The Stevens & Smith Center


Exterior of the Stevens & Smith Historic Site and the Kleiss Tavern.Located at the corner of Vine and South Queen Streets in Lancaster City, The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy is currently under development by LancasterHistory. The site is currently not open to the public, but it can be viewed from outside on Vine and South Queen Streets or through glass while inside the Lancaster County Convention Center.

In 2010, LancasterHistory assumed responsibility for the site and its future development. The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County restored the facades of the Thaddeus Stevens House, Kleiss Tavern, and Lydia Hamilton Smith Houses, as well as unearthed thousands of compelling pieces of archaeological evidence, many pointing to Underground Railroad activity. Its many dedicated volunteers enforced historic preservation easements, brought the site’s potential to the attention of the Lancaster community, and put in motion actions that saved the buildings.

If you’d like to learn more about Stevens, Smith, and the future Center for History & Democracy, please click the link below.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STEVENS, SMITH, & THE CENTER

Thaddeus Stevens Home & Law Offices (part of the Center) are on the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Recent Press and/or Updates About the Project

For any media inquiries about the Stevens & Smith Center, please contact Emily Miller, Director of Marketing & Communications, at emily.miller@lancasterhistory.org (preferred) or (717) 392-4633, ext. 133.

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Admission

This site is currently not open to the public.

Hours

This site is currently not open to the public.

Location

45 South Queen Street
Lancaster, PA 17603

Parking available in nearby garages for a fee or via on street parking using meters or kiosks.