Welcome to
Christiana
Underground Railroad Center at Historic
Zercher’s Hotel
11 Green Street
Christiana, PA 17509
www.zerchershotel.com
HOURS: By appointment.
Telephone: 717.665.2275
Email: info@zerchershotel.com
Zerchers Hotel is handicapped accessible.
With advance notification we will put the
entry ramps in place for your arrival.
There is no entry fee for the museum.
The Christiana Underground
Railroad Center
at Historic Zercher's Hotel was
established on September 17, 2003
as an Authentic Site by
The National Park Service,
U.S. Department of Interior's Underground Railroad Network
to Freedom Program
For more information contact
The National Park Service’s
Underground Railroad
Network to Freedom at:
You will trace the steps of those involved and learn what strength of character was required in order
to capture the Nation’s attention to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
2020 Scheduled Events
Open House 10-AM – 2 PM: April 11th, May 9th, June 13th, July 11th, August 8thAnniversary Open House: September 12th
FREEDOM BEGAN HERE! On September 11, 1851 this site played a central role in a series of events that have been collectively interpreted as a major spark in the kindling of the Civil War ten years later. These events also represented a significant point in the career of Abolitionist, Underground Railroad activist and U.S. Congressman, Thaddeus Stevens. The Whig Congressman from Lancaster County served as the counsel for the defense of the 38 citizens charged with treason against the United States for their participation in what is now referred to as The Resistance at Christiana. |
Thaddeus Stevens
At the time of the resistance The Center’s building was used as a hotel under the ownership and operation of Frederick Zercher. Over the years, this building has served as a hotel, railroad depot, town post office, telegraph office, jail and currently as the offices of The Charles Bond Company, a manufacturing firm in operation at the site since 1915.
The Museum opened on September 10, 2006, one day
before the Christiana Resistance's 155 anniversary.
AT THE MUSEUM...
The events that occurred on September 11, 1851 in Christiana, Pennsylvania are cited as major flash points that led to the outbreak of the Civil War. These events are described in a guided tour by local historians at the Christiana Underground Railroad Center in an interesting and educational format for all ages. The persons, dates and the locations leading up to and following the Resistance at Christiana – originally called the Christiana Riot -- are presented in an authentic and easy-to-follow format of maps, photographs and narratives.
The map has been reproduced in a brochure that will guide you to the station master's houses and the points of interest in the rolling hillsides of picturesque Lancaster County and neighboring Chester County.
The brochure is available in advance by contacting 610.593.5171 or info@zerchershotel.com
Other interests:
To learn more
about historic Christiana, PA contact
The Christiana Historical Society at
Thaddeus Stevens/Lydia Hamilton Smith Historic Site
will open in the near future in Lancaster, PA.
Information on the site is available through
http://www.visitpa.com/pa-museums/thaddeus-stevenslydia-hamilton-smith-historic-site
Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitor's Bureau is a wealth of information on the area. This web site lists Zerchers Hotel under The Quest for Freedom and Group Tours listings. In addition the site offers links to many attractions, valuable coupons, plus any help you might need to have a memorable trip to the area. Also Group Tours can register and receive information on all of the local attractions specific to your tour's interest.
Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lancaster County's Official
Travel and Tourism Site:
The Quest for Freedom: http://www.paquestforfreedom.com
Beautiful Pennsylvania's official travel site
Tour Buses are welcomed!
Arrange your weekend visit by contacting 610.593.5171 or
The Center’s location is en route between historic sites in the Philadelphia/Valley Forge area and the counties of Lancaster, York, and Adams.
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This tour is recognised as a Heritage Tour by the Lancaster County Heritage Program, which is managed by the Lancaster County Planning Commission.
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For more information visit: www.lancastercountyheritage.com
Visiting the Center will introduce you to the rolling hillsides of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County and the “way of life” that continues to exist.
Thank you for visiting
www.zerchershotel.com