Stevens & Smith precedes the May 1, 2026, opening of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy—a new interpretive museum and education center examining the long, arduous struggle for freedom and equality in America.

This special concert represents something truly unique: two of Lancaster's premier cultural institutions coming together to tell a story that resonates far beyond our community. Through the universal language of music, we explore themes of freedom, equality, and democracy that feel as urgent today as they did during Stevens and Smith's lifetimes.

A Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland

Aaron Copland's stirring tribute to Abraham Lincoln combines orchestral music with spoken narration drawn from the President's own words. Written in 1942 during another time of national crisis, Copland created a powerful meditation on American democracy and the leadership required to preserve it. Lincoln's eloquent reflections on liberty, equality, and the American experiment resonate across generations, reminding us of the ideals that unite us as a nation.

Second Founding by Michael Wege (World Premiere)

Commissioned for the dedication of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, Second Founding is a four-movement orchestral suite that traces the arc from Stevens' Vermont childhood through the Civil War to the transformative Reconstruction Amendments.

I. “From Green Mountains”
The opening movement reflects on Stevens' early years in Vermont, embodying the natural beauty of the Vermont hills, the profound impact of his Vermont Baptist upbringing, and the optimism of a young nation embarking on its democratic experiment.

II. “Of Far Away Lands”
The second movement celebrates Lydia Hamilton Smith's African and Irish heritage, expressing her remarkable strength and impact. The themes develop to convey the energy, traditions, and creativity of the millions of immigrants whose dreams and perseverance shaped America.

III. “In Defense of Liberty”
This movement depicts the toll of the Civil War. The music conveys the erosion of civility between North and South, expressing the horror and tragedy of battle where 3.5 million Americans fought against each other, resulting in 600,000 casualties.

IV. “A New Birth of Freedom”
The suite concludes with a reflection on the possibilities enabled by the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which together helped bring about what scholars often call America's "second founding." The themes express the optimism and possibilities of a nation advancing with greater clarity and purpose toward the ideal of liberty and justice for all.

Composer Michael Wege brings deep local roots to this commission. A Lancaster resident and accomplished composer, Wege has created a work that honors both the historical significance of Stevens and Smith's legacy and the contemporary relevance of their fight for equality and justice.

Negro Folk Symphony by William L. Dawson

William L. Dawson's groundbreaking 1932 symphony stands as a powerful testament to African American culture and resilience. Dawson sought to create music that was "unmistakably not the work of a white man," blending African American spirituals with rich orchestral textures to tell a story of struggle, hope, and ultimate triumph.

I. “The Bond of Africa”
The opening movement establishes themes rooted in African musical traditions, acknowledging the ancestral connections that survived the brutal passage of the Middle Passage.

II. “Hope in the Night”
This movement portrays the darkness of enslavement alongside the sustaining power of hope. Dawson alternates between plaintive, dirge-like music and more hopeful interludes, with harmony that tiptoes toward major keys without fully embracing them—a powerful metaphor for the importance and elusive nature of hope during traumatic circumstances.

III. “O, Le' Me Shine, Shine Like a Morning Star!”
The closing movement imagines a world in which the hopes of the previous movement are fully realized. Dawson revised this section in the early 1950s after encountering the intricate polyrhythms of West African music during a trip to Africa, adding elements that capture the energy and complexity of African percussion traditions. The movement builds to a buoyant, triumphant conclusion.

Thaddeus Stevens served as a U.S. Congressman representing Lancaster and was the most powerful voice in Congress for abolition and equal rights during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. He was the driving force behind the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution—the amendments that ended slavery, guaranteed equal protection under the law, and extended voting rights.

Lydia Hamilton Smith was Stevens' confidante, housekeeper, and business manager. A biracial woman of African and Irish descent, Smith was a successful businesswoman in her own right and an integral part of Stevens' household and work. Together, their law office and home in Lancaster became headquarters for the abolitionist movement and the fight for equality.

Their partnership and shared commitment to justice left an indelible mark on American history, and their legacy continues to inspire conversations about democracy, equality, and the ongoing work of building a more perfect union.

Opening May 1, 2026, the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy will be an interpretive museum and education center examining the long, arduous struggle for freedom and equality in America through exhibits, immersive media experiences, and educational programs.

Housed in the former law office and home of Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith, the Center will combine historic buildings with a state-of-the-art museum to examine the lives and legacies of Stevens and Smith, and their social networks of abolitionists. The Center's multi-faceted exhibits, developed in partnership with world-renowned museum designers and noted historians, will address issues of slavery, freedom, and the continuing fight for equality in the United States.

For more information, visit stevensandsmithcenter.org.