Lancasterhistory will integrate inclusive design and community engagement in the creation of the thaddeus stevens & lydia hamilton smith center for history and democracy

The Lancaster History organization will receive $635,900 under a Project Grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services' Museums for America program to integrate inclusive design and community engagement in the creation of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy. Accessibility consultants will work closely with staff to ensure inclusive practices are central to the schematic design, design development, and implementation phases of the new center, including the development of programs, print and web materials, and ancillary activities. Additional consultants will lead museum staff and board through 10 training sessions on inclusion practices. The museum will work with consultants to engage local students and community members to develop a framework to shape the center's exhibitions, programming, and activities. This will benefit future visitors to the center who live with a disability as well as local residents who will have access to a civic engagement hub.

Accessibility consultants will work closely with staff to ensure that inclusive practices are central to the schematic design, design development and implementation phases of the new center. Including the development of programs, print and web material, and ancillary activities. Additional consultants will lead museum staff and board through a series of 10 training sessions on inclusion practices. . The museum will work with the consultants to engage local students and community members to develop a framework to shape the center's exhibitions, programming, and activities. The project will benefit future visitors to the center who live with a disability, as well as residents of the local community who will benefit from a neighborhood hub for civic engagement.