LANCASTER, PA — As Lancaster County nears its 295th year, LancasterHistory invites the community to an evening of discovery and celebration on Thursday, May 9, from 5pm to 8pm. Marking the eve of County Founding Day, the event features a museum open house with curator-led tours, engaging activities that dive into the county’s storied past and development, and a special, one-night only exhibition of the original "Petition for the Establishment of Lancaster County," on loan from the Pennsylvania State Archives.

Attendees can experience Thieves & Vagabonds: A History of Law and Justice in Lancaster County, the latest exhibition by LancasterHistory, through special curator's tours scheduled for 5:30pm and 7pm. In addition, Ben Webber, President of the Manheim Township Historical Society, will present a unique illustrated talk on the county’s geography in 1729 titled "The Year Lancaster Went Legit" at approximately 6pm.

"We're so excited to join with partners like Uncharted Lancaster and the Pennsylvania State Archives to bring the community together for a celebration of our county on its 295th birthday,"  said Mabel Rosenheck, Director of Education and Exhibition Planning. "Tours of our latest major exhibition will highlight the complicated origins of Lancaster County which was founded on the idea that its residents needed laws, courts, and prisons to bring order and safety to the community. But it’s not all serious business, we'll also have more light-hearted activities like scavenger hunts and cake, too!"

LancasterHistory will also have the original historic artifact, the "Petition for the Establishment of Lancaster County," on loan from the Pennsylvania State Archives, on display for the event.

Further highlights include an all-ages Campus of History scavenger hunt, courtesy of Uncharted Lancaster, and the debut of "Harpo’s History Explorer’s Activity Sheet: Thieves & Vagabonds Edition," offering fun learning for younger visitors to the exhibition. The celebration will be rounded out with a birthday cake cutting at 6:30pm, in honor of Lancaster County's remarkable journey through the centuries.

Admission to the County Founding Day Open House is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students, and free for children under 10. LancasterHistory members enjoy complimentary entry. All guests are encouraged to register in advance by purchasing or reserving tickets online or by contacting LancasterHistory at 717.392.4633. Limited tickets will be available at the door for walk-ins. Registration ensures ample resources for all participants to enjoy the festivities, including a slice of birthday cake!

For additional information, visit LancasterHistory's website or contact the organization directly. This special event promises to be a memorable tribute to the rich history and heritage of Lancaster County, as well as a festive gathering for the community.

About LancasterHistory
LancasterHistory is a community-based, not-for-profit organization established to educate the public on the history of Lancaster County and its place in the history of Pennsylvania and the United States, to advance the missions of regional historical organizations, and to promote the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of resources representing the history of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania within the broader context of state and national history, including the homes of 15th US President James Buchanan and Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith.

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