ABOUT LANCASTERHISTORY:
LancasterHistory, formerly known as Lancaster County’s Historical Society, is an award-winning, local history museum located at 230 North President Avenue, just outside of Lancaster City.
A registered 501(c)3 non-profit, LancasterHistory offers a variety of history-focused opportunities for visitors (and locals!) to learn about Lancaster County’s unique history. A visitor favorite is our guided, in-person tours of Wheatland, the beloved, 1828 home of 15th U.S. President James Buchanan. LancasterHistory’s tours of Wheatland are unique in that there are few room barriers, allowing visitors to stand in the spaces once frequented by a former president and his family.
LancasterHistory also offers a changing series of museum exhibitions, featuring historic artifacts from its collections. The latest exhibition, Thieves & Vagabonds: A History of Law and Justice in Lancaster County, chronicles key moments in the history of law and justice in Lancaster County from the 1700s through 1900s.
Visitors interested in research or tracing their family’s roots to Lancaster County can purchase a pass to visit LancasterHistory’s Research Center. The Research Center contains more than 2 million historic documents, manuscripts, books, and maps. Plus there is access to the Library Edition of Ancestry.com and a variety of additional databases and resources. Need some assistance? LancasterHistory expert staff can help point researchers in the right direction on topics such as genealogy, Lancaster history, and scholarly research.
For those who wish to browse and stroll, LancasterHistory is also the home of the Louise Arnold Tanger Arboretum. Across our 11-acre property, visitors can experience the lush, green grounds filled with a variety of trees from across the globe. Visitors can also check out the Museum Store, filled with a variety of history books, local gifts, and souvenirs.
Got to have more history? LancasterHistory also offers a series of in-person and virtual events and tours throughout the year, many of which are low cost, free, and/or kid-friendly. Members also get more, including membership-only events, complimentary admissions, and discounts.
VISITING HOURS:
LancasterHistory is currently open to the public Mondays – Saturdays from 9:30am until 5pm. Tours of Wheatland are offered those days beginning at 10am and run on the hour until 3pm, the last tour of the day. Our Research Center is open Wednesdays – Saturdays, from 9:30am until 2pm.
To view each ticket option we have available, please view our Ticketing page. We also highly recommend checking our website for the most up-to-date hours and information just in case!
We highly recommend NARM members view our website, lancasterhistory.org, to view the different offerings and call (717) 392-4633 to reserve your tickets and receive your NARM discount. (Online ticket purchase is not available to NARM members.) NARM members are required to present their valid NARM membership card upon check-in. We recommend all visitors consult our Health & Safety Protocols for Visitors prior to arrival.
NARM BENEFITS:
NARM Members receive the following benefits at LancasterHistory: free General Admission* (includes a guided tour of Wheatland and admission to the self-guided museum exhibitions), free admission to the Research Center, free admission to the museum exhibitions, and 20% off your purchase in The Museum Store. NARM members do not receive the full roster of LancasterHistory membership benefits; only the NARM membership benefits. To enjoy full LancasterHistory membership benefits, we encourage you to join our organization as a member.
(*Except for special programs such as Yuletide at Wheatland and other ticketed events.)
Our organization’s definition of a Family Membership is for two (2) adults or two (2) seniors 65+ and children living at the same residence.
If you have any questions about visiting LancasterHistory or using your NARM benefits at LancasterHistory, please call Emily Miller, Director of Marketing & Communications, at 717-392-4633 ext. 133 or by email at [email protected].
VISITOR FAQS & ACCESSIBILITY:
For help in planning your visit to LancasterHistory and learn more about our facility’s accessibility, please visit our FAQ webpage on our website.
