Articles of Confederation Day
2025-11-15 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
ViewCelebrate the adoption of the Articles of Confederation with us! Adults and families can participate in hands-on activities that help us understand the place of the Articles of Confederation in American history and learn about York’s Revolutionary past!
We are excited to welcome in a range of historic tradespeople, interpreters and historical organizations.
Those groups include:

Baron von Steuben, Ned Hector & George Washington
Central York Middle School Fifes and Drums
Matthew Dodd who performs Revolutionary songs
Robert Mouland a historic musician with his Marionettes a’ la planchette
Stone House History
Children of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution
.918 Club with their printing press demonstrations

Thanks to Explore York for supporting Articles of Confederation Day 2025.

First Friday December
2025-12-05 17:30 - 20:00 | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
Join us at the Colonial Complex for a tour focused on the holidays of the Colonial period from 5:30 pm – 8 pm. Last tour will be at 7:45 pm that evening.. Be sure to bundle up and end your visit warming up in our summer kitchen with some sweets.
No late night museum hours that evening.

History Storytellers
2025-12-11 18:30 - 20:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
An evening with York County History Storytellers is a gathering of history-minded people who love sharing stories.
Tonight’s program is SOLD OUT!
Our American democracy is worth fighting for, and it has been since 1776. That struggle has produced heroes, all worthy. It has spawned foes – some with good intentions, others certainly not. Indeed, you could say the York County experience with our American democracy has ranged from heroes to zeros. Historians participating in the York County History Storytellers evening are returning to explore what has worked in York County’s history and those times that we’ve fallen short. As a county, we can learn from both.
The program starts at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 11, and will feature Ben Neely, June Burk Lloyd, Samantha Dorm, Jeri Jones, Scott Mingus and Stephen H. Smith. Doors open at 5:30 pm for those who wish to explore the museum for free prior to the event.
Hometown History’s Jamie Noerpel and Dominish Marie Miller will host the evening. Jim McClure will preside at the popular “Stump the Historian” segment.
Program in collaboration with the York Daily Record and Hometown History.

Agricultural York
2026-01-06 18:30 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Learn about the people, places and things connected to local agriculture. Each session highlights different organizations within the agricultural community like family farms, wineries, apiaries and Penn State Extension.
This month we will highlight York Fresh Food Farms and the Horn Farm Center.
York Fresh Food Farms
York Fresh Food Farms’ core focus is growing healthy food. They are committed to improving access to affordable, healthy, fresh food for everyone in our community, especially for families living in poverty and in food desert neighborhoods. York Fresh Food Farms is growing food right here in the City of York, making fresh, farm-grown produce available– at affordable prices – so that all members of our community can eat a healthy diet.
Horn Farm Center
An outcome of local efforts to preserve historic York County farmland, the Horn Farm Center serves the community today as a hub for agricultural and ecological education. With a mission to foster ecological learning through land stewardship, community partnership, and hands-on experiences, the nonprofit–based in Hellam–offers year-round classes, events, and volunteer opportunities that connect people with the land. While today’s visitors can learn about regenerative agriculture, environmental restoration, foraging, and locally-based living, the 186-acre farm also bears a rich history reflecting 200 years of York County agriculture.

Second Saturday January
2026-01-10 10:30 - 12:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Author Michael C. Harris joins us for our first Second Saturday of 2026 to present and sign copies of his new book, Fighting for Philadelphia. Kick start your America250 celebrations when you attend Second Saturday on January 10, 2026.
Michael C. Harris is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington and the American Military University. He has worked for the National Park Service in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Fort Mott State Park in New Jersey, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission at Brandywine Battlefield. Mike has conducted tours and staff rides of many of the East Coast battlefields and is certified and currently teaches in the Philadelphia region. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife Michelle and son Nathanael. His first book, Brandywine, was awarded the American Revolution Round Table of Richmond Book Award in 2014.

