African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania

04/11/2026

Did you know abolitionists Stephen and Harriet Smith used to spend their summers in Cape May? This piece takes a look at their summer home and the people they connected with (including William Whipper). It’s a great reminder of how these histories are woven into places we might not always expect.
Take a moment to read and learn more:

04/10/2026

📣 Free Virtual Event – Preserving Black Church History

The Pennsylvania State Archives has an upcoming Community History Dialog: “Shining a Light on Black Appalachian Church History”

🗓 April 30
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM (EST)
💻 Online (Zoom)

This powerful discussion will explore efforts to document and preserve the histories of Black churches in Appalachia - highlighting how communities can collect, protect, and share their own stories.

Speaker Josh Outsey (Appalshop Archive) will share insights on building a community archive, gathering oral histories, and using digital tools to keep history alive and accessible.

✨ This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in community history, preservation, and storytelling.

🎟 Free, but registration is required:
👉 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zixTla74RU-93bUSIl7eAA

04/10/2026

📣 Mark your calendars—April is full of history in the making!

LancasterHistory has an exciting lineup of events this month, and we’re especially looking forward to those honoring Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith—figures whose legacy continues to shape our understanding of justice and equality.

From the annual birthday commemoration at Shreiner-Concord Cemetery to the long-awaited opening of the Stevens & Smith Center, there are so many opportunities to learn, reflect, and celebrate.

✨ Don’t miss it—watch the video and explore all upcoming events:

04/10/2026

✨ Their names were spoken. And that matters. ✨

For so long, they were part of the landscape… but not the story.

Cesar. F***y. Hannah. Patty. Peg. Phillis. Prince. Will.

We're honored to partner with Historic Rock Ford and the School District of Lancaster on the Lancaster City Witness Stones Project, a powerful initiative that brings hidden history back into the light. At the recent dedication on April 8th at Franklin & Marshall, these students stood and spoke their names out loud, with intention; restoring something that had been taken: recognition, dignity, humanity.

And for two individuals whose names have not yet been recovered, there was still space made. Because even without a name, their lives mattered. Their stories mattered. And we will keep searching.

These stones are small… but what they carry is not.

They carry memory.
They carry truth.
They carry a responsibility ... to remember, and to tell the full story.
Read further here: https://sdlancaster.org/news/restoring-memory-reclaiming-humanity-the-lancaster-city-witness-stones-dedication/

03/16/2026

Our March Membership Meeting featured Gerri McCritty of PAVAA Gallery, who shared the inspiring story of her life and the path that led her to open the gallery in Lancaster. Her presentation reminded us of the power of art, perseverance, and bringing important stories to life.

Huge Thank You! Margaret Tana Woodcock, & the -American Historical Society Of South Central Pennsylvania, For inviting me to share my story. Without our stories we do not exist. I am greatly humbled to be seen. Please check out their webpage, support their programs, & donate to this awesome organization.
See their link below

https://www.aahsscpa.org/

03/16/2026

🌸 Lancaster’s Hidden “She-roes”

During Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting remarkable African American women whose stories deserve to be remembered.

In a new blog post written by our own Dr. Leroy Hopkins, we meet women like Harriet Sweeney, a 19th-century Conestoga Township healer known as a “sympathetic physician.” Her practice was so well known that the County Medical Society once tried to take her to court for practicing medicine without a license.

You’ll also discover the stories of Hannah Bosley, Carrie Foster, and Ruby Cook - women who helped shape their communities through resilience, leadership, and service.

These are the stories that history too often leaves out.
📖 Read the full post here:
🔗 https://www.aahsscpa.org/post/she-roes-some-of-lancaster-county-s-notable-african-american-women

03/14/2026

🎨 Call for Artists!

Local African American artists are invited to submit work for the upcoming Cultural Festival Art Exhibit at Reservoir Park in Lancaster.

Theme: Art as Liberation
📅 Submissions open March 11 – April 8, 2026
🖼 Exhibit runs May 27 – 31, 2026
📍 Reservoir Park – Lancaster, PA

This exhibit is presented by the African American Cultural Alliance of Lancaster and Friends of Reservoir Park and will celebrate creativity, culture, and the power of art in our community.

📧 For details or to submit: FOResParkLanc@gmail.com

If you know an artist who should participate, please tag or share this post!

03/11/2026

🌸 Join us for the 7th Annual Ms. Barbara’s Tea! 🌸

Celebrate youth voices and local history at this special afternoon event featuring Rev. Stephanie M. Atkins of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, ChurchTowne of Lancaster Pa and presentations by McCaskey High School students participating in Historic Rock Ford's Witness Stone Project.

🎩 Don’t forget your style! Prizes will be awarded for:
Most Stylish Hat • Most Charming Tea Cup • Most Dapper Bow Tie

📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
31 S Duke St, Lancaster

See flyer for details or contact programs@aahsscpa.org for more information.

03/05/2026

⏰ Happening Tonight!

AAHSSCPA member and Tour Coordinator **Sylvia Cavanaugh** will highlight the powerful stories and lasting impact of women who helped shape Lancaster’s Historic Southeast community.

📍 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 S Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602
🕔 5:00 PM
🎟 Free and open to the public

Come learn, connect, and celebrate the women whose contributions helped build our community.

Event details:
https://www.aahsscpa.org/event-details/contributions-of-women-from-lancasters-historic-southeast