From outdoor signs for taverns to Life magazine spreads for Hamilton watches, advertisements are as old as commerce itself. Ads catch our attention and, when successful, convince us to part with our money. In this Collections Up Close program, attendees will be able to peruse historic publications from the 1760s through the 1960s and explore the history of advertising in Lancaster County over the last three hundred years.

In Collections Up Close tours, LancasterHistory staff and visiting experts highlight documents, photos, and artifacts from LancasterHistory’s vast collections. In a conversational setting, participants will hear the stories of these objects and what they reveal to us about the history of Lancaster County and its place in American history.

Publicity & Persuasion: 300 Years of Advertising in Lancaster County, a Collections Up Close tour, takes place on Saturday, April 8 at 2pm at LancasterHistory. Tickets are $10/Adults (18+), $8/Seniors (65+), and $6/Students (11-College ID). LancasterHistory Members are free, but should still register in advance to receive their complimentary admission. Tickets can be purchased or reserved online or by calling (717) 392-4633. Capacity is limited, so advance registration is strongly recommended.

Description updated March 13, 2023.