Grand Opening Weekend | May 1 — 2, 2026
Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and DemocracyThe Stevens & Smith Center is an interpretive museum and education center opening in Lancaster City in 2026. The Center will examine 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. Stay tuned for those event details.
Lincoln Funeral Train Commemoration | April 24 - 25, 2026 | Stone Gables Estate
Step back to April 1865 as the Lincoln Funeral Train is commemorated at Stone Gables Estate. Ride a narrated, period-correct train, explore a full-scale replica of Lincoln’s Funeral Car, and experience Civil War life through encampments, reenactors, and historians.
History Festival | June 13, 2026 | Lititz Historical Foundation
Visit the Lititz Historical Foundation from 11 AM - 5 PM for a fantastic day of history, fun, and lasting memories for the entire family. Enjoy reenactors, guided tours, demonstrators, artisans, a food truck, and more! The festival is free to attend.
Patriotic Concert & Fireworks Spectacular | July 3, 2026 | The Barn at Paradise Station
Join the celebration of America’s 250th birthday at The Barn at Paradise Station! Featuring food trucks and other vendors, games and activities for all ages, and a concert on the lawn that's sure to impress. End the night with a bang as Schaefer Fireworks presents a stunning fireworks show!
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17th annual Murder Mystery Dinner | February 6 - April 26, 2026 | Mount Hope Estate Winery
While the modern world celebrates America’s 250th, Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at Mount Hope 2026 is returning to 1876 to celebrate America’s 100th Birthday. Join us for a culinary whodunit inside Historic Victorian Mount Hope Mansion with a four-course meal and plenty of intrigue.
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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.
The Complete History of America (Abridged) | April 17 - May 3, 2026 | Prima Theatre
Experience 90 minutes of fast, fearless fun as The Complete History of America (Abridged) hits the Prima Theatre stage. Three performers bring centuries of history to life with wit, wild energy, and nonstop laughs - making this a night at the theatre you won’t forget.
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.
Songs and Stories of the American Revolution | April 19, 2026 | Historic Rock Ford
Experience the spirit of 1776 with musician Matthew Dodd at Historic Rock Ford. Through lively songs, stories, and authentic Colonial flair, Dodd transports audiences back to the days of the Revolution. Ticketing information will be posted in early 2026.
Valley Forge Celebrates the French Alliance | May 3, 2026 | Historic Rock Ford
Celebrate the French Alliance at Historic Rock Ford with historian Nancy K. Loane, Ed.D. Discover how Washington’s troops marked this pivotal 1778 event with the biggest celebration at Valley Forge. Part of the America250 Lecture Series, this engaging talk explores the people and stories behind the encampment. Ticketing information will be posted in early 2026.
When the Declaration of Independence was News | June 14, 2026 | Historic Rock Ford
Dr. Emily Sneff, a leading expert on the Declaration of Independence and the founding era of the United States, will be presenting “When the Declaration of Independence was News” as part of our 2026 Lecture Series. This lecture will be held in the Langmuir Education Room located on the first floor of the Rock Ford Barn. Ticketing information will be posted in early 2026.
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A Thematic Interpretation of a Turning Point in the Revolutionary War | June 21, 2026 | Historic Rock Ford
The “Ten Crucial Days” winter campaign of 1776-77 is one of the most storied in the annals of military history. In his new book, Winning the Ten Crucial Days: The Keys to Victory in George Washington’s Legendary Winter Campaign, David Price examines this pivotal moment in the War of Independence. This event is part of our America250 Lecture Series and will be held in the Langmuir Education Room located on the first floor of the Rock Ford Barn. Ticketing information will be posted in early 2026.
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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.
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
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 (866) 725-9666
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
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