Second Saturday- February
2026-02-14 10:30 - 14:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Take part in a day of family fun and learning with our quarterly Second Saturday Family Day! The History Center Museum holds many stories and artifacts, Family Day-Black History Month will allow attendees a chance to explore York’s Black history through hands on activities in our lobby and galleries.
Activities for the day

Storytime– Books selected from York County Libraries, visit their website to reserve books.
Hit it out of the park– Learn about York’s baseball history and the Black community when you make your own paper plate baseball.
Scavenger Hunt– Visit the galleries to discover national and local stories tied to the accomplishments of the Black community.
History Maker Matching– Match the York History Maker with their life story.
Special guests– Friends of Lebanon Cemetery will be in the lobby with a children’s activity.
More activities

Children may not be left unattended when taking part in the activities.
Activities available while supplies last.

Coffee & Conversation
2026-02-25 18:30 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
The focus will be The American Revolution by Ken Burns
Please note we suggest you watch The American Revolution by Ken Burns on PBS. There is an additional fee through the PBS Passport app if you did not watch the series when it premiered. If you are planning to view the docuseries, PBS provides an episode guide you may want to view here.
Each session will have a different focus and materials to view prior to the program which is mentioned above. This program is recommended attendees are high school age students and adults. It is $5 per person and History Center Members are free to attend. Registration is required to attend this program, you can register at the link in this section.
Coffee and tea will be provided for attendees.
Registration ends on February 24 at 6:30 PM.

First Friday- March
2026-03-06 18:00 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Test your knowledge of historic events, pop culture, and more when you attend Trivia & Tacos March 6 at the History Center Museum. Taco supplies will be provided to attendees, tacos available while supplies last.
Trivia is recommended for ages 16 and up.
This activity was made possible in part by a Downtown Inc First Friday Grant, sponsored by WellSpan Health.
Museum Galleries are closed this evening!

Second Saturday- March
2026-03-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Continental Square, 1 E Market St,, York, PA, 17401, United States
In March we are making our way to Continental Square for the Saint Patrick’s Day parade as they celebrate their 40th year. Find us for a history related children’s activity with our Manager of School Programs, Valerie Long, Ph.D.
Parade begins at 1 pm
More details coming soon. No registration needed!

Coffee & Conversation - Postponed
2026-04-22 18:30 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Our next session will be April 22 with a focus on Veterans and Army Veteran Alex Kelly will be in attendance to discuss her experiences in Desert Storm.
Alex Kelly is a graduate of William Penn High School and has spent a large portion of her life in York County. She holds two degrees in Nursing and a degree in Business Administration. Alex spent time as a part of the Army National Guard during Operation Desert Shield & Desert Storm. She was assigned to the 131st Transportation Company. Alex is currently out of town so she will be joining us via Zoom. Attend our program to hear more from Veteran Alex Kelly.

Spirits of the Past
2026-04-24 19:00 - 20:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Enjoy an unforgettable night at the History Center with our historic mixology program! We’re celebrating National Gardening Month in April, and attendees will enjoy two flowery cocktails: the Aviation, a classic Prohibition-era drink made with crème de violette, which gives it a signature pale blue/purple color and floral notes; and Elderflower Mojito, which adds a note of pear and honeysuckle to the classic Cuban drink.

Friends Spring Luncheon
2026-05-03 12:30 - 15:30 | York College of Pennsylvania, 441 Country Club Road, York, PA, 17403, United States
Join the Friends of the History Center for their annual Spring Luncheon and the latest in their If These Walls Could Talk programs. For this year’s luncheon, explore the twists and turns in the history of York College, from its founding in 1787 to its exciting growth on the edge of York today. Pat Poet and Nancy Godfrey from the college’s Schmidt Library staff will present.
DEADLINE TO PURCHASE TICKETS EXTENDED TO APRIL 25
The day will include lunch and a fabulous raffle. The lunch menu includes:
Strawberry Feta Salad

Mesclun Mix, Candied Pecans, Feta, White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Rustic Bread & Butter

Entrees (choice of one)

Horseradish Crusted Salmon Filet, with Fresh Asparagus, Lyonnaise Potatoes, Dijon Cream Sauce
Balsamic Glazed Caprese Bone-In Chicken, with Caramelized Broccoli, Rosemary Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Spaghetti Con Limone with Blistered Tomatoes (Vegan Option)

Dessert

Profiterole with Sauce Anglaise and Chocolate Ganache

Tickets are $75 for History Center members or $85 for the general public. The deadline to order is April 25.
The program will run from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the college’s Yorkview Hall.

