Where is the Conestoga Wagon? I saw it here when I was kid in the [insert any grade].
Staff at the York County History Center get this question all the time when folks walk into the Historical Society Museum. While the wagon has now rolled on to our Agricultural and Industrial Museum’s transportation gallery where there’s plenty of space for this behemoth, its memory remains a touchstone for generations of York Countians.blog-photo-duo
What would make that kind of impact on you today?
If you haven’t visited us in a while, our museums have changed dramatically in recent decades, and new exhibits go up on a regular basis, so there’s sure to be something new for you to discover.
At the Historical Society Museum, check out our latest exhibit commemorating the 275th anniversary of York City, a colorful, multi-layered exhibit of photographs and artifacts. Or see our latest batch of Lewis Miller drawings, locally made quilts, or examples of Pennsylvania German folk art currently on display. Or learn about how the Civil War impacted York County in the new gallery dedicated to the conflict.
Never visited the Agricultural and Industrial Museum? Check out the reconstructed water-powered grist mill, or the 72-ton ammonia compressor used to make ice – both of which still operate, and we can turn on just for you – or light up the two-story Ready-Kilowatt in the Hall of Giants with the press of button.
Haven’t been to the Colonial Complex since grade school? Our Education staff are always incorporating the latest research on the colonial era into the interpretation of our sites to provide you a more authentic experience, so you’re sure to learn something new about colonial York County. Plus, for a limited time we’re featuring a special exhibit commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Colonial Courthouse. We’ve also brought out of storage several life-sized portraits of Revolutionaries that were originally created for the sesquicentennial of Continental Congress’s time in York, so don’t miss this rare opportunity to see them.
Whatever you see, you’re sure to find something you’ll be talking about for years to come, just like the good ol’ Conestoga Wagon. Haven’t visited us before? This is the perfect opportunity to create your first memorable moment at the York County History Center!
Making history memorable is one of our goals as we move forward toward the York County History Center of the future. We want to offer visitors of all ages eye-opening “a-ha!” moments and personal discoveries through a combination of new, interactive exhibits, fun experiences, and lots of storytelling. We want you to find your place in York County’s history, to find out what makes you proud to be a York Countian, and to leave with your own story to share with friends and family. Much like people’s reaction to our new logo, everyone sees something different in our past, and it’s that diversity of experience that makes our history richer and our community stronger.
Have you been inspired by the new York County History Center, and the path we’re forging for the future? If so, we need your help! We have been nominated for Creative York’s 2016 Big Idea! Award, given each year to one local organization, business or event for demonstrating creativity and making an exceptional contribution to our community. The winner is determined by voters like you, so visit the creative york site (http://creativeyork.org/creativeyorkawards/) to cast your vote now. Help us make the new York County History Center into 2016’s Big Idea!
