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.