Hidden Histories

Hidden Histories sheds light on the stories of York’s people that may have been forgotten, lost or cast aside. We will be telling these stories at different locations around York County. Whose hidden past would you like our community to know? Join us as we uncover Hidden Histories.
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Historical Society Museum

Located at 250 East Market Street is the headquarters of the History Center. The museum features some of the History Center’s diverse exhibits housed in a building that is itself a historical artifact.

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Agricultural & Industrial Museum

Explore York County’s vast contributions to the progress of agricultural and industry at the History Center’s Agricultural & Industrial Museum. The museum highlights over 300 years of transportation and agriculture.

More Info >

Seasonal Sites

The Golden Plough Tavern, the General Horatio Gates House, the Colonial Courthouse, and the Fire Museum are all located along West Market Street and are open seasonally April through November.

More Info >

Library & Archives

The Library & Archives, located on East Market Street, houses an extensive collection, including genealogy and family history, decorative arts, community organizations, and more.

More Info >

Blog: History Uncovered

In our History Uncovered blog, we make the past come alive by telling stories about the people, places and things that shaped the York County of yesterday and help us understand who we are today..

More Info >

Historical Society Museum

Located at 250 East Market Street is the headquarters of the History Center. The museum features some of the History Center’s diverse exhibits housed in a building that is itself a historical artifact.

More Info >

Agricultural & Industrial Museum

Explore York County’s vast contributions to the progress of agricultural and industry at the History Center’s Agricultural & Industrial Museum. The museum highlights over 300 years of transportation and agriculture.

More Info >

Seasonal Sites

The Golden Plough Tavern, the General Horatio Gates House, the Colonial Courthouse, and the Fire Museum are all located along West Market Street and are open seasonally April through November.

More Info >

Library & Archives

The Library & Archives, located on East Market Street, houses an extensive collection, including genealogy and family history, decorative arts, community organizations, and more.

More Info >

Blog: History Uncovered

In our History Uncovered blog, we make the past come alive by telling stories about the people, places and things that shaped the York County of yesterday and help us understand who we are today.

More Info >

The difference YOU make

The York County History Center is grateful for your support and commitment to this very special place. As a member, supporter or volunteer, you make history come alive.

More Info >

The difference YOU make

The York County History Center is grateful for your support and commitment to this very special place. As a member, supporter or volunteer, you make history come alive.

More Info >

Events & Programs


Dungeons and Dragons: Battle For Colonial York - A One-Shot Adventure

06-01-2023

Presented by York County History Center at Colonial Complex, York
Upcoming Dates: Thu, Jun 01 @ 6:00 pm

“Dungeons and Dragons: Battle for Colonial York – A One-Shot Adventure” will take place at the Colonial Complex on Thursday, May 11th, 25th, and June 1st. Each session is the same story.

All characters are pre-made by the Dungeon Master and...

[more+]

“Dungeons and Dragons: Battle for Colonial York – A One-Shot Adventure” will take place at the Colonial Complex on Thursday, May 11th, 25th, and June 1st. Each session is the same story.

All characters are pre-made by the Dungeon Master and set to level 3. All materials will also be provided, but players may bring their own dice should they wish.

Characters to choose from are a Dragonborn Druid, Goliath Fighter, Halfling Rogue, Half-Elf Paladin, Half-Orc Barbarian, Human Cleric, Satyr Bard, and Tiefling Sorceress.

There is a maximum of 8 players per session.

This program is designed for beginning players age 14+, but experienced players are also welcome!

The names and places depicted in the story are based off of real historical figures. Their names have been changed to fit into the fantasy world of D&D.

Backstory:

A handful of heroes hail from Olde Towne York, a historic hub of adventurers, pioneers, and intelligent people able to create revolutionary magic items. Born of various different races, the heroes encompass a wide range of skills that have provided them the fortune and glory of many missions.

The year is 1777, and leaders of the entire realm, Mericaña, are seeking solution against the all-powerful armies of Brittanicum. These are dark, early years for the realm; decades after the prosperous lawlessness that the five heroes made their fame in. However, the tides in the great war are beginning to change. The Mericañian armies have begun to win some battles against those of Brittanicum. An unsung general, Horace Geat, has risen above the rest. However, as Geat begins to get a little cocky, he believes he is better fit to lead the Mericañian armies rather than the current commander, Geoff Willington.

After befriending a wizard also dissatisfied with Willington, Toma Conweye, Geat is finally set to fulfill the last step in becoming a lich. A lich is a powerful, undead wizard, who will stop at nothing to fulfill their wishes. The last thing Geat needs is to make a sacrifice. In a few days, Geat will hold a banquet, with the intent of persuading other Mericañian leaders to support him as true commander of the realm’s armies. Attending that banquet will be Willington’s young protégé, Marcus La Fey. It is La Fey who will be sacrificed by Geat in order to fulfill the transformation.

However, someone within General Geat’s inner circle knows of this plot, and understands it would be disastrous for the young realm of Mericaña. Remembering the heroes of old, this betrayer of Geat has sent letters to them, warning of what is to happen in a few days’ time. YOU, a protector of Mericaña, agree to meet at the Gilded Wheelbarrow, a local tavern, to discuss how you will answer the call.

