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

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.

NEW: The Regional History Flash Talk schedule is now available. Click here to view or download a PDF [176kb, .pdf].

County Founding Day 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.

Get Tickets

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