhibitions and Interpretation, and Dr. Tom Ryan, Director Emeritus, to learn about the process of making a museum from the ground up and the journey ahead.

This is one of a series of events scheduled throughout April and May to support the Stevens & Smith Center and its capital campaign. For a full list of upcoming events, please visit stevensandsmithcenter.org/events.

“Making A Museum: The Stevens & Smith Center Story (So Far)” will take place online via Zoom on Tuesday, May 13 from 7-8pm Eastern. This event will be recorded and placed on LancasterHistory’s YouTube Channel. This event is free and open to the public. To receive a Zoom link to the presentation, please register online or call 717.392.4633.

This event has also been cross-posted to stevensandsmithcenter.org/events for ease of access.

Fundraiser Online/Virtual Event Program

May 13, 2025 Zoom 7-8pm ET FREE | Registration Required
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