African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania

05/28/2026

Last night, PBS NewsHour featured a powerful segment on abolitionist Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and the newly-opened Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History & Democracy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Often called the “scourge of the South,” Stevens was one of the nation’s fiercest advocates for abolition, racial equality, and the transformation of American society following the Civil War. He played a key role in crafting the 13th and 14th Amendments, helping abolish slavery and laying the constitutional foundation for equal protection, birthright citizenship, and modern civil rights.

The segment also highlights the remarkable Lydia Hamilton Smith, a Black businesswoman, property owner, and Stevens’ longtime companion and confidante, whose story is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

More than a history lesson, the story reminds us that the questions Stevens fought over more than 150 years ago — who is American, who has rights, and what equality truly means — are still being debated today.

Watch the PBS NewsHour segment here: https://www.pbs.org/video/srl-1779918137/

New museum spotlights Thaddeus Stevens’ abolitionist legacy

05/21/2026

Our President, Dr. Leroy Hopkins, was at the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia Thursday to present A CONSPIRACY OF GOOD: Stephen Smith, William Whipper and the Underground Railroad in Columbia, as part of the (free) Columbia 300 Speaker Series. A thousand thanks to the museum for hosting this jam-packed event.

05/19/2026

Leaders & Liberators brings history to life through a dramatic reading of an imagined encounter between Harriet Tubman and her abolitionist collaborators from Columbia, Pennsylvania—Stephen Smith and William Whipper.
Join us for this powerful program honoring courage, freedom, and legacy.
Purchase your tickets through our website — aahsscpa.org

05/19/2026

The National Park Service has recognized the historic Wright Home in Columbia, Pennsylvania with designation as a site on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. This important recognition is the result of the dedicated research and hard work of Lancaster historian Randolph Harris and others committed to preserving and sharing this history.
Mark Stewart, current owner of the home and Secretary of The Underground Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, continues to steward and interpret this important site for future generations.
The Wright Home stands as a powerful reminder of Columbia’s significant role in the Underground Railroad and the ongoing efforts to preserve these stories of courage, resistance, and freedom. Click the picture below to see an interview with Mark Stewart and Dr Leroy Hopkins, President of The Underground Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

The house operated as a safehouse for people escaping slavery for more than 40 years.

05/15/2026

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our scheduled presenter for this Sunday’s monthly meeting, Peggy Eppig, will no longer be able to join us.

In her place, Tina Charles will present:
York’s Heroes: Battle on Two Fronts – African Americans in WWII

Join us as we explore the stories, sacrifices, and resilience of African American men and women who fought for victory abroad while facing inequality at home during World War II.

We hope you’ll join us for this important and powerful presentation!

05/12/2026

DOWNTOWNERS AROUND TOWN

It has been an exciting time lately for local history buffs who have followed the story of the Underground Railroad in Lancaster, along with the stories of Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith who played a very important role during that era. Today there are Downtowner members who are passionate about those stories and active in the African American Historical Society, an organization that is proud to represent this rich local history.

Former Downtowner Randy Harris has spent countless hours over many years working with all interested parties to keep the story alive for generations to come with the opening of a new museum downtown at the Convention Center. The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center, a museum and education center, is testimony to Randy’s dedication, passion and efforts, and after last week’s big block party celebrating it’s completion, it is now open to the public.

For anyone who is interested in the story, there will be a talk by a descendant of a key figure in the area’s Underground Railroad on Tuesday 5/12 at the Lancaster Public Library on Queen Street from 5-7 pm.

stevensandsmithcenter.org

05/11/2026

We have a great lineup of events this month! From Underground Railroad history and Gullah Geechee heritage to community conversations and local storytelling, there’s something for everyone interested in preserving and learning more about our shared history. ✨

Here's a quick preview - visit our events page for full details and registration information: https://www.aahsscpa.org/events

We'd love to have you join our membership for discounts on trips, access to our members area, and early access to events! Join here: https://www.aahsscpa.org/membership

05/11/2026

Join the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania and Lancaster Public Library for the fifth and final 2026 session of Animating Democracy: The William Whipper Reading Circle on Tuesday, May 12, from 5–7 PM at Lancaster Public Library. This free public gathering will feature Philadelphia artist and educator Dyymond Whipper-Young, a collateral descendant of famed abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor William Whipper, sharing how family legacy and cultural heritage continue to shape her artistic work and community engagement. Also presenting is civic leader and historian Chris Ballentine, who will reflect on Frederick Douglass’s powerful 1894 speech, Lessons of the Hour, and its continued relevance in the pursuit of justice today. Held in honor of the late Lenwood “Leni” Sloan, this inspiring evening blends history, art, storytelling, and dialogue to explore how the voices of the past continue to animate democracy in the present.

For more information: https://www.aahsscpa.org/event-details/lancaster-live-learn-series-2026-the-william-whipper-reading-circle-4