A Glimpse into the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy

Last night, along with the rest of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County board, I enjoyed an unforgettable tour of the future Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy. Our tour guides for the evening were the dynamic duo of LancasterHistory President & CEO Thomas Ryan and Robin Sarratt, Vice President of LancasterHistory.

.

A century after its inception, America found itself at a crossroads, grappling with the unresolved issue of slavery. In this crucible, Thaddeus Stevens emerged as a stalwart defender of free public education, an unwavering abolitionist, a political luminary, and a champion of full citizenship and equality under the law.

Beside Stevens stood Lydia Hamilton Smith, a figure of grace, intelligence, and indomitable spirit. Their home at 45 South Queen Street became a beacon for equality, yet the stories of these remarkable individuals and their collaborators often remain in the shadows.

Thaddeus Stevens

Thaddeus Stevens, a formidable statesman of the 19th century, left an indelible mark on American history through his unwavering dedication to the abolition of slavery and the pursuit of equality for Americans of African descent. His legacy, etched into the fabric of a transformative era, aligns seamlessly with two pivotal reforms—free public education and the codification of equality before the law.

In the tumultuous decades leading up to and during the Civil War, as well as throughout the era of Reconstruction, Stevens stood as a stalwart advocate for justice. His influence resonated in the hallowed halls of Congress and reverberated in courtrooms, where he passionately championed the cause of freedom and equality. Yet, Stevens’ commitment extended beyond the legislative and legal realms.

Recent research has illuminated the clandestine role Stevens played in the Underground Railroad, an active participant in the dangerous pursuit of aiding formerly enslaved Africans. Stevens provided refuge to those seeking liberation at his residence on 45 South Queen Street in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His involvement wasn’t confined to the privacy of his property; it extended into the very streets of Lancaster and the surrounding countryside.

Stevens, fully aware of the risks and consequences, actively opposed the insidious forces of slavery. Reports reveal that he not only harbored escapees but also took bold steps to thwart the efforts of bounty hunters seeking to return the formerly enslaved to bondage. His commitment to justice was so profound that he even managed a group of spies to infiltrate the networks of bounty hunters, employing covert tactics to protect those who sought freedom.

Lydia Hamilton Smith: An Unsung Heroine Breaking Barriers

In the annals of history, Lydia Hamilton Smith emerges as a beacon of resilience, entrepreneurship, and defiance against the prevailing social norms of the 19th century. As the house manager and confidant to Thaddeus Stevens for two decades, she played a pivotal role in both the private and public spheres of this influential statesman’s life.

Beyond the shadows of her association with Stevens, Lydia Hamilton Smith carved out her own legacy as an accomplished mixed-race businesswoman. Her story unfolds as a testament to triumph over adversity, with a career spanning the management of intimate familial details to the establishment of successful hotels and boarding houses in three cities.

The years following Stevens’ death saw Mrs. Smith thriving in the entrepreneurial arena, a remarkable feat considering the dual discrimination she faced due to her gender and race. In an era marked by systemic prejudices, she not only navigated but excelled in the world of business, showcasing a resilience that reverberates through the pages of history.

Lydia Hamilton Smith’s prominence as one of history’s most influential Lancastrians is juxtaposed against the relative obscurity that shrouds her life. The limited documentation of her experiences in the 1800s leaves contemporary historians with more questions than answers. Yet, even within the gaps of historical records, one undeniable truth emerges—Mrs. Smith was an extraordinary woman who fearlessly challenged social conventions.

As a woman of color in a time when such individuals were often marginalized and overlooked, Lydia Hamilton Smith’s achievements stand as a testament to her strength, intelligence, and determination. Her story is an invitation to delve into the lives of those whose contributions may have been obscured by the passage of time, urging us to uncover and celebrate the stories of remarkable individuals who defied the constraints of their era.

Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy

Nestled at the intersection of Vine and South Queen Streets, this historic site is currently in the throes of construction under the careful curation of LancasterHistory as it slowly evolves into an interactive history museum and community education hub.

The Stevens & Smith Center will highlight the profound impact that Stevens, Smith, and their network of advocates and abolitionists had on the movements to end slavery, promote racial equality, and advance full citizenship in the United States. As we ventured through the construction site, it offered a fascinating glimpse into the past, mingled with the promise of an educational future shown below in the following renderings.

The facility is slated to open to the public in 2025.

How To Support

If you want to make a tax-deductible online donation towards the Stevens & Smith Center project via LancasterHistory, click here.

More Information

For more information about Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History & Democracy, click here. You can also review a detailed PDF summary of the project with renderings. Please note that renderings are subject to change.

Adventure Awaits!

Never miss a new post or article by signing up for email updates below and following Uncharted Lancaster on Facebook or Instagram.

---