The mid-19th century was a time of upheaval and change in the United States as the country was drawn into a bloody civil war. Much of the history of that period was heavily concentrated in Lancaster and the surrounding region – not only because of the city’s location, but also because it was the home of Thaddeus Stevens and his arch political rival, former President James Buchanan. The two men frequently locked horns on the slavery issue. In addition, Lancaster County was home to a sizeable population of Free Africans whose lives were being impacted by the struggle for freedom.

Lancaster’s pivotal role gives it the opportunity – and responsibility – to tell the story of our nation’s battle for equal rights for all its citizens as reflected in the lives of Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith. The Stevens & Smith Historic Site can play a crucial role in helping Americans learn about and understand the events of that era and connection to the freedoms we enjoy today.

The new educational interpretive complex will also accord Thaddeus Stevens, a forgotten hero, the honor that he deserves. A household name in his time, Stevens has been allowed to slip from historic view. The center will redress that wrong and will also recognize his supporter Lydia Hamilton Smith, who was outstanding in her own right as a successful business owner and woman of color who bravely stepped outside the confines of her society.

Together, the two of them were far ahead of their time in confronting the racism and intolerance that divided America, and in reaching for a solution. Their early efforts to bridge that divide provide an important lesson and a model as we deal with the lingering problems of prejudice and inequality in our society today.