Lancaster: F&M’s Hidden Gem
Where History and Culture Live Side by Side
In 1730, Lancaster was designated a market town, or a town in a rural area with a regular market. Today, it’s a thriving city of nearly 60,000 residents.
Lancaster’s rich history is prevalent everywhere you look. In the heart of the city is Central Market, built in 1730 and the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the U.S. Here, you can glimpse Amish businesses operating alongside modern-day industries. Less than a mile from F&M is the Fulton Theatre House, built in 1852 and a National Historic Landmark. Some of the brightest stars of theatre, music and film have appeared on the Fulton stage, including Mark Twain, Lionel Barrymore, Louis Armstrong, W.C. Fields, and Lancaster’s own Jonathan Groff . Lancaster is also home to a distinctive collection of historic buildings, with many diverse architectural styles dating back to the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s.
One City; Myriad Cultures
From its roots in Pennsylvania Dutch heritage to current vibrant culture, Lancaster might be the East Coast’s most surprising global village. Students in the School District of Lancaster speak more than 30 languages, reflective of the many nationalities represented within city borders alone.
This broad diversity is reflected on F&M’s campus. The College is home to more than 100 student organizations, including ethnic and lifestyle clubs, political advocacy groups, religious organizations, service groups, and other special interest clubs — all of which open their doors to any student interested in learning about new cultures, customs and cuisine.
A Lively Arts Scene
At the heart of Lancaster’s arts scene is Gallery Row, a three-block cluster of art galleries less than two miles from campus. Wander a little farther and you’re sure to bump into one of Lancaster’s public art installations or murals, several of which were created by F&M alumni and staff artists. On the first Friday of every month, step off campus and find a city abuzz as 90-plus art galleries, museums, shops and restaurants extend their hours into the evening.
And We're Just Getting Started
No matter where you turn, Lancaster is full of extraordinary opportunities for your F&M education and is ultimately an incredible place to call home.
- Grab a bite from one of Lancaster’s more than 100 restaurants, cafes and eateries
featuring food from around the world. Many restaurants source from nearby farms to
create fresh farm-to-table dishes.
Cheer on the Lancaster Barnstormers at Clipper Magazine Stadium, a 10-minute walk from campus.
Catch a show at one of Lancaster’s theatre and music venues.
Freshen up your wardrobe with a shopping excursion to Lancaster’s many boutiques and stores.
See the latest independent film or blockbuster at one of Lancaster’s nearby movie theaters.
Living and Learning in Lancaster
“Lancaster is such a beautiful city that is filled with rich culture and history. Learning in Lancaster allows me to not only have endless opportunities to experience things that I love learning about in a hands-on manner, but it also lets me form connections with people outside of F&M.”
— Kaitlyn Stauffer '24We are proud of our unbreakable ties with the Lancaster community and offer our students a variety of opportunities to live and learn in this vibrant city. Each year, more than 550 students participate in local research, internships and service projects in both the city and county. The Diplomat impact can be spotted everywhere, from city stormwater gardens built by students to Lancaster-based businesses and nonprofits started by alumni.
The College’s proximity to downtown Lancaster has created meaningful partnerships between city agencies and F&M. We partner with more than 100 businesses, nonprofits, organizations and schools to create meaningful off-campus opportunities for students and faculty.
Students volunteer at The Common Wheel on Wednesday evenings during the spring semester. Each year, the nonprofit collects and refurbishes bikes to donate to Lancaster youth.
Maria Leon Reyes '23 and Lauren Sphar '23 guide a tour of Lancaster Vice History. A group of students is researching 1900s reform group efforts to curb prostitution, gambling and liquor law violations in downtown Lancaster.
Students Caroline Kleis, Bennett Wasch, and Athena Kotsopriftis spent their summer evaluating the program and co-authoring a white paper documenting the Lancaster Composting Co-Ops (LCC)’s first year in terms of cost savings and social impact.
An art installation on Strawberry St. in Lancaster, Pa.. Sarah Sutter '22 assisted with this project through Artful Intersections, an initiative that engages local artists in creating street murals and art installations throughout the city.
Students volunteer at The Common Wheel on Wednesday evenings during the spring semester. Each year, the nonprofit collects and refurbishes bikes to donate to Lancaster youth.
On the Map
Lancaster’s location offers easy access to major metropolitan areas. With an Amtrak train station just two miles from campus, you can ride the rails toward an exciting day in New York City or Philadelphia with your friends. Or, hop on the highway and reach major cities and airports in just a couple of hours.
By Car
By Plane
- 40 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
- 1.5 hours from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)
- 1.5 hours from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- 2.5 hours from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- 2.5 hours from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Take Your First Look at Campus
Ready to explore F&M? We can’t wait to meet you! From campus tours to virtual interviews, learn more about the variety of options to tailor your F&M visit.
Plan your visit »F&M in Lancaster
September 19, 2023
Pedal Power: F&M Bike Loans Benefit Students
At F&M, renting a bike is as easy as checking out a book from the library. The F&M Bike Loan program provides a bike, helmet and lock to students free of charge.
September 6, 2023
Phillips Museum Showcases Fall Exhibitions
Unveiled this week, the newest slate of exhibitions at the Phillips Museum of Art explores nature, place and memory.
August 10, 2023
F&M Faculty Uncover History of Underground Railroad in Lancaster
A historic home in downtown Lancaster is being turned into a museum by LancasterHistory, thanks in part to contributions by Franklin & Marshall College faculty.