Stevens & Smith

History in the making.

More than a decade ago, LancasterHistory began the journey of developing a world-class museum in the heart of Lancaster City to honor and continue the work done by local figures Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith. The organization has brought in a variety of partners to create a center that explores the profound effects that Stevens, Smith, and networks of advocates and abolitionists had on movements to end slavery, support racial equality, and promote full citizenship in the United States. With the desire to connect past and present struggles for equality, LancasterHistory sought our help to bring a cohesive and thoughtful brand strategy and identity to life for the center.

Services Provided

  • Site Visit
  • Market Research
  • Guided Workshops
  • Brand Strategy Development
  • Logo System
  • Brand Voice & Messaging
  • Case for Support
  • Brand Pop-ups
  • Web Strategy
  • Web Design
  • ADA AA Compliance
  • Custom Web Development
  • Brand Marketing Support
  • Graphic Design

Honoring their Legacy,
Continuing Their Work

Housed in the former law office and home of Congressman Thaddeus Stevens and his confidante 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.

Building Identity

With 11 words in the center’s name, we faced the challenge of figuring out how to create a logo that didn’t downplay any one part but also gave the viewer something to latch onto and hopefully remember. Since both Stevens AND Smith along with history AND democracy were equally important, we chose to highlight that idea of “and,” putting the main focal point on the ampersand of the name. We also made sure the logo was flexible with the amount of words used, knowing that people will start to shorten the name over time.

Capturing a movement

To make the Stevens & Smith Center possible, LancasterHistory set out to capture community support through a capital campaign to raise funds for the project. We created a case for support and fundraising brochure that could be used to enlist supporters to the movement.

Engaging the Public

Finding ways of informing the public about the importance of the project and what they can expect from the Stevens & Smith Center was an important step in the fundraising process. A custom website, informational window vinyls, and even curated display cases within a local train station offered opportunities to bring context around Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith and their legacies.

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