join LancasterHistory as they kick off the fall season of the Regional History Colloquium Series with speaker Michael Clemmons, who will discuss Entrepreneur, Reverend, Abolitionist: Stephen Smith’s Journey From Columbia to Philadelphia. Stephen Smith was a 19th-century African American raised in indentured servitude in Columbia, PA. He went on to become a leader in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, an advocate for freedom, and the richest Black man in America.
Michael Clemmons, former Vice President of the Mother Bethel AME Church Historical Society, joins us to discuss the life of Stephen Smith, focusing on his accomplishments and setbacks in his journey from humble beginnings in Lancaster County to Philadelphia and Bethel AME Church.

EVENT DETAILS & HOW TO REGISTER
This event will take place in person at the LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center. Doors open and the reception begins at 5pm. The lecture will begin at 5:30pm. The lecture will also be streamed to Zoom at 5:30pm for those who wish to join us virtually.

This program is free and open to the public. In-person attendance requires advance registration in order to guarantee a seat. Due to capacity restrictions, tickets may not be available at the door. Virtual attendance requires advance registration in order to receive the Zoom link. Register online by clicking the appropriate link below or by calling 717.392.4633. The online version of this program will also be recorded and uploaded to LancasterHistory’s YouTube channel after the event.