Lancaster History

Together, We Keep Lancaster’s History Alive!

LancasterHistory preserves and shares the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Lancaster County for more than 300 years. We serve the county and its many visitors by maintaining and providing access to museum exhibitions, historic collections, a Research Center, and the home of President James Buchanan, Wheatland. And, we’re hard at work to bring you the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy opening in May of 2026, an interpretive museum and education center that will examine the long, arduous struggle for freedom and equality in America through exhibits, immersive media experiences, and educational programs.

But our story would not be complete without you! With your support, we provide free community programming and education for learners of all ages, hosting over 50,000 visitors onsite a year, in addition to over 150,000 visitors to our website and virtual programs. And, LancasterHistory believes that everyone should be able to access, enjoy, and learn at museums, which is why we are a the Museums for All program. There's always a lecture, program, or workshop happening at LancasterHistory! Check out what we have to offer and stay tuned for our upcoming Spring 2025 programming.

At LancasterHistory, preserving and sharing the stories of our community is a team effort—and your support makes it all possible. This Extraordinary Give, we’re pulling back the curtain to spotlight the people who bring the past to life every day. From educators and archivists to conservators and volunteers, our staff work behind the scenes to care for artifacts, create exhibits, and welcome thousands of visitors each year. If you are unable to travel to the Campus of History, don’t miss our historic resources online, digital exhibitions, blogs, videos, and more! The online James Buchanan Presidential Library and Collections Database allows you to search all of LancasterHistory’s historic collections in one convenient location.

Help us continue to preserve Lancaster County's history and provide access to historical resources and education through a tax-deductible gift during the Extraordinary Give. Your generosity fuels this work—helping us digitize rare materials, maintain museum spaces, and provide free or low-cost programs that make history accessible for everyone. Every dollar ensures that our shared history is preserved, taught, and experienced by generations to come. Thank you for sharing your love of history with us, we look forward to hosting you soon!

Who We Are

LancasterHistory engages and educates the public about the people, places, and events that shaped Lancaster County within the context of the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. We collect, preserve, exhibit, and make accessible materials chronicling Lancaster County's complex and compelling past.

Thank you to our History Hero Match Sponsors

Design Data Corporation 

   Mary Atlee Castelli  

LancasterHistory Board of Directors