York County History Center

At the York County History Center, we collect and share the stories that make up the rich and diverse history of York County – your history. From our captivating archives, housing over 90,000 artifacts, to our extensive genealogy research resources, we are committed to preserving the history of York County for future generations.

Thanks to the support of our members, volunteers and donors, we continue to serve as an educational resource for those eager to explore the past and understand the profound significance of history in shaping our world today.

As member Jonathan Stayer says, "It is one of the best local history and genealogy libraries in Pennsylvania. It is rich in resources about York County as well as the surrounding area. One can find something on almost any aspect of York County history among its collections. Personally, I mined its files and books for my master’s thesis on Lewis Miller’s Hessians, and I use it on a regular basis for my own genealogical pursuits. The library alone is well worth the price of membership."

We inspire individuals to explore the history, culture, and people of York County, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Through our collections, historic sites, and museums, we tell the American story—a narrative rich with the experiences and contributions of diverse communities. From entrepreneurs to artisans, workers, families, and individuals like you, the history of York County is a story worth telling.

We invite you to join us in our mission, to understand the past to illuminate the future through inclusive, authentic storytelling and preservation.

Visit our website to learn more about our community efforts and explore stories like Jonathan's. Then, join us on May 2 for a fun-filled, family-friendly day at our historic sites and programs!

---

Schedule of Events

Please help unlock a $1,000 match with our 100th new donor! Donations accepted at all History Center properties and online at https://www.givelocalyork.org/donate?campaign_id=223433. 

Will you be our 100th new donor? 

Thursday, May 1 

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

• GLY Historical Launch with Trivia Night at Handsome Cab! 

• Test your York County history knowledge with Trivia Night at Handsome Cab to kick off Give Local York 2025! 

Friday, May 2 

All Day 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

• Take advantage of FREE admission at all YCHC sites all day long! 

• • Visit sites like the Agricultural & Industrial Museum – walk through a 20th Century Trolley car, see authentic Pullman cars, and other exhibits that capture York’s agricultural and industrial past! (Don’t forget the Pfaltzgraff exhibit!) 

• • Guided 1st floor tours and Colonial Games at the Colonial Complex (10:30-3:30)

• • Guided Library & Archive tours at the History Center (starting at noon, on the hour) 

5 – 8 p.m.  at the York County History Center Museum

Hang out at the History Center and learn more about York County. These activities end at 6:30 p.m.:

• • Scavenger hunts for all ages 

• • Live band in the lobby - JC Fisher
  • Take a spin on the price wheel!

• • Kids Kindness Crafts 

• • Other festivities and refreshments  

• Live demos on the hour (5-7 p.m.) 

• • See the giant, red ammonia compressor at work with demos on the hour.

• Tannenberg Organ Demo (7 p.m.)

• • Experience the first live performance of York’s only remaining Tannenberg organ, built here in 1804. This priceless artifact is back at the History Center after 2 years of restoration. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear about its journey over the last two years, as well as its magnificent sound once again!

Take a look around the York County History Museum with our galleries (open until 8 p.m.)

• • From the popular History Makers Tower—featuring 75 notable individuals from York—to an original 1800s Conestoga Wagon, an underground railroad video, and one of the last remaining original copies of the Articles of Confederation, discover how the past has shaped the York County we know today.

Schedule subject to change. Follow @yorkcountyhistorycenter on Facebook and @yorkhistory on Instagram for up-to-date information and fun surprises!

Please note:

The descriptions at the top of this page are examples of the types of work your support may fund. All donations to the York County History Center through Give Local York are unrestricted, allowing us to direct resources where they are needed most. We are truly grateful for your generosity!

---

Cultural Arts Alliance Match & York County Community Foundation Stretch Pool