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The Witness Stones Project
The Lancaster City Witness Stones Project is a collaborative, education-based initiative led by the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania, in partnership with Historic Rock Ford and the School District of Lancaster. As part of the regional nonprofit Witness Stones Project, Inc., the project works to deepen public understanding of Northern slavery by helping communities reclaim and honor the lives and humanity of enslaved adults and children. Central to this effort is the active participation of local students, educators, researchers, and historians, whose work ensures these stories are documented, shared, and remembered.
For more information please CLICK HERE to be redirected to the project site.
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Read the Stories
The Witness Stones displayed below commemorate the lives of enslaved adults and children connected to Lancaster’s history. Each stone represents a person whose story has been researched and restored through the work of local students, educators, historians, and community members. You can learn more about the individual honored, read their story, and better understand the history that shaped their life and legacy.
Robert
Robert's Witness Stone was placed at the Southwest corner of Penn's Square in downtown LancasterTo learn more about Bob
Hannah
Hannah's Witness Stone is coming and will be placed at Franklin & Marshall college ... but to read the essay about Hannah by Lancaster School District student Josie Cotson
Prince
Prince's Witness Stone is coming and will be placed at Franklin & Marshall college ... but to read the essay about Prince by Lancaster School District student Amauri Delgado
Bet
Bet's Witness Stone was placed at the Southwest corner of Penn's Square in downtown Lancaster. To learn more about Bet
Susan
Susan's Witness Stone was placed at the Southwest corner of Penn's Square in downtown Lancaster. To learn more about Susan
Fanny
Fanny's Witness Stone is coming and will be placed at Franklin & Marshall college ... but to read the essay about Fanny by Lancaster School District student Damani Crosson
Cesar, Peg and Will
Cesar, Peg and Will's Witness Stones are coming and will be placed at Franklin & Marshall college ... but to read the essay by Lancaster School District student Van der Veer Reiner
SPEECHES
To read the speeches made by students at the 2025 Dedication Ceremony click here
To read the speech by McCaskey High School history teacher Todd M. Nealy at the April 6, 2026 Dedication Ceremony click here