Events: Off-Site Event

The 2025 Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum

Celebrate and gather with friends for the Annual Dinner of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum! Join us on Wednesday, April 16 from 6 – 9pm at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster for an evening of fellowship and fun, benefitting the care and conservation of the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum at LancasterHistory.

The Annual Dinner begins at 6pm with cocktails, followed by a plated dinner at 6:30pm and a program, awards, and raffle drawings around 7:30pm. We’re excited to welcome local tree enthusiast Len Eiserer for a great presentation spotlighting “In Celebration of the Humble Serviceberry.”

RSVP INFORMATION & DINING OPTIONS

Tickets to attend the Annual Dinner for the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum are $65 per person. Ticket purchase includes access to the event, a plated dinner (salad, sides, main entree, and dessert), and the main presentation by Len Eiserer. Raffle tickets may be purchased during the cocktail reception at 6pm with cash. Proceeds from the dinner and raffle benefit the care and conservation of the Tanger Arboretum.

Dinner includes: Salad with sun-dried cranberries, garden vegetables, & balsamic vinaigrette, herb roasted potatoes and seasonal roasted vegetables, a main entree (choose one: chicken piccata, New England style baked haddock, or grilled vegetables and pecorino cheese ravioli), and crumb-topped apple pie with whipped cream. It is a cash bar.

The RSVP deadline has passed. Thank you for your interest!

If you are unable to attend the Annual Dinner and would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, please click here.

Image of Len EisererABOUT THE PRESENTATION: Join local tree enthusiast Len Eiserer for a presentation celebrating the serviceberry (Amelanchier)! Serviceberries are crucial players in our native landscapes, providing food for pollinators and songbirds. They also played important roles in American history as a key food staple for Indigenous peoples and as a harbinger of springtime. Learn about the history and importance of the underrated, underutilized, and wonderful serviceberry!

Len Eiserer received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and his doctorate in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College. He has taught for 38 years and currently teaches at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). He maintains the website, Tree Treasures of Lancaster County, and serves on the board of the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum.

Fundraiser In-Person Event Off-Site Event Program Reception

April 16, 2025 DoubleTree Resort, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 6-9pm $65/person

2025 Annual Presidential Wreath Laying & Ceremony

Image of Buchanan's grave site in Woodward Hill Cemetery.Join LancasterHistory at Woodward Hill Cemetery for the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony for President James Buchanan, the United States’ 15th President. Taking place the Saturday before Buchanan’s birthday, the ceremony features the laying of fresh flowers at the gravesite of the former president and remarks by the presiding officer of the Pennsylvania National Guard as well as local dignitaries.

On April 19, the ceremony and remarks will include the following individuals and groups. Please note that this list will continue to be updated as more information develops.

  • Brigadier General Francis R. Montgomery will present the ceremonial wreath at the gravesite of James Buchanan;
  • The Lancaster Fencibles will fire a 21-gun salute;
  • A member of Masonic Lodge No. 43, James Buchanan’s lodge, will make brief remarks;
  • Boy Scout Troop 58 will conduct a pre-ceremony cleaning of the gravesite and plant new flowers as well as lead those assembled for the ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance; and
  • The Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard will present a new American Flag for the gravesite and play Taps on the bugle.

This event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. For directions to the Cemetery, please click here.

Brig. Gen. Francis R. Montgomery is the Assistant Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Brig. Gen. Montgomery graduated from the US Army War College in 2018, earning a Masters in Strategic Studies. He earned his Bachelors in Civil Engineering in 1996 from Widener University. Brig. Gen. Montgomery has held numerous diverse positions throughout his 28 years of service, including the Construction and Facilities Management Office, 213th Regional Support Group Commander, J3/Director of Military Support, 28th Infantry Division Rear Detachment Chief of Staff, and the 328th Brigade Support Battalion Commander. He has received numerous awards and decorations, including, but not limited to, the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star medal, and Meritorious Service Medal (second award).

Dedication/Memorial In-Person Event Off-Site Event Outdoor

April 19, 2025 Woodward Hill Cemetery, 508 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 10am FREE

Lunch & Learn: Lancaster in the Mid-1800s

On Friday, May 16,  join LancasterHistory at Southern Market for a unique opportunity to learn about Lancaster in the mid-1800s. Grab your lunch at one of the Market’s extraordinary vendors and discover the hustle and bustle of historic downtown Lancaster, specifically the history of the block where Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith lived and worked. From breweries to barber shops, LancasterHistory’s Stephanie Townrow will give you insight into this active block of South Queen Street sure to delight history lovers and impress friends!

This is one of a series of events scheduled throughout April and May to support the Stevens & Smith Center and its capital campaign. For a full list of upcoming events, please visit stevensandsmithcenter.org/events.

“Lunch & Learn: Lancaster in the Mid-1800s” will take place on Friday, May 16, from 12-1pm at Southern Market Lancaster, 100 S. Queen Street, Lancaster. The event is free and open to the public but requires advance registration to attend as capacity is limited. Attendees are encouraged to grab lunch before or after the presentation by patronizing Southern Market’s wonderful stand holders (no outside food, please). Drinks and desserts will be provided by LancasterHistory. To register, please click here to register online or call 717.392.4633.

This event has also been cross-posted to stevensandsmithcenter.org/events for ease of access.

Fundraiser In-Person Event Off-Site Event Program

May 16, 2025 Southern Market Lancaster, 100 S. Queen Str., Lancaster 12-1pm FREE | Registration Required
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