Events

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

Members’ Night at the Stevens & Smith Center

Members make history happen! On Thursday, April 24 from 5-7pm, LancasterHistory members are invited to join LancasterHistory staff and the Stevens & Smith Steering Committee and Board of Directors for a delightful and energizing evening at the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy. Enjoy light bites and refreshments as you tour the site to learn about the progress that has been made and the road ahead to opening the Stevens & Smith Center in 2026. Members will enjoy unique access to the site, plus a meet and greet with local artist Scott Cantrell, the painter of five unique portraits of abolitionists that will be a part of the future museum.

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.

Members’ Night is free to LancasterHistory members but advance registration is encouraged. To register, please click here or call 717.392.4633. If you aren’t a member and would like to become one, please visit lancasterhistory.org/membership. The event will take place at the Stevens & Smith Center, 45 South Queen Street in Lancaster. Please use the entrance around the corner on East Vine Street. Parking is available on-street or in local garages for a fee (nearby garages include the Penn Square Garage or Steinman Park Garage).

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

Open House Fundraiser In-Person Event Member Event - LancasterHistory Program Reception

April 24, 2025 The Stevens & Smith Center, 45 S. Queen St., Lancaster 5-7pm FREE | Registration Requested
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Nature Series | The Art & Cultivation of Bonsai

A graphic with the title of the program and an image of the speaker.On Saturday, April 26, learn all about the tiny but mighty bonsai with Millersville University’s Dr. Ryan Wagner! Whether you’re new to bonsai or are an experienced bonsai caretaker, get tips on the “dos” and “don’ts” of bonsai with special attention to aesthetics and improving general health. At this presentation, you’ll discover the history of bonsai and the different inspirational styles, while fostering an appreciation of the diversity of bonsai design. Plus, experience a live demonstration of techniques used to develop and shape bonsai.

Dr. Ryan Wagner is a Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Biology at Millersville University.  Before joining the faculty at MU, Wagner completed his post-doctoral work at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, and his Ph.D. at Washington State University in Pullman, WA, where he studied plant physiology. Having grown up in South Dakota, Wagner has long held an interest in all botanical areas, including the horticultural art of bonsai. After joining the regional Lancaster Bonsai Society in 2005, Wagner experienced rapid growth in both his horticultural and artistic development as applied to bonsai. Wagner has given numerous lectures aimed at introducing bonsai to the public and to provide newcomers and experienced bonsai artists alike with practical information aimed at developing/improving their creations.

HOW TO REGISTER
The event, “The Art & Cultivation of Bonsai” will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 10-11:30am at LancasterHistory. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $10/Adults and $5/Children (17 & Under). Friends of the Tanger Arboretum members receive complimentary admission, but should still register for the program. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (717) 392-4633. Advance tickets recommended as walk-in tickets are not guaranteed.

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

Membership gets you more! Membership to the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum not only supports the care and conservation of this local natural resource, but also gets you great benefits such as complimentary admission to Nature Series programs! Learn more about membership and sign up today here.

The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum is a member of the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admission Program. AHS Reciprocal Admission Program members may register for tickets in advance and must show a valid membership card upon checking in. AHS Members should contact Emily Miller, emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org, with any questions or to register for tickets in advance.

This event is hosted by the Friends of the Tanger Arboretum. The Friends of the Tanger Arboretum, a subsidiary organization of LancasterHistory, helps foster public interest in, and support for, the maintenance and development of the Tanger Arboretum as a community asset. To learn more about the Arboretum or to become a member, please visit the Arboretum’s webpage.

 

The 2025 Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Nature Series is sponsored by Ever Green Tree & Lawn Care! Thank you for your support!

Demonstration In-Person Event Nature Series Program

April 26, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave, Lancaster 10 - 11:30am $10/Adults | $5/Children (17 & Under) | FREE for Friends of the Tanger Arboretum Members
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Storytime [May 1, 2025]

The book cover for "Finding Wild."
Penguin Random House

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a history or nature-focused theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. For May 1, we’ll be reading Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd (Illustrated by Abigail Halpin).

There are so many places that wild can exist, if only you know where to look! Can you find it? Two kids set off on an adventure away from their urban home and discover all the beauty of the natural world. From the bark on the trees to the sudden storm that moves across the sky to fire and flowers, and snowflakes and fresh fruit. As the children make their way through the woods and back to the paved and noisy streets, they discover that wild exists not just off in some distant place, but right in their own backyard. (Penguin Random House)

Storytime is free, and registration is required to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

May 1, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required
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May First Friday Open House

Join us on Friday, May 2, for First Friday at the Stevens & Smith Center! From 5-7pm, enjoy a sneak peek of the Stevens & Smith Center, see the incredible progress happening at this future museum, and learn about the road ahead to opening in 2026.

This is one of a series of events 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.

The First Friday Open House on May 2 is free and open to the public and does not require advance registration. This event is also family friendly; all ages are encouraged to attend. The event will take place at the Stevens & Smith Center, 45 S. Queen Street, Lancaster. Please use the entrance around the corner on East Vine Street.

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

Open House Family-Friendly Fundraiser In-Person Event Reception

May 2, 2025 The Stevens & Smith Center, 45 S. Queen Str., Lancaster 5-7pm FREE

The Nation Is Plunged In Grief

A black and white historic photograph of Abraham Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Step back to May 1865 and eavesdrop on Mr. Buchanan and his house guests as they react to the news of President Lincoln’s assassination. In this living history tour, you’ll meet the President and hear him discuss with his companions the penalties that may confront the southern states and the challenges Andrew Johnson will face as he ascends to the presidency.

