LancasterHistory has announced the arrival of the biography "An Uncommon Woman: The Life of Lydia Hamilton Smith," written by Mark Kelley and co-published by Penn State University Press and LancasterHistory.

"An Uncommon Woman" explores the life of Lydia Hamilton Smith, a prominent mixed-race businesswoman in 19th-century Lancaster. Born a free woman near Gettysburg, Smith began working for Thaddeus Stevens in 1844 in Lancaster. A figure of resilience and progressive action, Smith was instrumental to Stevens' success as he led the drive to end slavery, impeach Andrew Johnson, and push for the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. In his book, Kelley reveals how Smith served the cause of abolition, managed Stevens' household, acquired property, and crossed racialized social boundaries.

Kelley holds a Ph.D. in journalism from Syracuse University. He worked for 25 years as a broadcast journalist and has taught journalism and mass communications. "An Uncommon Woman" is his fourth book. Kelley currently serves on the Scholarly Advisory Committee for the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, a museum under development by LancasterHistory.

Copies of "An Uncommon Woman" are now available at LancasterHistory's Museum Store, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster, and LancasterHistory's online Museum Store, accessible by visiting http://www.lancasterhistory.org and clicking Shop.

LancasterHistory will host a reception and author talk on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event schedule includes a reception at 5 p.m., followed by Kelley's talk and a book signing. The event is free and open to the public but requires advance registration. To register, visit the aforementioned website and select Events or call 717-392-4633.