LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, will offer several special events this fall. Unless otherwise noted, there is a cost to attend. For details and tickets, call 717-392-4633 or visit http://www.lancasterhistory.org and look under Events.

Autumn Accents with Allegro Orchestra Lancaster will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music performed by four small ensembles in unique locations throughout LancasterHistory's grounds. From inside the museum, surrounded by historic artifacts, to outside the home of 15th U.S. President James Buchanan, guests can relish the ambiance and interweaving of music and history. Throughout the evening, guests will be guided to each quartet to experience their private mini concert featuring brass, wind, and string instruments. Appetizers, desserts, and beverages will complement the evening. All proceeds benefit Allegro Orchestra Lancaster and LancasterHistory. Space is limited.

Past, Present, Pumpkins! (formerly The History of Pumpkins) will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Visitors will learn all about the autumnal icon, the pumpkin, at this family-friendly event. Participants will discover why people decorate front porches each year with pumpkins, and they may decorate a small jack-o'-lantern in a style of their choice. The event is designed for families with children age 10 and under. There is no cost for adults, and there is a request for one adult per three children attending. Advance reservations are required for planning purposes.

"Harriet Lane: The Original First Lady of Washington" will be presented on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and registration will close at that time. Bob O'Connor will speak about his historical fiction novel titled "Harriet Lane: The Original 'First Lady' of Washington." O'Connor will discuss his research and insights into the life and times of Lane, niece of James Buchanan and first lady of the United States, from her early days in Mercersburg to her time as first lady. In addition to being held in person, the event will be streamed live online on YouTube.

The program is free and open to the public but requires advance registration to guarantee a seat or to receive the link to the presentation. Space is limited. The online version of this program will be auto-recorded and available for replay on LancasterHistory's YouTube channel after the event.

Music on the Lawn will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 1 p.m. Visitors will enjoy music by the local band Mark DeRose and the Dreadnoughts. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Tickets are free for LancasterHistory members and children age 17 and under. Individuals requiring special accommodations to attend can contact Annie Weeks in advance at 717-392-4633, ext. 134, or annie.weeks@lancasterhistory.org.