*Dungeons and Dragons is product of a Wizards of the Coast LLC, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. The York County History Center does not own any names or references of Dungeons and Dragons.

[less-]
Tags:  History & Heritage

The Other Side of the River: The similarities that York and Lancaster share

06-08-2023

Presented by York County History Center at York County Historical Society Museum, York
Upcoming Dates: Thu, Jun 08 @ 7:00 pm

When local historians from bordering counties get together, great things happen!

This program will discuss some of the many similarities that both the White Rose and the Red Rose counties have in common including architecture, industry, religion,...

[more+]

When local historians from bordering counties get together, great things happen!

This program will discuss some of the many similarities that both the White Rose and the Red Rose counties have in common including architecture, industry, religion, entertainment, and much more! From their founding until now, York and Lancaster have shared a storied history, divided only by the Susquehanna River.

Learn more about our presenters here.

[less-]
Tags:   History & Heritage Online/StreamingFree Events

Dungeons and Dragons: Battle For Colonial York - A One-Shot Adventure

06-01-2023

Presented by York County History Center at Colonial Complex, York
Upcoming Dates: Thu, Jun 01 @ 6:00 pm

“Dungeons and Dragons: Battle for Colonial York – A One-Shot Adventure” will take place at the Colonial Complex on Thursday, May 11th, 25th, and June 1st. Each session is the same story.

All characters are pre-made by the Dungeon Master and...

[more+]

“Dungeons and Dragons: Battle for Colonial York – A One-Shot Adventure” will take place at the Colonial Complex on Thursday, May 11th, 25th, and June 1st. Each session is the same story.

All characters are pre-made by the Dungeon Master and set to level 3. All materials will also be provided, but players may bring their own dice should they wish.

Characters to choose from are a Dragonborn Druid, Goliath Fighter, Halfling Rogue, Half-Elf Paladin, Half-Orc Barbarian, Human Cleric, Satyr Bard, and Tiefling Sorceress.

There is a maximum of 8 players per session.

This program is designed for beginning players age 14+, but experienced players are also welcome!

The names and places depicted in the story are based off of real historical figures. Their names have been changed to fit into the fantasy world of D&D.

Backstory:

A handful of heroes hail from Olde Towne York, a historic hub of adventurers, pioneers, and intelligent people able to create revolutionary magic items. Born of various different races, the heroes encompass a wide range of skills that have provided them the fortune and glory of many missions.

The year is 1777, and leaders of the entire realm, Mericaña, are seeking solution against the all-powerful armies of Brittanicum. These are dark, early years for the realm; decades after the prosperous lawlessness that the five heroes made their fame in. However, the tides in the great war are beginning to change. The Mericañian armies have begun to win some battles against those of Brittanicum. An unsung general, Horace Geat, has risen above the rest. However, as Geat begins to get a little cocky, he believes he is better fit to lead the Mericañian armies rather than the current commander, Geoff Willington.

After befriending a wizard also dissatisfied with Willington, Toma Conweye, Geat is finally set to fulfill the last step in becoming a lich. A lich is a powerful, undead wizard, who will stop at nothing to fulfill their wishes. The last thing Geat needs is to make a sacrifice. In a few days, Geat will hold a banquet, with the intent of persuading other Mericañian leaders to support him as true commander of the realm’s armies. Attending that banquet will be Willington’s young protégé, Marcus La Fey. It is La Fey who will be sacrificed by Geat in order to fulfill the transformation.

However, someone within General Geat’s inner circle knows of this plot, and understands it would be disastrous for the young realm of Mericaña. Remembering the heroes of old, this betrayer of Geat has sent letters to them, warning of what is to happen in a few days’ time. YOU, a protector of Mericaña, agree to meet at the Gilded Wheelbarrow, a local tavern, to discuss how you will answer the call.

*Dungeons and Dragons is product of a Wizards of the Coast LLC, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. The York County History Center does not own any names or references of Dungeons and Dragons.

[less-]
Tags:  History & Heritage

The Other Side of the River: The similarities that York and Lancaster share

06-08-2023

Presented by York County History Center at York County Historical Society Museum, York
Upcoming Dates: Thu, Jun 08 @ 7:00 pm

When local historians from bordering counties get together, great things happen!

This program will discuss some of the many similarities that both the White Rose and the Red Rose counties have in common including architecture, industry, religion,...

[more+]

When local historians from bordering counties get together, great things happen!

This program will discuss some of the many similarities that both the White Rose and the Red Rose counties have in common including architecture, industry, religion, entertainment, and much more! From their founding until now, York and Lancaster have shared a storied history, divided only by the Susquehanna River.

Learn more about our presenters here.

[less-]
Tags:   History & Heritage Online/StreamingFree Events

June 2, 2023

First Friday

Details

June 3, 2023

All About!

Details

June 8, 2023

Writers’ Roundtable

Details

June 10, 2023

Second Saturday Series

Details

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