Sneak Peek Soirée
The Sneak Peek Soirée
An Evening of History & Celebration
To Benefit Education & Public History Programs at LancasterHistory
Saturday, February 15, 2025
at The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy
Cocktails and Lavish Bites | Jazz by 3 WEST
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime spectacular party! Before we fill the Stevens & Smith Center with priceless artifacts and beautiful displays, we welcome you for a sneak peek you’ll remember for years to come! With lavish food stations, bars, and music throughout the Center, the Sneak Peek Soiree will give you and your guests a preview of the Stevens & Smith Center’s future exhibition galleries, plus be among the first to see the Center’s beautifully renovated spaces!
About the Sneak Peek Soirée
For twenty fabulous years, the Valentine’s Gala has been LancasterHistory’s largest annual fundraising event, celebrating Lancaster County’s rich heritage and providing support for the organization’s roster of important educational programming and community services. This year, the Valentine’s Gala is transforming into a Sneak Peek Soirée, offering insider access to a newly-restored and renovated historic site and forthcoming museum in downtown Lancaster.
Opening in early 2026, the Stevens & Smith Center will explore the profound role that Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, his devoted housekeeper Lydia Hamilton Smith, and Lancaster’s antislavery activists played in changing the nation during America’s “Second Founding.” The world-class exhibits, immersive experiences, and mesmerizing programs anchoring the Stevens & Smith Center will encourage visitors to think deeply about the history of equality, freedom, and democracy—and how the hope and power of these ideals continues to shape our nation today.
Purchase Tickets
The Sneak Peek Soirée will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, located at the corner of South Queen and Vine Streets in downtown Lancaster City. (Entrance off of Vine Street.)
Tickets start at $200 per person with each additional level giving further support to LancasterHistory. The Silver and Standout levels receive the additional benefit of name listing in the sponsor recognition poster. The Sneak Peek Soiree Standout includes ten (10) tickets to the Soirée. Please have all guests names and contact information together before completing a registration form.
RSVP by February 7, 2025 online or by completing and mailing in a response card with payment.
If you are unable to attend the Soirée, but still wish to support LancasterHistory’s education programs, you can make an online donation. Thank you for your generosity!
Additional Details
Dress: Cocktail attire is encouraged.
Parking: Parking is available on-street or at nearby garages for a fee. If you have any questions about accessible drop off, please contact Annie Weeks in advance.
Sponsors & Committee
Thank you to our Sneak Peek Soirée Sponsors!
And the Soirée Planning Committee!
Mike Abel | Tim Arpin | Tracy Artus | Renie Beidleman | Wendell Funk | Lisa Groff | Kathy Pianka
Thomas Ryan | Robin Sarratt | Kevin Tschudy | Annie Weeks | Suzanne Woodard