Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity helped bring history to life, as she returned a collection of unclaimed artifacts linked to the family of U.S. President James Buchanan, during a ceremony at LancasterHistory’s Museum & Research Center.
“There is something deeply moving about reconnecting a family with its legacy,” said Treasurer Stacy Garrity. “These items being returned today are more than objects – instead, they are threads in the fabric of history, and their return ensures that the Buchanan family’s story will be told for generations to come.”
The collection was discovered in an abandoned safe deposit box belonging to Barbara and Harry Buchanan, which was received by Treasury’s unclaimed property program. After an extensive search, Treasury was able to connect with Barbara and Harry’s daughter, Cathleen Buchanan, who traveled from Connecticut to make today’s return possible.
“On behalf of the Buchanan family, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Treasurer Garrity and her staff for the care and professionalism they have shown in locating, researching, preserving and returning a collection of historical documents found in an unclaimed safe deposit box,” said Cathleen Buchanan. “We are grateful for Treasury’s thorough work and for the opportunity to receive the materials in person.”
Local legislators and LancasterHistory staff were also in attendance.
“I appreciate Treasurer Garrity and her team’s continued work to return unclaimed property to its rightful owners. This collection has a special connection to Lancaster County and our nation’s history, and I’m glad these pieces of the Buchanan family’s story have been preserved and returned to the family where they belong,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.
“Throughout the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, we have been reminded that Pennsylvania’s history is inseparable from the story of our nation, and Lancaster County holds a special place in that legacy,” said Senator Dave McCormick. “I’m grateful to Treasurer Garrity and LancasterHistory for helping preserve these important pieces of our Commonwealth’s history and return them to the Buchanan family. Their work honors Pennsylvania’s past while helping ensure that this history is preserved for generations to come.”
“This remarkable discovery provides tangible evidence of Pike County’s connection to the family of James Buchanan and adds an exciting chapter to our county history,” said Pike County Commissioner Matt Osterberg. “We are delighted that these newly found documents will allow the Buchanan family to continue exploring its roots and heritage, and Pike County thanks Treasurer Stacy Garrity and her staff for their unwavering commitment to preserving and returning these historical treasures.”
The 61-item collection includes 32 historical documents, 28 stock certificates and a leather satchel. Among the most significant items are a letter from Robert Buchanan, written in 1780, requesting permission to remain with his militia regiment as a scout, and a deed to land in present-day Milford, Pike County, where the Buchanan family lived for five generations.
“At LancasterHistory, we are stewards of President James Buchahan’s Wheatland who preserve and share the story of Buchanan’s life and political career,” said Stephanie Celiberti, Manager of President James Buchanan’s Wheatland, LancasterHistory. “We are grateful that Buchanan’s descendants are now the caretakers of these documents and that the history found within them is no longer lost.”
LancasterHistory is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting and sharing the history of Lancaster County and its connections to Pennsylvania and American history. LancasterHistory owns and operates several historic and educational sites, including Wheatland, the former home of President James Buchanan.
