Fulton Forward Foundation, an independent, nonprofit private foundation funded by Fulton Bank, recently presented a $100,000 grant to LancasterHistory to support the development of the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy.

The center will explore the effects that Stevens, Smith and networks of advocates and abolitionists had on movements to end slavery, support racial equality and promote full citizenship in the United States.

Stevens was an American politician and lawyer and an abolitionist who championed civil rights before, during and after the Civil War. Smith served as Stevens' closest confidante and house manager for more than 20 years. As a thriving businesswoman, she broke social barriers to achieve influence and wealth during a transformative time in American history, particularly for people of color. 

The Fulton Forward Foundation is an extension of the bank's Fulton Forward initiative, which aims to promote diversity, equity and inclusion; encourage the building of vibrant communities; foster affordable housing; drive economic development; and increase financial literacy in the communities served by Fulton Bank. To learn more, visit http://www.fultonbank.com/About-Fulton-Bank/Fulton-Forward.