LancasterHistory will celebrate the grand opening of the new Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, at 13 E. Vine St., Lancaster.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on May 1, when community leaders and special guests will join LancasterHistory to commemorate the opening of the new state-of-the-art museum located at the historic site of Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith's former home in downtown Lancaster. Attendees may arrive early for an opportunity to mingle and enjoy light refreshments; doors will open at 8 a.m. The ceremony is free and open to the public, but people are encouraged to register at http://www.stevensandsmithcenter.org/events.

On May 2, the Grand Opening Community Block Party will be held right outside the center on East Vine Street. The event will feature live music, entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and activities for people of all ages, as well as an opportunity for attendees to register for a first walkthrough of the center. The block party is free to attend; no registration or tickets are needed. For more information, including a list of food trucks and vendors, visit http://www.stevensandsmithcenter.org/events.

General admission tickets to the center are available for reservation, with doors open to the public beginning on Tuesday, May 5. For details on hours, reserving admission tickets, and planning a visit, go to http://www.stevensandsmithcenter.org.