African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania

Quest for Freedom Fundraising Gala - Underground Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania | Columbia, PA Quest for Freedom Fundraising Gala Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the stories of courage, resistance, and freedom that shaped Pennsylvania’s Underground Railroad. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, […]

Last night, PBS NewsHour featured a powerful segment on abolitionist Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and the newly-opened Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History & Democracy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Often called the “scourge of the South,” Stevens was one of the nation’s fiercest advocates for abolition, racial equality, and the transformation of American society following the Civil War. He played a key role in crafting the 13th and 14th Amendments, helping abolish slavery and laying the constitutional foundation for equal protection, birthright citizenship, and modern civil rights.

The segment also highlights the remarkable Lydia Hamilton Smith, a Black businesswoman, property owner, and Stevens’ longtime companion and confidante, whose story is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

More than a history lesson, the story reminds us that the questions Stevens fought over more than 150 years ago — who is American, who has rights, and what equality truly means — are still being debated today.

Watch the PBS NewsHour segment here: https://www.pbs.org/video/srl-1779918137/

PBS News Hour | New museum spotlights Thaddeus Stevens’ abolitionist legacy | Season 2026 New museum spotlights Thaddeus Stevens’ abolitionist legacy

Our President, Dr. Leroy Hopkins, was at the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia Thursday to present A CONSPIRACY OF GOOD: Stephen Smith, William Whipper and the Underground Railroad in Columbia, as part of the (free) Columbia 300 Speaker Series. A thousand thanks to the museum for hosting this jam-packed event.

The National Park Service has recognized the historic Wright Home in Columbia, Pennsylvania with designation as a site on the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. This important recognition is the result of the dedicated research and hard work of Lancaster historian Randolph Harris and others committed to preserving and sharing this history.
Mark Stewart, current owner of the home and Secretary of The Underground Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, continues to steward and interpret this important site for future generations.
The Wright Home stands as a powerful reminder of Columbia’s significant role in the Underground Railroad and the ongoing efforts to preserve these stories of courage, resistance, and freedom. Click the picture below to see an interview with Mark Stewart and Dr Leroy Hopkins, President of The Underground Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

Wright House recognized as an Underground Railroad site by the National Park Service The house operated as a safehouse for people escaping slavery for more than 40 years.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our scheduled presenter for this Sunday’s monthly meeting, Peggy Eppig, will no longer be able to join us.

In her place, Tina Charles will present:
York’s Heroes: Battle on Two Fronts – African Americans in WWII

Join us as we explore the stories, sacrifices, and resilience of African American men and women who fought for victory abroad while facing inequality at home during World War II.

We hope you’ll join us for this important and powerful presentation!