Lancaster County turns 296 years old this spring—and you’re invited to the birthday party! On Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm, join LancasterHistory for County Founding Day, an evening of celebration, curiosity, and cake on the historic campus where the stories of our region come to life.
Back on May 10, 1729, Lancaster County was officially born—carved from Chester County and ready to write its chapter in American history. Nearly three centuries later, 10 generations have lived, worked, and eaten shoofly pie on this land. Now it’s your turn to honor the past and toast the future.
🕰️ Flash Talks: History in 15-Minute Bursts
Ever wonder who really had the first Darwin trial? Or what secrets our Founding Fathers kept hidden? County Founding Day features a fascinating lineup of regional history flash talks—short, snappy, and packed with surprises. Here’s the lineup:
- 5:40 PM – Adam Shapiro, Ph.D.
“Scopes Wasn’t the First: The Lancaster Teacher at the Center of the Country’s First Darwin Trial” - 6:00 PM – Lynn Brooks, Ph.D.
“Meet John Durang: Lancaster’s Early American Dancer-Actor” - 6:15 PM – 🍰 Cake Contest Judging with Host Ben Webber
The battle of the bakers begins! Watch as expert judges—and your taste buds—decide which dessert takes the crown. - 6:45 PM – Linda Aleci, Ph.D.
“The Market and the Machine: Lost Urban Landscapes and the Invention of Modern Lancaster” - 7:05 PM – M. Kelly Tillery
“The Secrets of Our Founders: Lancaster and the Collective Memory of Andrew and James Hamilton” - 7:25 PM – Nick Siegert
“Joseph Bill Packer: Adventures in Metallurgy, Healing, Alchemy, and Counterfeiting”
🧁 Cake Wars & Cocktails
No birthday is complete without cake—and this one promises to be a sweet showdown. Local bakers will face off in a Cake Wars competition, crafting dessert tributes to Lancaster County. Attendees will get to sample at least one delicious creation, so bring your sweet tooth.
Wash it down with a specialty cocktail from Jimmy Juice, brewed right here in Pequea, PA. Non-alcoholic options and light refreshments will also be available throughout the evening.
👧 Fun for the Whole Family
Got kids? We’ve got crafts and activities both inside and out (weather permitting), so the littlest Lancastrians can celebrate, too.
Plus, pop-up exhibits filled with fascinating artifacts and rare documents will accompany the flash talks, giving you a deeper look at the people and events that shaped Lancaster County.
🎟️ Tickets & Details
- When: Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 5:30–8:00 PM
- Where: LancasterHistory | 230 N President Ave, Lancaster, PA
- Cost:
- $20 – Non-Members
- $15 – Members
- FREE – Children 17 and under (must be accompanied by a paying adult)
🎟️ Click here to purchase your tickets online or call (717) 392-4633 to reserve your spot.
Space is limited and cake is finite—so don’t wait to secure your place at this history-filled birthday bash!
Adventure Awaits!
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William Wagner’s 1821 Map of Lancaster CountyPrice range: $24.99 through $44.99
