Events

Eliza Parker and The Christiana Resistance

May 22, 2025
Ryder Hall at LancasterHistory & Livestream
5pm Reception | 5:30pm Presentation
FREE | Registration Required

In the early 1840s, Eliza Ann Howard fled enslavement at Belle Vue Plantation in Harford County, Maryland and found a home in Lancaster County where she met her husband, William Parker. When, in 1851, a Maryland enslaver threatened their lives and the lives of others in their community, they fought back in what became known as the Christiana Resistance. While this landmark event is a well-known turning point on the path to Civil War, Dr. Iris Leigh Barnes, a historian, educator, and the Executive Director of the Hosanna School Museum, joins us to retell the story through the often-overlooked figure of Eliza Parker.

Dr. Iris Leigh Barnes is an award-winning historian, educator, and museum professional with twenty-five years of experience. Her scholarly interests range from the Civil War to Civil Rights with a particular focus on the tenacity, resilience, and brilliance of African Americans who survived and thrived against the odds. She has worked with a range of institutions including the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, and the Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum at Morgan State University. She has graduate degrees in Museum Studies and Historic Preservation as well as in African American History. Dr. Barnes is currently the Executive Director of the Hosanna School Museum and serves on the Harford County Historic Preservation Commission, the board of the Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center, and was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan to serve on the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

EVENT DETAILS & HOW TO REGISTER

This event will take place in person at LancasterHistory on Thursday, May 22, 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, May 22 at 5:30pm. The online version of this program will also be recorded and uploaded to LancasterHistory’s YouTube channel after the event.

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.

Featured Event In-Person Event Lecture Online/Virtual Event Reception

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 or nature-focused theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. On May 22, we’ll read Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney.

Alice made a promise to make the world a more beautiful place, then a seed of an idea is planted and blossoms into a beautiful plan. This beloved classic and celebration of nature–written by a beloved Caldecott winner–is lovelier than ever Barbara Cooney’s story of Alice Rumphius, who longed to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful, has a timeless quality that resonates with each new generation. The countless lupines that bloom along the coast of Maine are the legacy of the real Miss Rumphius, the Lupine Lady, who scattered lupine seeds everywhere she went. (Thriftbooks)

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]

Part of the incredible six-book Nature Books series from artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston, A Seed is Sleepy introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts. Turn each page to explore the amazing world of these garden wonders through watercolor illustrations that bring to life nature landscapes filled with seeds, flowers, plants, leaves, and trees. (Chronicle Books)

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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June First Friday Open House

Join us on Friday, June 6, 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.

Plus, we’re excited to host the Landis Run Intermediate School 5th Grade for their English Language Arts (ELA) class art presentations: “The Freedom Art Project.” Students will display their art that answers the question “what does freedom mean?”. All are welcome to attend.

The First Friday Open House on June 6 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 In-Person Event Reception

June 6, 2025 The Stevens & Smith Center, 45 S. Queen Str., Lancaster 5-7pm FREE

Wheatland “Go-At-Your-Own-Pace” Tours

McMaster’s portrait of Buchanan hanging above the mantle in Wheatland’s parlor. (Courtesy of Larry Lefever Photography)

Explore President James Buchanan’s Wheatland at your own pace. On this self-guided tour, you can explore the President’s home and see what you want for as long as you want. Tour guides will be stationed around the mansion to provide visitors with information about the spaces, objects, and people who once called Wheatland home.

At-Your-Own-Pace tours are great for families (pick up a scavenger hunt from reception on your way in!) and those who want to take their time viewing the mansion in contrast to our regular ‘guided tour’ experience. Spend as little or as much time (within operating hours!) as you’d like in President Buchanan’s beloved home.

“Go-At-Your-Own-Pace” Tours are only available on Saturday, June 7. Entry times are every 30 minutes from 10am (first tour entry) until 3pm (last tour entry). Ticket purchase also includes self-guided access to LancasterHistory’s museum exhibitions. Tickets are $17/Adult (14+), $15/Senior (65+), $10/Youth (6-13), and free for children 5 and under. LancasterHistory Members receive complimentary admission. This tour is eligible for our Museums for All rate!

To purchase tickets in advance, please go online or call (717) 392-4633. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

At Your Own Pace Tour Family-Friendly In-Person Event Tour

June 7, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA Tour Entry Every 30 Minutes, 10am - 3pm FREE/Members | $17/Adults (18+) | $15/Seniors (65+) | $10 (11-College ID)

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Nature Series | Creeks & Critters

Summer is a fantastic time to explore life in our local creeks. On Saturday, June 7, Lancaster County Park Senior Naturalist Lisa Sanchez will bring the creek to LancasterHistory for our Nature Series program, “Creeks & Critters!” Examine various “critters” representing a sample of life from a creek and learn about the life cycle of the many insects that begin their lives in the water. Aquatic insects, such as dragonflies, mosquitoes, and mayflies, play a valuable role in our ecosystems and help tell us a lot about the quality of the water and the health of our creeks and streams.

