Discover Lancaster’s America 250th Passport is a free, yearlong experience celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Pick up your passport at the Visitors Center or participating attractions (listed below), then collect unique stamps as you explore 23 historic sites across Lancaster County. The passport doubles as a keepsake and includes exclusive coupons to local businesses. Enjoy meaningful moments of history, community, and discovery from January – December 2026.
The Stevens & Smith Center is an interpretive museum and education center that examines the long, arduous struggle for freedom and equality in America through exhibits, immersive media experiences, and educational programs.
September 27, 2026
Capital DayOn September 27, 1777, Lancaster, PA served as the nation’s capital for a day when the Second Continental Congress fled British-occupied Philadelphia - a pivotal moment in America’s road to independence. Today, that brief yet powerful chapter of history is commemorated through our Capital Day celebrations, inviting visitors to explore Lancaster’s role in the founding story.
Celebrate Lancaster Capital Day this September 26th!
America & Lancaster – Two Intertwined Histories
Check out the many ways Lancaster has impacted American history over the past 250 years.
Movie Night Series | July 21, & August 11 | Historic Rock Ford
Historic Rock Ford’s Summer Movie Night Series invites guests to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy history-themed films under the stars, with concessions available to support the site. The free series includes National Treasure (July 3), National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets (July 21), and Johnny Tremain (August 11), with registration recommended.
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18th Century Medical Day | August 23, 2026 | Historic Rock Ford
Explore the practices of Revolutionary-era healthcare through self-guided tours, expert demonstrations, and living historians specializing in 18th-century medicine. Visitors can also view the Snyder Gallery exhibit while learning how medical knowledge and treatments shaped life in early America.
America's 250th Birthday Corn Maze | September 12 - October 31 | Oregon Dairy
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at Oregon Dairy’s patriotic corn maze, where admission includes fall favorites like a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, barrel train rides, jump pad, pedal tractors, trikes, and yard games.
Celebrate Lancaster Capital Day | September 26, 2026 | Lancaster City
Capital Day celebrates Lancaster's unique history & culture, from 1776 to today. Enjoy local food, music, vendors, family activities, historical programming, crafts, artisan demonstrations, and special cultural experiences.
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Ringing in 250: Stories from the Susquehanna | Susquehanna National Heritage Area
Youth and families are invited to decorate wooden bells inspired by meaningful people, places, and traditions in their lives. This free, drop-in art program helps connect local stories from Lancaster and York counties to the larger American story as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. For more information, email programs@susqnha.org or stop by Columbia Crossings to see the growing display.
Historic Lancaster Walking Tour | April 1 - October 31 | Downtown Lancaster
Marking its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Historic Lancaster Walking Tour invites you to explore the city’s vibrant past - where every step reveals a new story from America’s early days. No reservation needed for daily tours.
America: 250 Years of Freedom | June 25 - October 17, 2026 | Bird-in-Hand Stage
This 90-minute multimedia production celebrates America’s story through beloved patriotic songs, powerful historical moments, and iconic voices from the nation’s past. Featuring the Celebration Singers, it offers an inspiring journey through 250 years of American history, music, and pride.
1776 The Musical | July 16, 2026 | Ephrata Performing Arts
A Tony Award–winning musical brings America’s founding to life with sharp wit, stirring songs, and larger-than-life portraits of Revolutionary leaders. It captures the debate, doubt, and determination behind the Declaration of Independence in a heartfelt, high-spirited celebration for audiences of all ages.
Historic Lancaster City Walk-a-Bout | Saturdays | Brewery Tours
Discover Lancaster City’s brewing heritage on a guided walking tour of three historic downtown craft breweries. Enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, tastings of 12 local beers, and stories that connect Lancaster’s past to its modern craft beer scene.
2026 Focus Exhibit: Lancaster’s Revolutionaries | April 1 - October 31 | Historic Rock Ford
The “Lancaster’s Revolutionaries” focus exhibit at Historic Rock Ford, open April 1–October 31, 2026, highlights the stories and material culture of Lancaster County residents who supported the Patriot cause during the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the exhibit in the Snyder Gallery, with an updated edition of the Lancaster’s Revolutionaries Series book also planned for release.
Proclamation Artwork | G. Robert Wagner | Discover Lancaster Visitors Center
In 1979, Lancaster County marked its 250th anniversary with a special proclamation printed on parchment and signed by the Commissioners. Featuring artwork by G. Robert Wagner, the County Seal design remains in use today. An original copy is on display at the Discover Lancaster Art Gallery.
