April 9: Discover New Architectural Treasures with Gregg Scott at the Historic Preservation Trust Speaker Series

Mark your calendars for an extraordinary evening exploring Lancaster’s architectural heritage! Join the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, at 6:30 PM for the next installment of the Speaker Series: The Preservation Palette: Colors of Our Past. This captivating event will be held at the historic Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House, located at 123 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA. Admission is by donation.

Look left—look right! Chances are it’s an Urban design!

Renowned architect and historian Gregory J. Scott, FAIA, will reveal new discoveries about one of Lancaster’s most influential architects, C. Emlen Urban. Thanks to innovative research techniques, a treasure trove of previously unknown commissions by a young Urban has been uncovered, showcasing the scope of his work across the city. Be among the first to see these exciting revelations and gain deeper insight into Urban’s enduring legacy.

About the Speaker Gregory J. Scott is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and partner emeritus at RLPS Architects. A seasoned columnist for LNP News and a dedicated preservationist, Gregg has twice received the prestigious Smedley Award from the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. His expertise and passion for architectural history have drawn sold-out crowds, including his 2018 presentation on Urban at LancasterHistory and his more recent talk on architect James H. Warner.

Scott is also the author of two acclaimed books about C. Emlen Urban. His first book, Urban Legend, highlights 25 of Urban’s architectural masterpieces that left an indelible mark on the City of Lancaster. Based on seven years of meticulous research, Scott draws from Urban’s personal travel diaries, sketchbooks, and linen drawings to track his progression through seventeen different design styles and eleven building types.

In his second book, Urban Alphabet: The Work of C. Emlen Urban A-Z, Scott celebrates Urban’s architectural influence through Lancaster’s first architectural dictionary. This innovative book connects each letter of the alphabet to architectural terms found in Urban’s buildings, offering readers a deeper appreciation of the beauty and intricacies of Urban’s designs. From remarkable details to bold stylistic choices, Urban Alphabet showcases the mastery and vision of the architect who defined Lancaster’s landscape from 1885 to 1935.

Event Details

• When: Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
• Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM; presentation begins at 6:30 PM
• Where: Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House, 123 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA
• Admission: By donation
• Registration: Space is limited to 50 attendees, so early registration is essential!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to uncover the secrets of Lancaster’s architectural past while supporting the mission of historic preservation.

Reserve your spot today and be part of the conversation by completing the following form!