LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, has announced its programs for February. For more information and to register for programs, readers may visit http://www.lancasterhistory.org or call 717-392-4633.
The Presidents Day Living History at Wheatland event will take place on Monday, Feb. 17. Candidates in the 1800s did not go out on the campaign trail. James Buchanan and his Democratic supporters ran Buchanan's bid for the White House out of Wheatland, making the presidential hopeful's home one of the busiest places in the county. In this first-person presentation, visitors will experience the hustle and bustle of Buchanan's busy political campaign and learn about the challenges and opportunities that awaited Buchanan as the November general elections neared. The program will feature tours starting on the hour at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Advance tickets are recommended. President James Buchanan's Wheatland is located at LancasterHistory.
The Presidents Day History Happy Hour will take place on Feb. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Shot and Bottle, 2 N. Queen St., Lancaster. Pioneering in her time, first lady Harriet Lane navigated Washington, D.C., society and championed social causes such as Native American rights. Attendees will learn about Lancaster's first lady from Lane enthusiast Stephanie Townrow, whose remarks will begin at about 6:15 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance online, with a higher fee at the door. Proceeds from this event will support LancasterHistory's educational programs. Seating is limited, and advance tickets are recommended. Beverages, food, and merchandise are not included in the purchase of a ticket.
LancasterHistory will present "Washington Brotherhood: Politics, Social Life, and the Coming of the Civil War" on Thursday, Feb. 20. A reception and book signing will begin at 4 p.m. with the main presentation from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dr. Rachel Shelden will present a nuanced portrait of Washington, D.C., as a less fractious city with a vibrant social and cultural life and engagement among key political figures. This comradery would have consequences for how lawmakers dealt with sectional disputes, especially those involving slavery in the territories, and ultimately led to disarray. The program is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required to guarantee a seat. Questions and accessibility requests may be directed to info@lancasterhistory.org.
The Black History Month Lecture will feature "A Slave for Life if I so Chuse: Abolition and Slavery in Lancaster County" on Thursday, Feb. 27 in Ryder Hall at LancasterHistory. A reception and book signing will begin at 4 p.m. with the main presentation from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. In 1780, Pennsylvania became the first state to enact gradual emancipation. As late as 1857, Lancaster newspapers still reported enslaved people living in Lancaster County. In his talk, Cory James Young will examine some common misconceptions about Northern slavery and gradual emancipation, as well as share the stories of several remarkable Pennsylvanians, black and white. The program is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required to guarantee a seat. Questions and accessibility requests may be directed to info@lancasterhistory.org or the aforementioned phone number.
LancasterHistory will present '60s Storytime on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 11 a.m. Children ages 3 to 9 years old and their families are invited to listen to a history story read aloud and then create a craft inspired by the story. This season's story times will connect thematically with the "Lancaster in the '60s" exhibit. This program is free, but reservations are encouraged to ensure enough craft supplies are available.
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