LANCASTER, PA — LancasterHistory is excited to announce that it has joined Museums for All, a national, signature-access program that encourages everyone to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. Museums for All is an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency based in Washington, D.C., and administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM). Specifically, the program ensures low cost access to museums for families and individuals receiving food assistance benefits across the country.

Beginning September 3, 2024, LancasterHistory will accept valid Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer (SNAP EBT) cards or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) cards in exchange for free or reduced admission to its facilities as part of its participation in the Museums for All program. LancasterHistory joins over 1,300 other institutions across the United States, including eight museums in Lancaster County that are already part of the program. These museums include: 

• Ephrata Cloister
• Hands-On House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster
• The Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum
• Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum
• The National Watch and Clock Museum
• North Museum of Nature and Science
• The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
• The Winters Heritage House Museum & The Siebert Genealogy Research Library

 
With such vibrant participation in the community, Lancaster is considered a “Hub City” for Museums for All. For a community to reach Hub status, three or more local organizations must be active participants in the initiative. LancasterHistory’s participation increases county-wide participation to nine local museums.

“We’re really excited to join this initiative,” said Robin Sarratt, Vice President of LancasterHistory. “We want everyone in our community, whether residents or visitors, to access, enjoy, and learn from museums. Not only are museums places of learning, but they provide space for intergenerational interaction, rest, and renewal. Museums are safe spaces for exploration and discovery. Museums for All is part of LancasterHistory’s strong commitment of ensuring everyone feels included and welcome on our Campus of History and at the future Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy when it opens next year.”

The Museums for All admission for LancasterHistory is $3 per adult 18 years or older and free for children 17 and under.

To receive the Museums for All rate, visitors must present their EBT or WIC card and a valid form of ID upon check-in at LancasterHistory. LancasterHistory’s reduced rate for Museums for All is available during normal operating hours for up to four (4) individuals per EBT or WIC card, one of whom must be an adult 18 years or older. For more details, please visit LancasterHistory’s Visitor FAQ page at lancasterhistory.org/visit/faqs or call (717) 392-4633.