Manufacturing York
2026-05-05 18:30 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Why did a gifted man of the cloth leave the ministry to manufacture washing machines? How did an ex preacher, so poor at one time he could not afford to fix the roof on his house, become a wealthy man and the leading industrialist in the history of York? How did five exiting companies employing over 2,000 people grow from his work?
This program answers these questions and provides a window into the life of the founder of the S. Morgan Smith Company (now Voith Hydro).
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Nicholas served in the ministry of the Moravian Church for forty-one years before he retired and returned to his hometown of York. He and his friend, Terry Downs, have presented this program more than forty times to varied audiences in York, Adams, Lancaster and Lehigh Counties. Rev. Nicholas and Terry Downs completed a biography of Smith in 2017 titled, “Reinventing the Wheel, the Incredible Story of S. Morgan Smith, Minister, Inventor, Industrialist.” Visit the History Center gift shop during regular hours to purchase a copy of the book.

The galleries will not be open for this program.

World War II Briefings
2026-05-09 11:00 - 13:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Our World War II Briefings program is biannual. The program dates fall closely with Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) in May and August. York has a rich history connected to World War II. For May’s session, we will welcome in Steven Smith, Richard Robinson and Mike Siggins as they focus on the Sherman Tank and its connection to York.

Civil War Walking Tour
2026-06-19 18:00 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Many of the buildings that existed during the Confederate invasion of York still stand on Market Street. This tour leaves from the History Center Museum, where guides will describe what events affected the town and the roles some residents played.
Tours will kick off from the History Center Museum. We suggest ordering your tickets ahead of time as this allows us to prepare the group. You can purchase tickets at the button above.
All York walking tours will start and end at the History Center museum and will last 60-90 minutes. Tours are recommended for ages 12 and older.

July 4th at the History Center
2026-07-04 09:00 - 13:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
What better place to spend your July 4th festivities then immersed in American history at the History Center Museum! View the brand new “Revolutionary York” exhibit in the Brougher Gallery and explore our main gallery space with our American Revolution scavenger hunt.
Admission for the day is $10 for adults and $5 for students, free for members to visit.
9 AM – 1 PM Operating hours will correspond with the Cultural Fair across from the History Center Museum.
Please note the Fire Museum and Agricultural and Industrial Museum are both closed on July 4. Open sites include the History Center Museum and the Colonial Courthouse.
About Revolutionary York:
When British forces seized Philadelphia in 1777, America’s leaders fled to York, and a frontier town of 1,800 became the nation’s capital. Revolutionary York, on view July 2026 through December 2028, brings that extraordinary chapter to life. Explore how Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation and secured French support that turned the tide of war, and how the Revolution was experienced by the full range of people who called York County home. As we mark 250 years of independence, this exhibit asks what those founding ideals mean to us today.
Visit our Revolutionary York page here to learn more about the exhibit.

July 4th at the Colonial Courthouse
2026-07-04 09:00 - 13:00 | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
Stop by the Colonial Courthouse on July 4th for our open house. Ask questions about our reconstructed courthouse, learn about York history, and see 18th Century artifacts on display.
No Colonial Complex tours on July 4th.
Want more Revolutionary War history? Head down the block to the History Center Museum and view the newly opened Revolutionary York exhibit in the Brougher Gallery. View the event details here for pricing.
Please note the Fire Museum and Agricultural and Industrial Museum are both closed on July 4. Open sites include the History Center Museum and the Colonial Courthouse.

