Preserving Community and National Heritage...

Shreiner-Concord Cemetery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is the burial site of US Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, a radical abolitionist, Underground Railroad supporter and “father” of the primary civil rights amendments to the U.S. Constitution.  Stevens (1792-1868) chose to be buried at this public cemetery because rules established by founder and owner Martin Shreiner (1769-1866) were not restrictive based on race, as were other cemeteries in Lancaster at the time.

Known as “The Old Commoner,” Stevens role in American history is being re-evaluated as his legacy is becoming more broadly known. A native of Vermont, he lived in Lancaster from 1842 until his death. Stevens’ long-time property manager and confidante, Lydia Hamilton Smith (1815-1884), bequeathed funds for the perpetual care of Stevens’ grave site. The homes of both Stevens and Smith are being restored as part of the recently–opened Lancaster County Convention Center, located just a few blocks away at the center of the historic City of Lancaster. These sites are evolving as major heritage tourism destinations of national significance, and the Board of Directors of the Shreiner-Concord Cemetery Foundation have embarked on a new phase of long-term improvements to the cemetery to compliment them.



Through the National Network to Freedom Program,Shreiner-Concord Cemetery has been recognized by the National Park Service of the US Department of the Interior as an authentic site associated with the Underground Railroad, based on the presence of Stevens’ grave and memorial, as well as the Congressman’s anti-slavery activities in life. The cemetery also includes the remainsof more than 40 veterans, most of them from the Civil War.

If you would like to join our efforts, please contact Michael Mumma, Foundation Treasurer at e-mail to arrange for a contribution to our Capital Improvement Fund...