Thaddeus stevens & lydia hamilton smith center for history and democracy [the thaddeus stevens & lydia hamilton smith center for history and democracy will explore the lives of two influential, yet…

The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy is being developed by Lancasterhistory.org, a non-profit organization, under a $499,956 Project Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Promotion of the Humanities Public Programs (CFDA 45.164). The center will explore the lives and contributions of Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith, an influential but underrepresented historical figure, through interpretive exhibitions and immersive media experiences. The project aims to provide context for the significant events they lived through and investigate issues of equality, citizenship, democracy, and racial justice in the 1800s and today. Additionally, Lancasterhistory.org received a $635,900 sub-award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to integrate inclusive design and community engagement into the center's creation. The organization was also awarded a $199,044 grant from the NEH to scale up public programming post-COVID-19, including hiring staff and infusing civics education into educational activities and tours.

Thaddeus stevens & lydia hamilton smith center for history and democracy [the thaddeus stevens & lydia hamilton smith center for history and democracy will explore the lives of two influential, yet underrepresented historic figures. Congressman thaddeus stevens (1792?1868) was a radical legislator during the civil war and reconstruction. His advocacy helped spearhead the ?second founding? Of the united states. Lydia hamilton smith (1815?1884), a free woman of color and stevens? Housekeeper, defied barriers to become a successful businesswoman. Her commitment to stevens enabled some of his greatest accomplishments and reveals the role of women in 19TH-century political movements. Located in the historic property owned by stevens and later by smith, interpretive content will explore their contributions while providing context for the significant events they lived through. Exhibitions and immersive media experiences will invite visitors to investigate issues of equality, citizenship, democracy, and racial justice in the 1800S and in the united states today.]