LANCASTER, PA – Lydia Hamilton Smith, Thaddeus Stevens' housekeeper, an astute businesswoman, and devout Roman Catholic, will be honored on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with LancasterHistory's annual wreath-laying ceremony at her gravesite located at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery in Lancaster City.

Lydia Hamilton Smith (1815-1884) served as Congressman Thaddeus Stevens' housekeeper and confidante. She expertly managed access to one of the country's most powerful politicians and played a critical role in supporting his career. Despite the prejudice she faced as a mixed-race woman, she became a successful property owner and accomplished businesswoman, owning and managing multiple properties in Lancaster, PA, and Washington, D.C.

"LancasterHistory is honored to welcome the community at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery as we gather to pay tribute to Lydia Hamilton Smith—her story, her impact, and her enduring place in our shared history," said Mabel Rosenheck, Director of Education & Exhibition Planning

The ceremony will take place at 11am, and feature the laying of fresh flowers at Smith's gravesite and remarks from Robin Sarratt, President & CEO of LancasterHistory, Rev. Brian Olkowski, Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ondra Haywood, Director of Living The Experience, and Darlene Colón, founder of the Lydia Hamilton Smith Society.

The ceremony is free and open to the public to attend. Advance registration is encouraged so LancasterHistory can contact attendees in the event of cancellation due to inclement weather. Information about event location, parking, and accessibility can be found at LancasterHistory's website.

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.