Rediscovered Thaddeus Stevens Artifacts Donated to the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center

The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County has made an exciting discovery—several personal artifacts belonging to Thaddeus Stevens, one of Lancaster’s most influential historical figures.

During the archival inventory phase of our ongoing digitization efforts, Trust members uncovered a wallet, a Bible, and a law book once owned by Stevens. These items, long preserved within our collection, serve as tangible connections to the life and legacy of the renowned statesman, https://wp.me/PfOqOT-8E abolitionist, and attorney.

Recognizing the historical significance of these artifacts, the Trust has donated them to the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy in Lancaster. This center, dedicated to preserving the stories of Stevens and his longtime confidante Lydia Hamilton Smith, is the ideal home for these pieces of history.

We are honored to contribute to the continued preservation of Stevens’ legacy and look forward to seeing these artifacts inspire and educate future generations. Executive Director Danielle Keperling said, “Stevens’ greatest contributions emerge in the space between statesman and abolitionist.”

For more information about the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, visit their website.

Thaddeus Stevens’ Bible, wallet, and law book