Lancaster History

LancasterHistory is your connection to the history of Lancaster County.

LancasterHistory preserves and shares the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Lancaster County for more than 300 years. We serve the county and its many visitors by maintaining and providing access to museum exhibitions, historic collections, a Research Center, and the home of President James Buchanan, Wheatland. And, we’re hard at work to bring you the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, an interpretive museum and education center that will examine the long, arduous struggle for freedom and equality in America through exhibits, immersive media experiences, and educational programs.

But our story would not be complete without you! With your support, we provide free community programming and education for learners of all ages, hosting about 40,000 visitors onsite a year, in addition to over 150,000 visitors to our website and virtual programs. And, LancasterHistory believes that everyone should be able to access, enjoy, and learn at museums, which is why we’ve recently joined the Museums for All program. There's always a lecture, program, or workshop happening at LancasterHistory! Check out what we have to offer and stay tuned for our upcoming Spring 2025 programming.

If you are unable to travel to the Campus of History, don’t miss our historic resources online, digital exhibitions, blogs, videos, and more! The online James Buchanan Presidential Library and Collections Database allows you to search all of LancasterHistory’s historic collections in one convenient location.

Help us continue to preserve Lancaster County's history and provide access to historical resources and education through a tax-deductible gift during the Extraordinary Give. We are grateful for your generous support and look forward to hosting you at the Campus of History soon. And, of course, thank you for sharing your love of history with us!

Who We Are

LancasterHistory engages and educates the public about the people, places, and events that shaped Lancaster County within the context of the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America. We collect, preserve, exhibit, and make accessible materials chronicling Lancaster County's complex and compelling past.