America 250

Celebrate America 250 in Lancaster, PA

In 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence! Travel to Lancaster County, PA to experience America's rich history and heritage.

Since its founding in 1729, Lancaster has played an important role in American history in various ways, including serving as the nation's capital for one day when the Second Continental Congress met in Lancaster on September 27, 1777.

Lancaster County invites you to explore its role in the story of America at its many history and heritage experiences.

July 28, 2025

Lafayette Day

Head to Historic Rock Ford, the home of Edward Hand, adjutant general to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Welcome the Marquis de Lafayette with fanfare and celebration for Lafayette Day to recognize this famous friend of the American Revolution in commemorating the bicentennial of his farewell tour through Lancaster with various activities, including:

Live Music & Performances: Fife & Drum performances, Period dancing demonstrations, Children's Maypole dancing, Vignette performances on the piazza.
Historical Encounters: Re-enactors/encampment, Self-guided open house tours of the circa 1794 General Hand Mansion, Open hearth cooking demonstrations, Conestoga Wagon, Reproduction of the original “triumphal arch” from 1825.
Exhibits & Displays: 1825: Lafayette in Lancaster focus exhibit in the Snyder Gallery, French dining display, Local youth art show.
Activities & Experiences: Farm wagon tours, Garden talks, Children’s Activity Tent with crafts & games, Photo opportunities.
Food & Shopping: Food for sale and Sutlers.
Presentations: Guest speakers & authors.

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July 28, 2025

A Summer Evening with Lafayette

Delight in a free musical extravaganza & live performance at the Ware Center from 7-9pm depicting the life and legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette on the 200th anniversary of the farewell tour through Lancaster of this famous friend of the American Revolution.

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Late September 2025

Capital Day Celebration

Join LancasterHistory for festivities celebrating the day Lancaster served as the nation's capital - September 27, 1777. More details to come.

Early 2026

Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy

The Stevens & Smith Center is an interpretive museum and education center opening in Lancaster City in 2026. The Center will examine the long, arduous struggle for freedom and equality in America through exhibits, immersive media experiences, and educational programs.

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Pictured: Concept Rendering of Abolitionist Overlook

Credit: RAA

Historic Lancaster Walking Tour

Learn about the many fascinating aspects of our city’s past on the Historic Lancaster Walking Tour, which will be celebrating its own 50th anniversary in 2026, having been created to commemorate our nation’s bicentennial in 1976!

Take a Tour

February 6, 2026 - April 26, 2026

Murder Mystery at Mount Hope Estate Winery

While the modern world celebrates America’s 250th, Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at Mount Hope 2026 is returning to 1876 to celebrate America’s 100th Birthday. Join us for a culinary whodunit inside Historic Victorian Mount Hope Mansion with a four-course meal and plenty of intrigue.

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History Road Trip

Philadelphia to Gettysburg

Get the perfect history adventure itinerary! Take a road trip from Philadelphia to Gettysburg and pick up bits of American history along the way.

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The Underground Rail Road in Lancaster County, PA

Lancaster County abolitionists and their “safe houses” played a key role in the heritage of the Underground Railroad.

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Lancaster, PA Civil War History

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Historic Places to Visit in Lancaster, PA

Step back in time as you take to the streets and backroads of Lancaster, PA. Our county is…

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Historic Restaurants in Lancaster, PA

Enjoy a taste of history at one of these long-standing and historic dining establishments.

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Historic Places to Stay in Lancaster, PA

Attention history buffs! It’s one thing to read about history but it’s a whole other experience to stay…

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Experience history

LancasterHistory & President James Buchanan’s Wheatland

230 North President Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 392-4633 Website

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The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy

(717) 392-4633 Website

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Ephrata Cloister

632 West Main Street Ephrata, PA 17522 (717) 733-6600 Website

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1719 Museum

1849 Hans Herr Drive Willow Street, PA 17584 (717) 464-4438 Website

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Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum

410 North Lime Street Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 544-8938 Website

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Children of Gettysburg 1863

451 Baltimore Street Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 338-1243 Website

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Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

