Dauphin County Marks America 250 by Bringing Revolutionary History — and Ned Hector’s Story — to Life
-
Asia Tabb
AIRED; Feburary 2, 2026
Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation.
As the nation prepares to mark America’s 250th anniversary, the Dauphin County Historical Society is planning a yearlong slate of events designed to bring Revolutionary-era history to life in Harrisburg. Executive Director Elizabeth Zucker said the goal is to present meaningful stories in ways that resonate today, noting that while Dauphin County did not yet exist in 1776, the region was deeply connected to the events shaping the nation. “One of the things that we wanted to make sure [was to] bring some really important stories, a look at history, and in a celebratory way to the Harrisburg area,” Zucker said.
Among the highlights is a special living history program on February 22 at the John Harris–Simon Cameron Mansion, where living historian Noah Lewis will portray Edward “Ned” Hector, a Black soldier who fought in the Revolutionary War. Zucker emphasized the significance of the site itself, explaining that the mansion was standing in 1776 and that John Harris Jr. famously read the Declaration of Independence from its porch so local residents could understand what was happening. “It will have a lot more meaning this year as we celebrate those 250 years of our independence,” she said.
Lewis, who alternates between introducing himself as Noah or Ned, described Hector as an ordinary man whose actions proved extraordinary. “He’s a teamster, he is a bombardier… he’s just a man trying to make a living,” Lewis said. Despite that humility, Hector earned lasting respect, including a street named after him years after his death. Lewis recounted Hector’s pivotal actions during the Battle of Brandywine, when he defied orders to retreat and instead charged into danger to save vital supplies. “I will save my team or I will perish myself,” Lewis said, explaining that Hector’s bravery helped preserve gunpowder and weapons critical to the Continental Army.
Lewis said discovering Hector’s story reshaped his own understanding of Black life in the colonial era. “My whole view of colonial Blacks… was that they all were slaves, they all were poor,” he said. Learning that Hector served in the artillery, an elite unit, challenged those assumptions and opened the door to a broader history. Lewis went on to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of people of color to the Revolutionary War, noting that by the war’s end, as much as 10 to 25 percent of George Washington’s army were people of color. “You and all the people who are listening… are enjoying [your freedoms] in part because a lot of Black people were willing to fight and die so that this country could be free,” he said.
Zucker said that message is central to the Historical Society’s America 250 programming. “This is the kind of story of heroic work that we want to highlight,” she said, adding that Hector’s story, as told by Lewis, connects individual courage to a much larger narrative. “Every American should take pride in what their fellow citizens did 250 years ago, and Ned Hector’s story is woven into that narrative very importantly.”
Information for the event:
Date & Time: February 22, 2026 at 2-3:30pm
Description: Black Americans played a critical role in our country’s fight for independence. Learn more about one such patriot: Ned Hector. Join us for a very special event honoring a forgotten patriot. Noah Lewis will bring American Revolutionary soldier Edward “Ned” Hector to life, sharing details about being a bombardier in the war, the life of a soldier in 1776, and the importance of African Americans in the glorious cause of American Independence. Celebrate the significant contributions of Black Americans to the cause of American independence – and hear from Ned Hector himself! This event takes place at the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion at 219 South Front Street in Harrisburg.
Free to the public – RSVP required (see Event Brite link)
Event Brite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1975359397132?aff=oddtdtcreator
