April 23, 2026Hope, Courage, and Perseverance: The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy debuts in May 2026
The much-anticipated debut of The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy is just one week away and has been more than a decade in the making.
We sat down with President & CEO Robin Sarratt, who shared insights and reflection ahead of their grand opening, which starts with a weekend of events on May 1 & 2, 2026.
This project has been so many years in the making and now it’s a week away—how do you feel?
Any way you cut it, this project has been a long time in the making. The idea for a museum at this site was first floated with the development plans for the Convention Center back in the early 2000s. LancasterHistory got involved in 2010, and we’ve been working in earnest on it since 2020.
It’s been a labor of love—a lot of both labor and love. This building had a beautifully restored exterior with just an empty shell inside. It’s incredible to see it transformed from a literal pile of rocks in some places to something so beautiful.
It’s also a rare gift for a team like ours to have the chance to create a museum from the ground up. And to do it in this community—a place that loves history and always starts with an attitude of ‘yes’—makes it that much more special. There’s a spirit of collaboration and cooperation around every corner here in Lancaster, and it’s really gratifying to know that we’re this close to sharing the Center with everyone who has helped bring it to life.
Why are the stories of Stevens and Smith important today?
Thaddeus Stevens is one of the most important 19th-century American political leaders, but few people recognize the ways our daily lives have been impacted by his legacy and efforts, even 160 years after his death. He came of age along with the brand-new United States and was very committed to the American experiment.
First, as a lawyer and then a lawmaker, especially once at the national level, he was instrumental in crafting and changing the law. It’s inspiring to see the ways he chose to focus his efforts on reshaping this nation to be more equitable.
And the story of Lydia Hamilton Smith is by no means adjunct to his. Theirs is a story of partnership—and even more unique to see this kind of egalitarian connection between a mixed-race woman and a white man at the time. Lydia came into this world with few means and yet she managed to become entrepreneurial in her own right. There are so few stories of women’s experiences like hers that are recorded in the historical record, so she provides us with this unique lens to explore the contributions of women, especially women of color, in 19th century America.
What has surprised you along this journey?
I have had enough experience with Lancaster County history to know I should never be surprised by it. There are so many powerful stories that come out of this place, not just Stevens’ and Smith’s. Lancastrians throughout history were often leading ordinary lives in the midst of what we would consider extraordinary circumstances.
These people shaped the country through their behavior and their choices. The power of individual stories never ceases to amaze me and surprise me—and there’s so much good to be found even in the darkest chapters of our history.
Throughout this process, it’s been a delight to experience engagement and support from all kinds of people. All corners of the community have come out to say, “This is something we believe in.”
What can visitors expect when they visit?
A lot of interesting information is available here at the Center in multiple modes—allowing everyone to find something that is accessible and appeals to them. We want you to meet historic Lancaster; dive into questions about freedom and slavery in Pennsylvania; and connect the dots between the work of Stevens and Smith in the 1840s and 1850s and contemporary American life today.
Visitors will have the opportunity to do that through exhibits, media, and artifacts around the Center. We’ve designed each space to satisfy those who are looking for intellectual and emotional experiences, as well as being accessible to anyone through ADA modifications and admission prices.
How does the Center reinforce the greater mission of LancasterHistory?
LancasterHistory is the Stevens and Smith Center and vice versa. This place encapsulates just one powerful set of stories about Lancaster’s history. LancasterHistory has been committed to telling the breadth and depth of those stories for nearly 150 years, and we take that responsibility seriously.
The Center is an exciting opportunity to shine a spotlight on something powerful and special, and it’s a big deal for us. Our whole team has been involved, and we’re proud to showcase more of what LancasterHistory is capable of.
As the country celebrates America’s 250th throughout the year, Robin and the passionate team at LancasterHistory invite you to discover the stories of local history makers and Lancaster’s impact at the Stevens & Smith Center.
