LANCASTER, PA –Join LancasterHistory for the special guided tour, Harriet Lane: America's Fair First Lady of the Land, on Saturday, May 9, with tours from 10am-3pm. Harriet Lane was the first hostess of the White House to be publicly referred to as the “First Lady.” Although she was not the president's wife, she flourished in the role and helped define it for future First Ladies. In celebration of Harriet Lane's 196th birthday, visitors will explore Harriet Lane’s life from her childhood with her uncle James Buchanan and her role in the White House, to the personal losses she endured and the legacy she left behind.

"LancasterHistory is excited to explore Harriet Lane's life and legacy on the 196th anniversary of her birth. Harriet was orphaned by the time she was 11. As a result, she was raised by her Uncle [James] Buchanan, said Stephanie Celiberti, Manager, President James Buchanan’s Wheatland. "Guests will learn how well educated, well-traveled, firmly placed in politics, Harriet was. Her class and station in life gave her financial freedom and access to education and political involvement that most women in the mid-19th century did not have."

Harriet Lane used her privilege to forge bipartisan efforts as First Lady of the United States in her uncle’s particularly divisive administration, create a lasting impression of leadership amongst diplomats around the world, and, in later life, fund pediatric care. During their tour, visitors will gain insights into Harriet's legacy, which continues to resonate today.

Information & Registration

This special tour will be available on the hour from 10am until 3pm. Please Note: These tours are not our regular General Admission tours and may be more focused on a particular topic than a general history of Buchanan and the home.

Tickets are available for purchase online or over the phone by calling 717.392.4633. Advance reservations are highly recommended as tours may sell out and walk-in tickets may not be available. Members receive complimentary admission, but should reserve their tickets in advance to secure the tour time of their choice.

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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