America 250 Lecture Series | Last Friday of Month - May 29 - November 18, 2026 | Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Step into history at Landis Valley with the America 250 Lecture Series, a monthly happy hour style program featuring engaging talks from noted historians on Lancaster County’s people, culture, and role in early America. Running May through November, the series offers a great reason to visit this unique historic site and experience the stories that helped shape Pennsylvania and the nation.
Women at the Valley Forge Encampment | October 4, 2026 | Historic Rock Ford
Commemorate women’s vital role in history at Historic Rock Ford. Historian Nancy K. Loane, Ed.D. shares the untold stories of the more than 400 women who endured the harsh winter at Valley Forge, offering a fresh perspective on this pivotal encampment.
Save on Your trip
Check out these special offersLancaster County businesses are eager to welcome travelers interested in history and immersive experiences. Spend less on your trip when you access limited-time coupons.
History Road Trip
Philadelphia to GettysburgGet the perfect history adventure itinerary! Take a road trip from Philadelphia to Gettysburg and pick up bits of American history along the way.
The Underground Rail Road in Lancaster County, PA
Lancaster County abolitionists and their “safe houses” played a key role in the heritage of the Underground Railroad.
Lancaster, PA Civil War History
Historic Places to Visit in Lancaster, PA
Step back in time as you take to the streets and backroads of Lancaster, PA. Our county is…
Historic Restaurants in Lancaster, PA
Lancaster County takes immense pride in the wide variety of culinary experiences it offers. Whether it’s a long-time…
Historic Places to Stay in Lancaster, PA
Attention history buffs! It’s one thing to read about history but it’s a whole other experience to stay…
230 North President Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 392-4633
13-15 East Vine Street Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 392-4633
632 West Main Street Ephrata, PA 17522 (717) 733-6600
1849 Hans Herr Drive Willow Street, PA 17584 (717) 464-4438
410 North Lime Street Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 544-8938
451 Baltimore Street Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 338-1243
1195 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA 17325 (877) 874-2478
512 East Strawberry St Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 393-8379
300 Gap Road Strasburg, PA 17579 (717) 687-8628
94 Rexmont Road Cornwall, PA 17016 (717) 272-9711
2880 Stumptown Road Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 656-7616
17 Green Street Christiana, PA 17509 (717) 384-2709
1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park Harrisburg, PA 17103 (717) 260-1861
137-145 East Main St Lititz, PA 17543 (717) 627-4636
1080 5th Avenue Steelton, PA 17113 (717) 939-8228
300 North St Harrisburg, PA 17120 (717) 787-4979
301 Gap Rd Ronks, PA 17572 1-800-514-3849
3501 Pottsville Pike Reading, PA 19605 (610) 562-2102
136 Brown Street Middletown, PA 17057 (717) 944-4435
2395 Covered Bridge Drive Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 394-6185 Find A Room
199 Hartman Bridge Rd Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 687-8511
3121 Old Philadelphia Pk Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 (717) 768-8400
120 East King Street Lancaster, PA 17602-2832 (717) 299-9940
2451 Kissel Hill Rd Lancaster, PA 17601-4809 (717) 569-0401
21 North 2nd St Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 684-2894
50 South 1st Ave. Coatesville, PA 19320 (610) 384-9282
PO Box 68 Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 684-4325
2215 Millstream Road Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 393-9745
881 Rockford Road Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 392-7223
514 Poplar St Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 684-8261
3504 Old Philadelphia Pike Intercourse, PA 17534 (717) 351-1515
3300 Board Road York, PA 17406 (717) 767-6481
102 North Market Street Mount Joy, PA 17552 (717) 653-2056 Find A Room
38 Penn Square Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 392-1776
219 East Main Street Lititz, PA 17543-2011 (717) 626-4354
25 S. Queen Street Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 687-6687
210 S. Charlotte Street, Rear Manheim, PA 17545 (717) 575-6099
Lancaster History and Craft Beer Walk
128 E. Grant St, Suite 402 Lancaster, PA 17602 (833) 565-2539
Christiana Underground Rail Road Center
11 Green Street Christiana, PA 17509 (717) 665-2275
Lancaster History & Breakfast Walking Tour
(717) 925 - 0891
African American Heritage Walking Tour: Downtown Lancaster
City of Lancaster Welcome Center 38 Penn Square Lancaster, PA 17603 (262) 894-0203
African American Heritage Walking Tour: Historic Southeast Lancaster
Crispus Attucks Community Center 407 Howard Avenue Lancaster, PA 17602 (262) 894-0203
23 North Market Street Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 735-6890
12 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 397-7425
1706 Long level Road Wrightsville, PA 17368 (717) 252-0229
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