1195 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA 17325 (877) 874-2478 Website

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Living The Experience

512 East Strawberry St Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 393-8379 Website

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Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

300 Gap Road Strasburg, PA 17579 (717) 687-8628 Website

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Cornwall Iron Furnace

94 Rexmont Road Cornwall, PA 17016 (717) 272-9711 Website

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Mascot Roller Mills and Ressler Family Home

443 W Newport Rd Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 656-7616 Website

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Christiana Historical Society

17 Green Street Christiana, PA 17509 (717) 384-2709 Website

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The National Civil War Museum

1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park Harrisburg, PA 17103 (717) 260-1861 Website

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Lititz Historical Foundation

137-145 East Main St Lititz, PA 17543 (717) 627-4636 Website

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Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society

1080 5th Avenue Steelton, PA 17113 (717) 939-8228 Website

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State Museum of Pennsylvania

300 North St Harrisburg, PA 17120 (717) 787-4979 Website

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Strasburg Rail Road™

301 Gap Rd Ronks, PA 17572 (866) 725-9666 Website

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Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

300 Gap Road Strasburg, PA 17579 (717) 687-8628 Website

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Reading & Northern Railroad

3501 Pottsville Pike Reading, PA 19605 (610) 562-2102 Website

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Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad

136 Brown Street Middletown, PA 17057 (717) 944-4435 Website

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Amish Farm and House

2395 Covered Bridge Drive Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 459-0721 Website Find A Room

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The Amish Village

199 Hartman Bridge Rd Ronks, PA 17572 (717) 687-8511 Website

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The Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm

3121 Old Philadelphia Pk Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 (717) 768-8400 Website

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Demuth Museum

120 East King Street Lancaster, PA 17602-2832 (717) 299-9940 Website

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Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

2451 Kissel Hill Rd Lancaster, PA 17601-4809 (717) 569-0401 Website

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Columbia Historic Preservation Society

21 North 2nd St Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 684-2894 Website

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National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum

50 South 1st Ave. Coatesville, PA 19320 (610) 384-9282 Website

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Wright’s Ferry Mansion

PO Box 68 Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 684-4325

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Mennonite Life

2215 Millstream Road Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 393-9745 Website

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Historic Rock Ford

881 Rockford Road Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 392-7223 Website

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Ticket to the Past–Unforgettable Journeys

1195 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 338-1243 Website

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National Watch & Clock Museum

514 Poplar St Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 684-8261 Website

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Barry’s Car Barn

3504 Old Philadelphia Pike Intercourse, PA 17534 (717) 351-1515 Website

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York Barbell Weightlifting Museum & Hall of Fame

3300 Board Road York, PA 17406 (717) 767-6481 Website

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Brewery Tours

(717) 660-0767 Website

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Bube’s Brewery

102 North Market Street Mount Joy, PA 17552 (717) 653-2056 Website Find A Room

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Historic Lancaster Walking Tour

38 Penn Square Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 392-1776 Website

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Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

219 East Main Street Lititz, PA 17543-2011 (717) 626-4354 Website

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Ghost Tours of Lancaster

25 S. Queen Street Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 687-6687 Website

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Stiegel Glassworks 1976

210 S. Charlotte Street, Rear Manheim, PA 17545 (717) 575-6099 Website

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Lancaster History and Craft Beer Walk

128 E. Grant St, Suite 402 Lancaster, PA 17602 (833) 565-2539

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Christiana Underground Rail Road Center

11 Green Street Christiana, PA 17509 (717) 665-2275

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Lancaster History & Breakfast Walking Tour

(717) 925 - 0891

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African American Heritage Walking Tour: Downtown Lancaster

City of Lancaster Welcome Center 38 Penn Square Lancaster, PA 17603 (262) 894-0203

Book Tour

African American Heritage Walking Tour: Historic Southeast Lancaster

Crispus Attucks Community Center 407 Howard Avenue Lancaster, PA 17602 (262) 894-0203

Book Tour

Amish Experiences

The Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County are America's oldest Amish settlement, where tens of thousands still live a centuries-old "Plain" lifestyle. Experience their culture for yourself!

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