The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy
The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy is Lancaster’s newest museum!
Through immersive exhibits and multimedia experiences, historic spaces, and original artifacts, the Center explores the lives and legacies of abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens and entrepreneur Lydia Hamilton Smith, as well as the broader struggle for freedom, equality, and democracy in America.
Visitors can explore 16 galleries that examine the fight against slavery, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the continuing pursuit of equal rights. Highlights include Stevens' reconstructed law office, powerful immersive theater experiences, and local stories of the fight for freedom that shaped the nation's history.
A new museum operated by LancasterHistory, the Center is located on the site of Stevens' former law office and the home he shared with Lydia Hamilton Smith. The Center invites visitors to connect past struggles for justice with the challenges and opportunities of the present day.
Learn more, purchase tickets, and plan your visit at stevensandsmithcenter.org.
Amenities
- Accessible
- Braille signs
- Elevator on property
- Entrance with Power Assist opener
- Full wheelchair access
- Ramps available
- Restrooms accessible by wheelchair
- Sensory-friendly hours/events offered
- Service animals permitted
- Sidewalks near building with curb ramps
- Stroller-friendly
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