Public Tour Cancelation
2025-09-10 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
We have a private group visiting, please consider visiting us for Colonial Complex tours at 1 pm or 3 pm.

Churches & Cemeteries Walking Tour
2025-09-12 18:00 - 19:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Explore the rich history York has to offer as you see the city from a new perspective. This month attendees will learn about the churches and cemeteries connected to our community. 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.

Second Saturday Family Day
2025-09-13 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-The Arts are All Around Us will allow attendees a chance to explore York’s history through hands on activities in our lobby and galleries.
Activities for the day

Storytime
Painted Pottery Coasters
Paper Fashions
Make your own Post Card
Salt Dough Ornaments
Self Portraits under the Smokestack
More activities

Activities available while supplies last.

Tannenberg Organ Concert Series
2025-09-26 18:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Experience a live performance of York’s only remaining Tannenberg Organ, built here in York in 1804. This priceless artifact is back at the History Center after two years of restoration. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear it played.
Pre-registration encouraged, but not required.
Learn more about the history of the Tannenberg Organ here.

First Friday October
2025-10-03 17:00 - 20:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
October 3 join us for pay as you wish late night museum hours from 5 pm until 8 pm at the History Center Museum.
See our friends at the front desk to sign in and admission will be pay what you wish. Admission can be paid in cash, or card. Suggested donation of $5 in cash, or card.
PLUS: Family fun fall crafts in the lobby! Kids get to create their own creature made from craft supplies and toilet paper tubes. In addition families can decorate their own Halloween mask as they learn about the history of Halloween costumes. This activity was made possible in part by a Downtown Inc First Friday Grant, sponsored by WellSpan Health. (Activity will take place from 5 pm until 7:30 while supplies last.)

First Friday-Walking Tours
2025-10-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Beaver St Sandwich Board, 32 N Beaver St, York, PA, 17401, United States
Join us for a spooky look at York’s past in preparation for Halloween.
Stop by our Sandwich board on the corner of W. Clarke Ave and N. Beaver St for 30 minute Spooky Tours at 6 pm and 6:45. For a full spooky tour check our calendar for October’s full walking tour experience.

Public Tour Cancellation
2025-10-09 14:00 | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
We have a private group visiting, please consider visiting us for Colonial Complex tours at 11 am on October 9.

If you are attending Pennsylvania Historical Association Annual Meeting please visit our ticket calendar to reserve your tour spot.

Delayed Opening
2025-10-10 10:00 - 12:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
We are opening the History Center Museum at noon due to emergency repairs to the T-Mobile equipment on the smokestack. Thank you for your patience.

Public Tour Cancellation
2025-10-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
We are opening the History Center Museum at noon due to emergency repairs to the T-Mobile equipment on the smokestack. There will be no 11 am Colonial Complex tour due to opening the museum at noon, please consider visiting us for Colonial Complex tours at 1 pm or 3 pm. Thank you for your patience.

October Walking Tour
2025-10-10 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-17 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.

Friends of the Heritage Rail Trail
2025-10-11 11:00 - 13:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Members of the Friends of the Heritage Rail Trail will be on site at the History Center Museum to highlight the work they do. This is a great opportunity to learn about the activities they offer at their sites.
This not a presentation, it is an opportunity to chat and engage with members of the Friends of the Heritage Rail Trail in an informal setting. Additionally this is free and does not include museum admission.

Public Tour Cancellation
2025-10-11 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
We have a private group visiting, please consider visiting us for Colonial Complex tours at 11 am on October 11.

If you are attending Pennsylvania Historical Association Annual Meeting please visit our ticket calendar to reserve your tour spot.

Public Tour Cancellation
2025-10-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
We are closing early today due to a staff outing, please consider visiting us for Colonial Complex tour at 11 am on October 14.

Spirits of the Past- SOLD OUT
2025-10-24 19:00 - 20:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Each program we also highlight any York connections to the cocktails, and alcohol. Spirits of the Past began in 2022 and has served 20 historic cocktails to date for attendees. Attendees have taken part in making the Mary Pickford, Irish Coffee, and Cherry Bounce Sours to just name a few. Our program sessions include at least one alcoholic beverage with guided instruction, light refreshments and of course the history of the beverage.
The cocktails and history will be spooky in nature with a focus on literature so be on the look out for the cocktail selection soon.

