York County History Center

Coffee & Conversation
2026-02-25 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | 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 (America/New_York) | 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!

Closing Early
2026-03-10 15:00 (America/New_York) | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
The History Center Museum is closing at 3 pm on Tuesday, March 10 in preparation for Travels with Darley visits York County, PA at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. The History Center’s very own Dr. Valerie Long will be a part of the panel during the program. For more information look below.

From Explore York
Join Explore York for a special screening of Travels with Darley, the PBS series hosted by Emmy-award-winning television host, writer, and producer Darley Newman. Enjoy an exclusive look at the episode titled “Communities That Shaped America.” This episode showcases York County’s historic sites, local attractions, and memorable food and drink experiences. A panel featuring Darley herself and others featured in the episode will share some behind-the-scenes insights about how we brought York County’s rich history and hospitality to life for a national audience. Light refreshments provided, including popcorn courtesy of The Popcorn Loft. This event will take place in the Capitol Theatre at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts and is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by March 6. Register at EventBrite here.

Agricultural York- March
2026-03-10 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Presentation by Judy Grove and Cindy Pizziketti (Wallace Cross Mill docents)

In this session, Judy Grove will highlight the historical significance and operations of the Wallace Cross Mill as it celebrates its bicentennial anniversary. Following this, Cindy Pizziketti will share the story of the two Wallace sisters who ran the mill for 30 years. Having taken over operations during the Civil War, the sisters were among the many unsung women who kept the country running during that era. Ms. Grove and Ms. Pizziketti will bring a portable corn sheller and allow attendees to grind wheat kernels. Some sweet treats will be provided by our presenters with buckwheat that was processed at the Wallace Cross Mill. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the work of the Wallace sisters, mill docents, and other who have contributed to maintaining the Wallace Cross Mill for 200 years.

Second Saturday- March
2026-03-14 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 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!

Seasonal Sites Re-open
2026-04-04
The Fire Museum and Colonial Complex will re-open for the 2026 season on Saturday, April 4.
Days of the week to keep in mind when visiting our seasonal sites: Tuesday through Saturday we offer tours of the Colonial Complex, and Saturdays the Fire Museum is open. You can explore the Gates House, Plough Tavern and the Colonial Courthouse by taking our staff-led tour, which is timed and can be added to your visit experience. To purchase your admission ticket, visit our ticket sales page or purchase your tickets upon arrival.

Manufacturing York
2026-04-07 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
Caroline Travers, Manager of Public Programs gives a manufacturing focused tour of the History Center Museum. This will be a brief guided tour experience and there will be a discussion to follow.

The galleries will not be open for self exploration, this is only a guided experience.

Public Tour Cancelation
2026-04-08 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 2 pm.

Adjusted Tour Schedule
2026-04-09 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
Tours have shifted for the day, please consider visiting us for Colonial Complex tour at 2 pm.

Closing Early
2026-04-11 12:00 (America/New_York)
The History Center Museum is closing at noon on Saturday, April 11, in preparation for A Date With History later that evening. 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.
A Date With History is sold out! Please join the waitlist at the link here or make a donation here.

A Date With History
2026-04-11 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
This event is sold out! Please join the waitlist at the link above or make a donation here.
When York Continental Congress delegate and future signer of the Declaration of Independence James Smith gave York’s first public reading of the Declaration, he realized that many people didn’t yet understand why it mattered or what independence would truly mean for them. So, he did something remarkable: He explained it, connecting bold ideals to real lives and real communities.
Today, that spirit continues.
We invite you to join us for “Independence: More Than A Moment” and celebrate 250 years of promise, progress, and possibility at a special evening that brings American independence to life through many voices and perspectives.
Dazzling Cocktails
Sumptuous Dinner
(Choice of):
Liberty Reserve Beef – Red wine-braised beef tips
Heritage Chicken Lorelle – Grilled chicken with veg in a delicate herb cream
Penne in a Blush of Independence – Penne with vodka cream sauce (v) (GF upon request)
Exciting live auction
Celebrations and surprises
Enjoy a sneak peek at some of the artifacts from our “Revolutionary York” exhibit opening this summer!
Attire:Formal cocktail.
Red, white, & blue optional
Your support helps illuminate the past, spark meaningful conversation, and ensure York’s stories continue to inspire generations to come. Be part of the legacy at this unforgettable celebration of independence and York’s revolutionary history.
For sponsorship information for companies and individuals, click here.
Ready to be a sponsor? Complete the pledge form here to make it official.
If you want to volunteer at the event, sign up here.
Questions? Contact Amy Serafino, CFRE, Vice President, Advancement, at:
aserafino@yorkhistorycenter.org

Adjusted Tour Schedule
2026-04-16 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-22 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-29 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-30 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-06 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-12 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)

Go Green in the City
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St., York, PA, 17401, United States
Visit us at the Colonial Courthouse during Go Green in the City from 10 am until noon. This is a chance to get a glimpse into the Colonial Courthouse, no formal tours will be provided during this time but you are welcome to ask our guide(s) questions.
Other details about Go Green in the City can be found on Downtown York’s website here.

Tour Cancelation
2026-04-18 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
We do not have an 11 am public tour on April 18 due to Go Green in the City. If you are looking to visit the Colonial Courthouse, we will be open for free from 10 am until noon. In the case you want to attend our Colonial Complex tour visit our ticket calendar to reserve a spot for the 2 pm tour.

Coffee & Conversation - Postponed
2026-04-22 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | 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 (America/New_York) | 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.

Trivia Night at Gift Horse Brewing Company
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Got history? Grab your friends and head to Gift Horse Brewing Company for a History Trivia Night to launch Give Local York and support the York County History Center! We’ll be serving up local history questions, friendly competition, and special history-inspired drinks available for purchase while you sip, laugh, and show off your trivia skills with a portion of the proceeds from the drinks going toward supporting YCHC.
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, plus bragging rights, of course. Come for the fun, stay for the cause, and help preserve and share York County’s stories. Trivia runs 6:30–8:30 PM on April 30. See you there!
Register York Team Here! Suggested not required.

Give Local York
2026-04-30 19:00 - 2026-05-01 19:00 (America/New_York) | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
April 30-May 1 is Give Local York! This is one of the History Center’s most important fundraising campaigns of the year. Here’s a taste of what you can do to help the History Center:

Join us for History Trivia at Gift Horse Brewing Company on April 30 to kick off the start of Give Local York! Details here.

Remember, your gifts during Give Local York go directly to help us do the work of collecting and sharing the stories of York County history.

Organ Concert - Give Local York
2026-05-01 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
We are excited to welcome local organist Daniel Brownell to play a daytime concert on May 1 at the History Center Museum. Daniel is Director of Music Ministries and Worship at First Presbyterian Church in York.
This event is part of Give Local York! Admission is by donation, and you may choose the ticket level that feels right for you. All contributions directly support the York County History Center and help make programs like this possible.

First Friday: Pizza & