Events

Nature Series | These Plants Are For The Birds

  • March 29, 2025
  • LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave, Lancaster
  • 10am
  • $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.As we emerge from winter and into spring, its time to combine two common interests for nature lovers: gardening and birding! Join the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum on Saturday, March 29 as we welcome presenter Holly List for “These Plants Are For The Birds!” Learn about how we can share our landscape with birds, pursuing plants that support our feathered friends while providing seasonal interest and joy to our homes and community. Plus, get tips on how to ID common resident birds as well as those migrating through our area.

Holly List is a long-time gardener and an avid bird watcher who gardens to attract and support birds. List loves helping others pursue similar interests and enjoys sharing research, trends, and best practices to support everyone’s love of nature. List is a Master Gardener Emerita. She is an experienced business educator and is retired from banking and consulting. List lives with her husband and cat in Willow Street, PA.

HOW TO REGISTER
The event, “These Plants Are For The Birds” will take place on Saturday, March 29 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!

Featured Event In-Person Event Nature Series Program

Congressman George S. Boutwell: Radical Republican & Champion of Democracy

The photo on the left is the book cover of "Boutwell." The photo on the right is of Dr. Jeffrey Boutwell.
(left) The cover of “Boutwell.” (right) Author Jeffrey Boutwell. Photo by Sarah B. Boutwell.

While Congressman George S. Boutwell of Massachusetts interacted with James Buchanan during the Antebellum Era and worked with Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and Thaddeus Stevens during Reconstruction, he remains the most consequential American political figure you’ve never heard of. In this lecture, the Congressman’s distant relative, Dr. Jeffrey Boutwell, traces a life that offers an insider’s view of the pivotal moments that laid the groundwork for modern America.

Dr. Jeffrey Boutwell is a writer, historian, and policy specialist whose forty-year career spanned journalism, government, and international scientific cooperation. He has a B.A. in history from Yale University, a Ph.D. in political science from MIT, and has written widely on nuclear weapons arms control, Middle East security issues, and environmental degradation and civil conflict. He lives in Columbia, Maryland. His book, Boutwell: Radical Republican and Champion of Democracy (2025, W.W. Norton) will be available from major retailers on January 21, 2025.

EVENT DETAILS & HOW TO REGISTER

This event will take place in person at LancasterHistory on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Doors open and a reception begins at 5pm. The lecture will begin at 5:30pm. The lecture will also be streamed to Zoom at 5:30pm for those who wish to join us virtually.

This program is free and open to the public. In-person attendance requires advance registration in order to guarantee a seat. Due to capacity restrictions, tickets may not be available at the door. Virtual attendance requires advance registration in order to receive the Zoom link. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants before the event. Register online by clicking the appropriate link below or by calling (717) 392-4633. Registration will close online on Thursday, April 3 at 5:30pm. The online version of this program will also be recorded and uploaded to LancasterHistory’s YouTube channel after the event.

REGISTER TO ATTEND IN PERSON

REGISTER TO ATTEND ONLINE

By purchasing a ticket to our facility and/or program, you are agreeing to our Admissions & Programs Terms and Conditions.

Membership Makes History Happen! Your membership enables us to bring dynamic speakers to LancasterHistory and gives you other exciting benefits! Learn more about becoming a member of LancasterHistory or renewing your membership today.

In-Person Event Lecture Online/Virtual Event Reception

April 3, 2025 Ryder Hall at LancasterHistory & Livestream 5pm Reception | 5:30pm Presentation FREE | Registration Required

Wheatland: A Gentleman’s Farm

A color lithograph of an aerial view of Wheatland and the land surrounding it.
A color lithograph of an aerial view of Wheatland and the surrounding property.

James Buchanan is best-known as our nation’s 15th President, but he was also a gentleman farmer. From 1849 to 1868, Buchanan lived at Wheatland, which sat upon 22.5 acres of meadows, orchards, and gardens. In this special subject tour, discover how the grounds functioned as a farm and why Buchanan was called “the Sage of Wheatland.”

Wheatland: A Gentleman’s Farm, a special guided tour of Wheatland, will be held on Saturday, April 5. 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 be more focused on a particular topic than a general history of Buchanan and the home.

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 should reserve their tickets in advance to guarantee the tour time of their choice. This tour is eligible for our Museums for All rate!

In-Person Event Tour

April 5, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Avenue, Lancaster Tours 10am - 3pm FREE/Members | $17/Adults (18+) | $15/Seniors (65+) | $10 (11-College ID)
Get Tickets

“Pathways of Persistence” Open House & Reception

A graphic displaying event information for the April 12 Open House and Reception.Wherever you go in Lancaster County —up Route 30, down quiet country roads, or along bustling city streets—you’ll encounter the rich and enduring legacy of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Lancaster’s AANHPI residents have contributed to the county’s cultural, economic, and social landscape, adapting to challenges and thriving across generations. Pathways of Persistence, a collaboration between Lancaster Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders and LancasterHistory, celebrates these stories of resilience, perseverance, and impact. Through this exhibit, we honor the voices and experiences that have helped shape Lancaster, bringing to light the multifaceted contributions AANHPI individuals have made in business, culture, and beyond.

Join LancasterHistory and Lancaster Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (LAAPI) on Saturday, April 12 from 3-6pm for a special open house and reception celebrating Pathways of Persistence. Attendees will be able to view the exhibitions and enjoy snacks from Momma Son’s, a food vendor and caterer based in Columbia that specializes in Cambodian cuisine. At 4pm, there will be remarks from LancasterHistory, LAAPI, and community members who contributed photographs to the exhibit.

This event is free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome if capacity permits, but advance registration is appreciated. To attend, register online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

 

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Reception

April 12, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Avenue, Lancaster 3 - 6pm FREE | Registration Encouraged
Get Tickets

The 2025 Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum

Celebrate and gather with friends for the Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum! Join us on Wednesday, April 16 from 6 – 9pm at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster for an evening of fellowship and fun, benefitting the care and conservation of the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum at LancasterHistory.

The Annual Dinner begins at 6pm with cocktails, followed by a plated dinner at 6:30pm and a program, awards, and raffle drawings around 7:30pm. We’re excited to welcome local tree enthusiast Len Eiserer for a great presentation spotlighting “In Celebration of the Humble Serviceberry.”

RSVP INFORMATION & DINING OPTIONS

Tickets to attend the Annual Dinner for the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum are $65 per person. Ticket purchase includes access to the event, a plated dinner (salad, sides, main entree, and dessert), and the main presentation by Len Eiserer. Raffle tickets may be purchased during the cocktail reception at 6pm with cash. Proceeds from the dinner and raffle benefit the care and conservation of the Tanger Arboretum.

Dinner includes: Salad with sun-dried cranberries, garden vegetables, & balsamic vinaigrette, herb roasted potatoes and seasonal roasted vegetables, a main entree (choose one: chicken piccata, New England style baked haddock, or grilled vegetables and pecorino cheese ravioli), and crumb-topped apple pie with whipped cream. It is a cash bar.

RSVP by April 1, 2025 by completing your RSVP online, mailing in a RSVP card with payment, or by calling Emily Miller at (717) 392-4633, ext. 133. If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please also let Emily know by phone or by emailing emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org.

If you are unable to attend the Annual Dinner and would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, please click here.

Image of Len EisererABOUT THE PRESENTATION: Join local tree enthusiast Len Eiserer for a presentation celebrating the serviceberry (Amelanchier)! Serviceberries are crucial players in our native landscapes, providing food for pollinators and songbirds. They also played important roles in American history as a key food staple for Indigenous peoples and as a harbinger of springtime. Learn about the history and importance of the underrated, underutilized, and wonderful serviceberry!

Len Eiserer received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and his doctorate in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College. He has taught for 38 years and currently teaches at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). He maintains the website, Tree Treasures of Lancaster County, and serves on the board of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum.

Fundraiser In-Person Event Off-Site Event Program Reception

April 16, 2025 DoubleTree Resort, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 6-9pm $65/person
Get Tickets

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

Nature Series | The Art & Cultivation of Bonsai

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!

Demonstration In-Person Event Nature Series Program

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
Get Tickets

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
Get Tickets

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)
Get Tickets

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