LancasterHistory to Host 'Sneak Peek' Look at Progress Inside Stevens & Smith Center for ExtraGive 
Up-and-Coming Museum Will Be Open for Self-Guided Access from 4-7PM November 22

LANCASTER, PA —  LancasterHistory invites the public for a 'sneak peek' of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy as part of the ExtraGive on Friday, November 22 from 4-7PM. 

For the first time since the Center's groundbreaking in May earlier this year, visitors get to see the construction progress, first hand, inside the Stevens & Smith Center. Formerly raw rooms have since been transformed with flooring and walls, giving a more concrete look at the exhibit spaces to come.

“Every day, the Stevens & Smith Center gets a little bit closer to opening. Walls are going up. Labels are being written,” said Mabel Rosenheck, Director of Education and Exhibition Planning. “ExtraGive will be your chance to come in, see what we’re up to, and tell us what you think! You’ll get a sneak peek at the amazing progress our contractors have made, and you’ll hear about the stories and themes we’re exploring. We hope you’ll come, listen, and tell us what issues in history and democracy you want to see spotlighted at Lancaster’s newest museum.”

From 4-7PM, the public can tour the site where LancasterHistory staff members will be stationed to highlight specific future galleries and solicit feedback. Visitors can enter off of Vine Street into Commons on Vine in the Lancaster County Convention Center. There is no cost to attend and RSVPs or advance registration is not required. Visitors should note that not all levels of the site may be accessible by November 22 due to ongoing construction. If you have questions about accessibility, please contact info@lancasterhistory.org. 

The 'sneak peek' comes at a time that support of LancasterHistory is incredibly important. 

“Whether during the ExtraGive or on the other 364 days of the year, the support of the Lancaster community continues to be at the heart of our operations and programs of LancasterHistory," said Robin Sarratt, Vice President of LancasterHistory. "This year’s ExtraGive comes at such an intense, exciting, and important moment for LancasterHistory—the support garnered during the ExtraGive fuels everything we do, and so much of our time and energy is going into building the Stevens & Smith Center right now. We really hope folks will come join us to see the site and provide feedback on the Center's exhibits—it’s a great opportunity for everyone to be part of this project!”

Tax-deductible donations can be made on November 22 at LancasterHistory's ExtraGive webpage or year-round at lancasterhistory.org/donate.

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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