The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy

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Overview

NEW MUSEUM OPENING 2026

The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy is an interpretive museum and education center being developed by LancasterHistory, a non-profit organization in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Set to open in 2026, the Center will examine the long, arduous struggle for freedom and equality in America through exhibits, immersive media experiences, and educational programs.

Housed in the former law office and home of Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and his confidante Lydia Hamilton Smith, the Center will combine historic buildings with a state-of-the-art museum to examine the lives and legacies of Stevens and Smith, and their social networks of abolitionists. The Center’s multi-faceted exhibits—developed in partnership with world-renowned museum designers and noted historians—will address issues of slavery, freedom, and the continuing fight for equality in the United States.

Learn more and stay in touch about the project at stevensandsmithcenter.org.

Interested in bringing your group to the Stevens & Smith Center? Contact us to be added to our mailing list to receive future booking updates when available. Please email groups@lancasterhistory.org.

(717) 392-4633

Related Events

May 1, 2026

Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracry Grand Opening

The 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.

Tentative opening date is tbd.

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