Tannenberg Organ Concert Series
2025-10-29 13:00 - 14:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Experience a live performance of York’s only remaining Tannenberg Organ, built here in York in 1804. This priceless artifact is back at the History Center after two years of restoration. Richard Frey returns to play an array of Halloween songs to get you prepared for the spooky holiday. Costumes are encouraged!

Registration is suggested but not required.

Turkey Trot Lunches to Go
2025-11-06 09:00 - 12:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Pick up the turkey sandwiches ordered during the Turkey Trot sandwich sale in October. The sale, organized by the Friends of the History Center, raises money to support the programs and activities of the Center.

"The American Revolution": Sneak Preview & Panel Discussion
2025-11-06 17:30 - 20:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
WITF and the History Center are partnering to present a special, FREE preview screening of the highly anticipated Ken Burns documentary “The American Revolution” before it premieres nationwide. Join us Thursday, Nov. 6, for an evening of history, insight and conversation.
Following the preview screening, Scott Lamar, former host of WITF’s “Smart Talk” and “The Spark,” will lead a panel of expert historians through an engaging and thoughtful conversation about the people and events that changed the course of history.
Pre-registration is required to attend. Use the Eventbrite registration page to reserve your seat at this special sneak preview. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Program starts at 6.
“The American Revolution” will premiere on Sunday, Nov. 16, and will air for six consecutive nights through Friday, Nov. 21, from 8–10 p.m. on WITF.

First Friday in November
2025-11-07 17:00 - 20:00 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
On November 7 join us for pay as you wish late night museum hours from 5 pm until 8 pm at the History Center Museum.
See our friends at the front desk to sign in and admission will be pay what you wish. Admission can be paid in cash, or card. Suggested donation of $5 in cash, or card.

Second Saturday November
2025-11-08 10:30 - 11:30 | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
November 8 is International STEAM day! Join us as we welcome Tom Ort to present S. Morgan Smith and the York, PA Hydropower Legacy. Hydropower research, development, and manufacturing has been anchored in York, Pennsylvania for over 150 years. Spearheaded by minister-turned-Industrialist S. Morgan Smith, hydraulic products produced in York have been placed in operation in every corner of the Earth. In recognition of International STEAM Day, the hydropower legacy and its effects on York, the Nation, and the world will be explored.

Tom Ort is a Mechanical Engineer at Voith Hydro in York, PA where he designs hydraulic turbine equipment used in facilities around the world. He earned his bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and master’s in Engineering Science from Penn State. A native of York, Tom has a strong interest in local industrial history.

An Evening with Jeffrey Rosen
2025-11-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 50 N. George St., York, PA, 17401, United States
The York County History Center is proud to welcome acclaimed constitutional scholar and author Jeffrey Rosen as the featured guest in this year’s Distinguished Speaker Series, Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts Capitol Theatre.
Mr. Rosen will present insights from his latest work, The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America, a timely exploration of how the founding debates continue to shape our political landscape. In a thought-provoking evening of conversation and reflection, Rosen will also draw powerful connections between the Articles of Confederation and the enduring tensions in American governance today. All ticket holders will receive a free copy of The Pursuit of Liberty. There will be time for Q&A and a book signing will follow.
Join us for this rare opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s leading voices on the Constitution, liberty, and the legacy of our Founding Fathers.
Tickets on sale through the Appell Center Box Office here.
Sponsorships are available. If you are interested in being a sponsor of this event, please contact Terri Altland, VP of Visitor Engagement or call 717-848-1587 ext 303.

Articles of Confederation Day
2025-11-15 10:00 - 15:00 | 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.

Public Tour Cancellation
2025-11-15 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
We do not have any public tours on November 15. We are celebrating Articles of Confederation Day, we hope you can join us. More event details can be found here.

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.

Second Saturday Family Day
2025-12-13 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-Festival of the Holidays will allow attendees a chance to explore York’s history through hands on activities in our lobby and galleries. Activities will include story time, make your own 3 Kings crown, and other craft activities tied to winter holidays.
Children may not be left unattended when taking part in the activities.
Activities available while supplies last.

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.
