Elizabeth and Alvin Lewis Fund for Arts and Music

Elizabeth O’Shea Lewis and Alvin Lewis, Jr., were world travelers, art collectors, and generous leaders who came to call Lancaster home. Their legacy of leadership, giving, and cultural curiosity, and their shared love of art and music, continues after their lifetimes through the endowed Elizabeth and Alvin Lewis Fund for Arts and Music.

Alvin was the youngest elected District Attorney for Lebanon County, and continued leading in the legal field as Director of the National District Attorneys Association, Special Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee investigating the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and Chairman of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission. 

Elizabeth was born in Ireland and lived with her family in Rhodesia before fleeing the war and immigrating to England. She had a keen interest in medical eyecare and became an orthoptist. Elizabeth dedicated time as a volunteer with Hospice & Community Care. She was an avid collector and curator of art.

The inaugural grants from Elizabeth and Alvin’s fund supported the Creative Expression Awards during the Community Foundation’s 100th anniversary, including projects like: 

• Prima Art’s Beloved Community Project, elevating BIPOC artists, leadership, voices, and stories
• The Mix’s Ripple Creators Program, making recording and creative spaces accessible for students
• Demuth Foundation’s renovations, creating a gathering space for art appreciation and education