Lisa J. Sanchez has been a naturalist at the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation Environmental Center for 30 years. Teaching students of all ages to explore and value the wonders of nature is her passion. She enjoys helping people reconnect with the earth through education and observation. Lisa can often be found in her garden or kayaking on the river.

HOW TO REGISTER
The event, “Creeks & Critters” will take place on Saturday, June 7 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!

Family-Friendly In-Person Event Nature Series Program

June 7, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave, Lancaster 10am $10/Adults | $5/Children (17 & Under) | FREE for Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Members

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Open The Door: A Discussion of the History of Race & Baseball in Lancaster County

A black and white image of a young Black man in a baseball uniform. — *Keith Kelley began playing for the Lancaster Red Roses in 1951, pitching a no-hitter in his debut. From the Collections of LancasterHistory.*

On Sunday, April 26, 1925, the Harrisburg Giants of the Eastern Colored League played the first of five official league games at Rossmere Base Ball Park in Lancaster County. The Eastern Colored League was one of many segregated leagues that existed in the first half of the 20th Century when white owners observed an unwritten but clearly understood rule barring Black players from their teams. Yet despite the bigotry they faced elsewhere, Black owners, players, and fans built the Negro Leagues into a space where they could thrive. From the Harrisburg Giants to Jackie Robinson to Black and brown players in the game today, the history of baseball isn’t just about scores and statistics—it provides a lens through which to view the history of race and democracy in America.

Join LancasterHistory, local historian Jeremy Raff, and Crispus Attucks Community Center’s Young Professionals of Color Network on Tuesday June 17, 2025 for a special event celebrating the Harrisburg Giants and the Negro Leagues. The evening will begin with a short film and panel discussion to celebrate the Giants’ centennial and the opening of LancasterHistory’s latest exhibit Open the Door: The Harrisburg Giants, the Red Roses, and Baseball’s Color Line in Central Pennsylvania. Following the panel, we’ll break into smaller groups for further discussions of sports and race in America.

Schedule of Events

5:30pm – A Century of Change Film Screening and Panel Discussion
- A Century of Change, a PBS documentary, tells the story of the Negro National League teams which were not only an economic staple in the Black community, but a source of pride. The panel, moderated by Jeremy Raff, will feature Lancaster historian Leroy Hopkins, baseball historian Ted Knorr, and India Garnett, grand niece of Rap Dixon, a star for the Harrisburg Giants.
6:30pm – Reception
7:00pm – Small Group Discussions

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. To register, please click here or call (717) 392-4633 to register over the phone.

If you have any questions, please contact Starleisha Gingrich, Education and Programs Manager at LancasterHistory, (starleisha.gingrich@lancasterhistory.org) or Josh Hunter, Director of the Crispus Attucks Community Center (jhunter@caplanc.org).

Presented In Partnership with Crispus Attucks Community Center and Young Professionals of Color Lancaster

Film Screening In-Person Event Panel Reception

June 17, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 5:30 - 8pm FREE | Registration Requested

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2025 Annual Gathering of LancasterHistory

A color illustration of Thaddeus Stevens, James Buchanan, and a frog caddie playing golf. — *Artwork by Mike Abel*

Enjoy a summer evening of history and fellowship on Wednesday, June 25! Savor decadent light bites and refreshing cocktails, explore captivating exhibits, and stroll the lush grounds of the Tanger Arboretum. Challenge your friends to lively games and learn about what’s ahead at LancasterHistory! And, don’t miss our exciting new way to directly support artifacts and projects: investing in our “Pet Project” Program.

All proceeds from the Annual Gathering benefit the education and public programs of LancasterHistory.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Beginning at 5:30pm: Cocktails & decadent bites
6pm: Brief Remarks by Robin Sarratt, President & CEO of LancasterHistory
Special Opportunities throughout the Evening
- Old Buck’s Wine Pull
- Lawn Games
- Sneak Peek of New Historic Artifacts
- “Pet Project” Adoption Fair

RESERVATIONS

Tickets are available at the levels below. Each level is preceded by the name of said level (ex. “Preservation Pioneer”), followed by the price per person. Each ticket includes admission to the event, light bites, and drinks. The higher the level, the more support you give to LancasterHistory. While some table seating will be available, this event is not a sit-down dinner but an elevated cocktail party.

Individual Ticket: $100/person
Heritage Champion: $250/person
Preservation Pioneer: $500/person
LancasterHistory Legend: $1,000/person

A portion of each ticket level is tax deductible. For higher levels ($250 and up), an added benefit is attendees name(s) listed on the event program.

RSVP by June 16, 2025 by completing one of the following:

Purchase your tickets online using a credit card;
Complete and mail in an RSVP card with payment to LancasterHistory; or
Purchase your tickets over the phone by calling Erin Sell at (717) 392-4633, ext. 141.

Unable to attend but want to show your support? Consider making a gift! Thank you for your generosity!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There is ample parking available on-site at LancasterHistory. “Dressy casual” dress is suggested for this event (ex. sundresses, khakis with blazer, collared shirt, etc…).

Special Thanks to Our Event Partner