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Journey to Buchanan’s 1857 White House this June during your visit to Wheatland. Meet with President Buchanan and his cabinet as they discuss a multitude of topics, from political appoints to recent Democratic victories at the polls to their concerns about troubles in Kansas. A sudden, panicked request from Washington Mayor William B. Magruder takes Buchanan by surprise. How will Buchanan respond? Experience the debate and learn about Magruder’s request in this June’s Living History at Wheatland!

The Living History at Wheatland program, Election Day Riot: 1857 Washington, takes place on Saturday, June 3, 2017 with tours on the hour starting at 12pm and the last starting at 3pm. Standard tours of Wheatland are also offered at 10am and 11am. Visit LancasterHistory.org or call 717-392-4633 to purchase your tickets. Advanced tickets strongly recommended as Living History tours often sell out and walk-in space is not guaranteed. Your tickets also include admission to the exhibition galleries.

Wreath Laying at Woodward Hill Cemetery at 10am. Buchanan Birthday Celebration at Wheatland at 12pm until 2pm. 

The 226th anniversary of President James Buchanan’s birth will be commemorated on April 22, 2017 and will feature the annual presentation of the White House wreath for the President’s grave site at Woodward Hill Cemetery starting at 10am followed by a Birthday Celebration at Wheatland starting at 12pm and lasting till 2pm. Both events are free and open to the public.

The day’s events begin at 10am at Woodward Hill Cemetery for the Presidential Wreath-Laying Ceremony. The Ceremony includes remarks delivered by Brigadier General David Wood and County Commissioner Joshua G. Parsons. The James Buchanan Elementary School 5th Grade Chorus will sing the National Anthem after which two 5th Grade students, in historic costume, will assist Brigadier General Wood with the presentation of the Presidential Wreath at Buchanan’s tomb.

Following the ceremony, the public is invited by the students and PTO of James Buchanan Elementary School to President James Buchanan’s Wheatland for a 226th Birthday Celebration. Free tours of the President’s beloved home, Wheatland, are available from 12pm until 2pm with a tour beginning every 15 minutes and the last free tour beginning at 1:45. These tours will be led by the Buchanan Elementary School students as they interpret the history of Wheatland, James Buchanan, his family and his life. Enjoy a slice of James Buchanan’s birthday cake with some punch provided through the generosity of the James Buchanan Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO.)

Join us we transport you back to May 1869!

Members of Harriet Lane Johnston’s family and friends join her at Wheatland where they are feeling nostalgic about moments from the past and sharing stories. They also discuss their experiences with their Uncle James Buchanan and express their deep concerns about his legacy, especially on why their plans and efforts to preserve his legacy continually face resistance.

The Living History at Wheatland program Harriet Lane Johnston takes place on Saturday, May 7, 2016 with tours on the hour starting at noon and the last starting at 3 p.m. Standard tours of Wheatland are also offered at 10am and 11am ONLY.

Visit LancasterHistory.org/events or call 717-392-4633 to purchase your tickets.