The Nation Is Plunged in Grief, a special living history tour of Wheatland, will be held on Saturday, May 3. Tours will be available on the hour, beginning at 10am and continuing until the last tour at 3pm. Please Note: These tours are not our regular General Admission tours and will not be Buchanan-focused. Living History Tours are an immersive and interactive experience that incorporate historical tools, activities, and dress to give observers or participants a sense of stepping back in time. 

Tickets are available for purchase online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633. Advance reservations are highly recommended as tours may sell out and walk-in tickets may not be available. Members receive complimentary admission, but must reserve their tickets in advance. This tour is eligible for our Museums for All rate!

In-Person Event Living History Tour

May 3, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 North President Avenue, Lancaster Tours 10am - 3pm FREE/Members | $17/Adults (18+) | $15/Seniors (65+) | $10 (11-College ID)
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C. Emlen Urban By The Letter

Join LancasterHistory on Saturday, May 3 at 10am and 2pm at LancasterHistory for 90-minute presentations by author and architect Gregory J. Scott on his latest work, Urban Alphabet. This new release focuses on the architectural details that Lancaster’s most prolific architect, C. Emlen Urban, incorporated into the designs of his many buildings throughout Lancaster City and the County. Attendees will learn about these different architectural details and come away from the presentation with a better understanding and appreciation for the artistry of Urban’s work.

A headshot of a man with light skin. He wears a black turtleneck shirt with a gray blazer on top. His hands are clasped in front of him and he smiles at the camera.
Gregory J. Scott

Gregory J. Scott is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, partner emeritus at RLPS Architects, architectural columnist for Lancaster Newspaper LNP, recent architectural correspondent for Lancaster NBC affiliate WGAL, and twice recipient of the Journalist and Educator Award presented by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. Gregg and his wife, Terri, reside in Northeast Harbor, ME, and Lancaster, PA. They have two children and two grandchildren. Gregg’s current board and community positions include the Hamilton Club, Northeast Harbor Neighborhood House, Mount Desert Island Housing Trust, and Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services advisor. He is also an Eagle Scout.

About Urban Alphabet
Urban Alphabet is an illustrated dictionary detailing the work of C. Emlen Urban, the architectural legend who left an indelible and distinctive mark on the City of Lancaster a century ago. The author, Gregory J. Scott, FAIA, connects each letter of the alphabet to the architectural term for a detail or style of architecture common to Urban’s buildings. Urban Alphabet is the second book in a series created by Scott to foster an appreciation and understanding of the inspired work of Lancaster’s most prolific architect.

REGISTRATION
Presentations will take place on Saturday, May 3 at 10am and 2pm at LancasterHistory. Copies of Urban Legend and Urban Alphabet will be available for purchase in LancasterHistory’s Museum Store while supplies last. Scott will be available after each presentation for book signings.

Presentations are free and open to the public, but advance registration is appreciated and encouraged as space for walk-ins is not guaranteed.

REGISTER FOR THE 10AM PROGRAM

REGISTER FOR THE 2PM PROGRAM

Note for Registrants: Successful registrants will receive an email confirmation with their tickets after checking out. If you do not receive an email within 5-10 minutes of checking out, please check your junk/spam folders. If you receive no email, please contact LancasterHistory to verify your registration.

Book Signing In-Person Event Lecture

May 3, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster Presentations at 10am & 2pm FREE | Registration Appreciated

County Founding Day 2025

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

An illustration of a cat wearing a toga next to text "County Founding Day."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.

The speaker schedule will be posted in early May. Please check back later.

County 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.

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

Want To Be A Part of County Founding Day?
Calling all local historians—and bakers! LancasterHistory’s annual County Founding Day celebration is coming on Thursday, May 8, and we want you to be part of it!  For County Founding Day 2025, we’re introducing two opportunities for Lancastrians to help us celebrate our community’s 296th birthday. Click here to learn more!

Open House Family-Friendly In-Person Event Reception

May 8, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, PA 5:30 - 8pm $20 Non-Members | $15 Members | FREE for Children 17 and Under
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Storytime [May 8, 2025]

The book cover for "The Hike."
Amazon

Gather ’round for Storytime each Thursday this May! Each week, we’ll read aloud from a book centered on a historical or nature-focused theme or story, followed by a craft or activity inspired by that week’s book. On May 8, we’ll read The Hike by Alison Farrell.

Three intrepid young female explorers set out to conquer the outdoors in their local forest, enjoying the process in their own different ways. Wren brings a sketchbook and a flag, El brings a poetry notebook, and Hattie brings feathers (and holds Bean the dog’s leash). They get lost and use maps to find their way. They draw wildlife, spot deer tracks, and see a deer before it startles and disappears, all before they finally and joyfully reach their destination. (Amazon)

Storytime is free, and registration is required to ensure we have craft supplies for everyone. Storytime is designed for young readers, ages 2-6, but older and younger siblings or friends are welcome to attend. Register for all Storytime programs or individual programs online or over the phone by calling (717) 392-4633.

Storytime will take place outdoors unless it rains, in which case it will be moved indoors. We kindly ask that at least one (1) adult 18 years or older attend for every household.

Children's Program Family-Friendly In-Person Event Outdoor

May 8, 2025 LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster 10-11am FREE | Registration Required
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