Revolutionary York Walking Tour
2026-07-24 18:00 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
When the British captured Philadelphia in the fall of 1777, the Continental Congress made York the capital from which it would conduct the war, and take the first step toward creating the United States as we know it. Guides will share stories of local heroes, as well as national notables such as George Washington, and “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Included in this tour is the site of a duel that was to take place between General Horatio Gates and James Wilkinson.
Tours will kick off from the History Center Museum. We suggest to order your tickets ahead of time as this allows us prepare the group. You can purchase tickets at the button above.
All York walking tours will start and end at the History Center museum and will last 60-90 minutes. Tours are recommended for ages 12 and older.

First Friday - August
2026-08-07 17:00 - 20:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Mark your calendars: First Friday returns Aug. 7, and you can stop in for our extended evening hours from 5-8 p.m. (suggested donation of $10 per person). This is your chance to come in from the summer humidity and explore some of the cool interactive elements in the museum galleries. Don’t miss out on the NEW Revolutionary York exhibit on the 3rd floor.

Cemeteries & Churches Walking Tour -SOLD OUT
2026-08-21 18:00 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Join us to learn about the churches and cemeteries tied to downtown York. These places of worship and burial tell a deeper story when our guides highlight the people connected to these places.
Tours will kick off from the History Center Museum. We suggest to order your tickets ahead of time as this allows us prepare the group. You can purchase tickets at the button above.
All York walking tours will start and end at the History Center museum and will last 60-90 minutes. Tours are recommended for ages 12 and older.

Please consider joining us for our September Murals Walking Tour, register here.

Closing Early
2026-09-12 12:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
The History Center Museum is closing at noon on Saturday, September 12, in preparation for a private event. Please consider visiting the History Center Museum and Colonial Complex before noon and continue your visit at the Agricultural and Industrial Museum or Fire Museum. Due to the early closure, we will only have an 11 a.m. Colonial Complex tour on September 12. Additionally the Library & Archives will at noon as well.

Murals Walking Tour
2026-09-25 18:00 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Scattered amongst the walls of York’s fabulous architecture, 18 murals depict scenes of the county’s proudest moments and people. Leaving from the Colonial Complex, guides will describe the background of 10 of them as you stroll down Market Street, George, and return via Philadelphia Street.
All York walking tours will start and end at the History Center museum and will last 60-90 minutes. Tours are recommended for ages 12 and older. Tickets for our walking tours are $10 for History Center members and $12 for non-members. Our walking tours are offered during the months of May through August and are typically a evening week night experience.
This walking tour will include a highlight from local artist Annelise Vuono who has painted several murals in Downtown York.

52nd Fall Oyster Festival
2026-10-18 11:00 - 16:00 | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
Crisp autumn air, vibrant colors, live music, amazing food, and fun for the whole family: The Fall Oyster Festival is back, and this year it’s bigger and better than ever. Join us in the heart of historic downtown York for a perfect fall Sunday you won’t want to miss.
There’s no better way to celebrate the season than spending a Sunday afternoon outside surrounded by the beauty of a York autumn. The Colonial Complex provides a stunning historic backdrop for a day filled with great energy, warm flavors and community connection.
Whether you’re strolling with the kids, exploring with friends or making it a date day, the Fall Oyster Festival has everything you need for an unforgettable fall outing. Never tried an oyster before? This is your chance. Or sample some of our land-locked fare. Whatever you prefer, we have you covered!
Admission is free; food and beverages are pay as you go.

Spooky Walking Tour
2026-10-30 18:00 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Hear the legends of the Cannibal King, the Wildman, and much more as you walk along the spooky streets of Downtown York.
Tours will kick off from the History Center Museum. We suggest to order your tickets ahead of time as this allows us prepare the group. You can purchase tickets at the button above.
All York walking tours will start and end at the History Center museum and will last 60-90 minutes. Tours are recommended for ages 12 and older.

Articles of Confederation Day
2026-11-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
This year kicks off 250th anniversary celebrations throughout the United States. Join us in November to continue the year of celebrations as we highlight the Articles of Confederation, one of America’s first founding documents. The event will take place on November 14, 2026 from 10 am until 3 pm. We are welcoming in a range of historic tradespeople, reenactors, musicians, and more. Check back this summer for more details about our event this Fall.
