Artifacts

In order for the History Center to help visitors effectively immerse themselves in York County’s diverse and memorable past, the History Center’s Interpretive Division utilizes all of the organization’s assets. It is the duty of the Collections Department to care for and exhibit of approximately 90,000 artifacts which comprise exceptional collections of everything from Decorative Arts to Military to Quilts & Coverlets to Industrial and much more. The Collections Department strives to have stories from every major era on exhibit. When you visit the sites of the History Center, you can step back in time while visiting the Colonial Complex or learn about York County’s entrepreneurial and industrial spirit at the Agricultural and Industrial Museum. For an exceptional overview of all of York County’s history, do not miss the Historical Society Museum Library & Archives.

Our Artists Our Stories

Now Open! Regular Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 am - 4 pm.

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York County has produced many artists from the internationally famous to the lesser known “local” artists. Their works and personal connections to place provide a powerful window into York County’s past and present.

Our Artists Our Stories features art pieces from the York County History Center’s collection either not previously or recently exhibited. The exhibit features works from various periods and genres, and includes formally trained to self-taught artists. The current rotation features the work of local cartoonist and watercolor artist, Walt Partymiller, who worked for York’s Gazette and Daily newspaper from the 1940s-1970s. The exhibit was co-curated by local artist, Brett Greiman, and Director of Collections, Rachel Warner. It explores how Partymiller used his “visual voice” to make commentary on the social, economic, and political issues of his time.

Our Artists Our Stories will run through September 5, 2020 on the Mezzanine of the Historical Society Museum. The exhibit and related programming is supported by the Cultural Alliance of York County.

Justice Bell and Women's Suffrage Exhibit

Opening Sept. 15th! Regular Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 am - 4 pm.

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Show Details

As part of our Year of the Woman programming, explore York’s connections to the Women’s Suffrage Movement and learn about the Justice Bell from September 15, 2020 through October 10, 2020!

Join us at our Historical Society Museum to view a replica of the Justice Bell in Founder’s Hall and our exhibit “What Does Justice Mean to You?: The Story of the Justice Bell and York County’s Role in the Women’s Suffrage Movement” on the Mezzanine. We’ll examine York’s role in the campaign for a state level women’s suffrage, the story and travels of the Justice Bell, and feature artifacts and archival materials from the local campaign and campaign leader, Anna Dill Gamble.

On October 10, 2020, we’ll also be hosting Amanda Owen, CEO of the Justice Bell Foundation, as part of our Second Saturday Lecture Series. Amanda will talk about the history of the Justice Bell, it’s role in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and the creation of the replica bell. Look for more information on our “Events” page.