LancasterHistory Opens New Exhibition "Lancaster In The '60s"

Exhibition Will Focus On Pivotal '60s Decades Throughout Lancaster County's History

November 22, 2019

LancasterHistory has a new exhibition, “Lancaster in the '60s,” now open to the public. “Lancaster in the '60s” examines the issues of conflict, resolution, and protest against the backdrop of four pivotal decades - the 1660s, 1760s, 1860s, and 1960s, in Lancaster County's history. “Lancaster in the ’60s” replaces the previous exhibition, “Freedom: ‘to secure the Blessings of Liberty’” in Groff Gallery and is the third major exhibition at LancasterHistory since the completion of its new facility at 230 N. President Ave. in 2013, in Lancaster, Pa.
To share the stories each '60s decade has to offer, LancasterHistory's Groff Gallery will be transformed into a vibrant, chronological timeline that examines key issues of conflict and change within each era, supported by historic artifacts and archival materials from LancasterHistory's collections or on loan from other institutions and individuals. Highlights and topics in “Lancaster in the '60s” include the following:
1660s: Everyday life for Native American tribes in the Susquehanna Valley, immigration from Europe, and religious tolerance in the newly formed Pennsylvania.
1760s: Life in Lancaster on the frontier, the tragic massacre of the Conestoga Indians, and the arrival of German and English refugees escaping religious persecution.
1860s: The final months of James Buchanan's presidency, the Civil War, the political advocacy of Thaddeus Stevens, and the growing impact of media, consumerism, and factories.
1960s: The Civil Rights Movement, urban renewal in Lancaster County, the Vietnam War, Franklin & Marshall College shifts to co-education, the Clair Brothers put Lancaster on the music industry map, and Armstrong World Industries begins to "floor America."
In addition to the four historical decades, a section of the exhibition will be devoted to the 2060s and invite visitors of all ages to engage with interactive elements as well as to predict what Lancaster will look and feel like in 2060.
“Lancaster in the '60s” will also feature kid-friendly elements and activities. Children will have opportunities to engage with LancasterHistory's History Explorers mascot Harpot the Cat throughout the exhibit. In colorful, cartoon illustrations, Harpo will don '60s-era outfits and encourage children to think critically about the time periods as well as put themselves in the shoes of past Lancastrians. A Discovery Cart will also be made available on select Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., allowing children to get up-close to and handle period clothes and artifacts.
“Lancaster in the '60s” would not be possible without the support of the following community-minded partners: The National Endowment for the Humanities, The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Willow Valley Communities, Saxton & Stump, Armstrong World Industries, Franklin & Marshall College, and Clair Global. Educational activities are supported by the Abigail L. Longenecker Memorial Foundation. LancasterHistory thanks all sponsors for their support and generosity.
Hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is included with the purchase of a general admissions ticket or a galleries-only ticket. LancasterHistory members are admitted for free of charge.
For directions or additional information, visit www.lancasterhistory.org.

 

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