Before Lancaster was known for its markets, storefronts, and iconic downtown streetscapes, one architect quietly shaped the city’s identity brick by brick.

This week in Lancaster Local, we’re diving into the life and legacy of C. Emlen Urban -  the man behind many of Lancaster’s most recognizable historic buildings, and the story of how one local family helped give the city its architectural soul.

If you’ve ever wondered why Lancaster feels the way it does… this one’s for you.

Read the full story in today’s Lancaster Local.

Lancaster County Women for Good is hosting a winter gathering at Southern Market this Thursday, February 13, at 6:30 PM for local women who want to connect over what's actually happening in the community.

Expect refreshments, conversation, and a room full of people doing meaningful work in Lancaster County.

The evening starts with drinks and mingling at 6:30 PM, with the program kicking off at 7:00 PM. Expect entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, and community builders - the kind of people who show up when something needs doing.

Lancaster County Women for Good brings women together around generosity, collaboration, and local impact. This winter gathering is designed to feel welcoming and genuine-a chance to meet people, share ideas, and find your people if you've been looking.

The event is free to attend, and seating is available on a first-come basis.

Click here for more information.

Music Bingo is coming to Southern Market on Thursday, February 12, and it’s exactly what it sounds like-bingo, but with songs instead of numbers.

From 7:00 to 9:00 PM, you’ll hear music played throughout the night and match the songs you recognize to your bingo card. No trivia knowledge required, no pressure-just listen, enjoy, and see if you can connect the dots before anyone else.

As if that weren’t enough reason to show up, Southern Market is offering $1 off beer and wine during the event. And yes, there are prizes on the line:

1st Place: $25 gift card

2nd Place: $15 gift card

3rd Place: $10 gift card

Gift cards can be redeemed at select Southern Market vendors, making it a great excuse to come back and explore even more of the market.

Music Bingo is perfect for a low-key night out-bring friends, make it a casual date, or just show up solo and see where the night takes you. Good music, good drinks, and a chance to win a little something back never hurts.

If you’re looking for a fun, easygoing way to spend a Thursday night in Lancaster, Music Bingo at Southern Market should definitely be on your radar.

Click here for more.

The Lancaster Art Vault is hosting Expressions of Strength, a multidisciplinary exhibition that honors the creativity, heritage, and voices of Black artists and poets. 

This show isn’t just a collection of artwork - it’s an invitation to experience the depth of cultural expression through a blend of visual art, written word, and performance.

Running through February 28, Expressions of Strength brings together the work of nine visual artists with the poetry of 13 writers, weaving images and language together so that each piece speaks not just to what we see - but what we feel and reflect upon.

The exhibition also features pieces from the private collection of beloved local broadcaster and cultural figure Beverly Smith, curated by her late brother Lenwood Sloan. 

Among these are works by renowned artists Charles Bibbs and Ernie Barnes, offering historical depth alongside contemporary voices.

There’s something for everyone here - whether you’re an art lover, a poetry fan, or simply someone curious about how creative expression reflects shared human experience. Expressions of Strength is a celebration of culture, community, and the unbreakable spirit that art can reveal.

Admission is free, making it an accessible opportunity to engage with powerful work and support the vibrant artistic voices shaping our community. If you haven’t been yet, this is one Lancaster gallery show worth adding to your winter plans. 

Click here to learn more about the exhibit.