Lancaster is home to a number of historic African American churches. Some founded over 200 years ago, these historic sites played a significant role in the abolition of slavery as well as the Underground Railroad and many continue to flourish to this day.
Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church | 31 S Duke Street #1, Lancaster PA
Established in 1730 this historic church is home to the oldest congregation in Lancaster and ministered to both enslaved and free black families.
Saint James Episcopal Church | 119 N Duke Street, Lancaster PA
This historic location, established in 1744, once ministered to people of African descent, whether free or enslaved, as well as slave owners and abolitionists. In 1817, some African-American members left to establish a separate house of worship in Lancaster that became known as the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church | 450-512 East Strawberry Street, Lancaster PA
Originally home to an African Methodist Episcopal faith community, this historic church diverged from its established congregation to create one of the first African churches in Lancaster. Supporting freedom seekers, several key members of the congregation took great personal risks to assist those escaping slavery in the Underground Railroad circa 1820 -1860.
Ebenezer Baptist Church | 701 North Lime Street, Lancaster PA
Not the oldest church on this list organized by African Americans but it is similarly rich with history. The church was organized in 1900 and has been a driving force for uplifting the community in Lancaster for over a century.
Lancaster City is home to a Black community with deep, historic roots and invites all visitors and locals alike to celebrate Black History Month by learning more about our Black community members and their culture, supporting Black artists, supporting Black-owned businesses, and lifting up Black voices.
Important links to Lancaster’s African American heritage can be found throughout the city, in the form of historic buildings, monuments, and museums. To learn more about this heritage and pay homage to influential African Americans in the area, we've gathered some of the top landmarks and events to add to your itinerary during Black History Month.
Christiana Historical Society - Historic Zerchers Hotel, 11 Green Street, Christiana, PA
This free, publicly accessible historical site tracing the steps of those involved in the Underground Railroad, located at the Zercher’s hotel, pictured above.
The Crispus Attucks Community Center - 407 Howard Ave, Lancaster, PA
The Crispus Attucks Community Center’s mission is to improve the quality of life by empowering youth and families in Lancaster by offering services that promote community prosperity, physical and mental health; and by providing programs and events which preserve the African American heritage and cultural identity.
African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania
This Historical Society is a great resource to find information on African American history from the past and the present in Lancaster County. They offer guided by volunteers or self-guided walking tours that will allow you to visit historic sites, including sites that were connected to the Underground Railroad.
YWCA – Lancaster - 110 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA
Another great resource for all members, especially black members of Lancaster County. YWCA focuses on inclusion for all and strives for diversity and representation of all communities in Lancaster County. They are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, juice, freedom and dignity.
Living the Experience is a creative, spiritual, and interactive historical reenactment of the Underground Railroad at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Living The Experience is the first Underground Railroad reenactment in Central Pennsylvania. This reenactment brings to life the people, places, and events of Lancaster and actively engages its audiences.
Those who attend are provided an honest portrayal of the realities of those involved in the Underground Railroad. From the stories that are told, the spirituals that are sung, and the emotional connections that are felt. People are provided an opportunity to learn and to gain a clearer perspective on the events and the people involved with this “station” on the underground railroad. Following the reenactment, a Southern style meal is served and local vendors are on site.
African American Lancastrians have made history over the years as visionary civic leaders, activists, athletes and entrepreneurs.
James Clendenin - A free African tradesman, James Clendenin was selected by his community to organize the creation of a church
William Payne - businessman, chef, and restaurateur, William G. Payne was born enslaved in Virginia. Later, after founding a successful catering company in Philadelphia, Payne moved to Lancaster and opened the Lancaster Kitchen & Caterers' Supply Company, which he owned and operated from 1906 to 1914.
Lydia Smith - Confidant and property manager to Thaddeus Stevens, Lydia Hamilton Smith played an important role in the Underground Railroad in Lancaster, sacrificing her own safety to provide shelter and protections for freedom seekers at the Steven’s property in downtown Lancaster.
Barney Ewell - Ewell was the state’s greatest high school sprinter-jumper in the mid-1930s, one of the world's leading sprinters in the 40s and went on to win both an Olympic gold medal and two silver medals. Ewell spent his formative years running track at McCaskey High School and later in life resided in Lancaster until his death in 1996.
Nelson Polite - The Polite family has roots in Lancaster dating all the way back to 1903! Each Polite man before Nelson did create things for the Lancaster community, Nelson was just the same. He launched the first African American Boy Scout troop in Lancaster, served in the Bethel AME Church and sat on the Lancaster City Council.
To read more about notable Black History authors featured during Black History month at Midtown Scholar Bookstore: https://www.midtownscholar.com/
Becoming Othello: A Black Girl's Journey
When: February 7 | 7:30PM - 9PM
Where: The Ware Center
Cost: Free
A tour-de-force living memoir and solo show! Chronicling the trials and triumphs of her life—her joy-filled, tumultuous youth in Harlem, her fateful encounter with a troop of Shakespearean actors, and her gender-flipped journey to playing Shakespeare’s Othello—Debra Ann Byrd bares her soul in this vulnerable, personal, and resonant story of perseverance, discovery, and unconditional love.
Museums & History
Lancaster County museums and tours offer insight into every aspect of Lancaster's history & culture. From local art and the Amish community to natural science, trains, there's something for every person's interest!
Lancaster, PA Civil War History
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.
512 East Strawberry St Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 393-8379 Website
342 N Queen Street #D Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 821-5982 Website
Downtown Lancaster Lancaster, PA ***** (717) 842-0350
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Things to Do
Dutch Wonderland
Opening day is April 5! Start planning your family trip to Dutch Wonderland today!
Cozy Accommodations
Osceola Mill House Bed and Breakfast
Formerly the Mill owners’ home in 1766, this boutique property offers cozy guest rooms, a hearty three-course breakfast, and a tranquil setting to rejuvenate your spirit.
Special Event
Rails & Ales
Don't miss Rails & Ales - a craft beer tasting event - at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 5!
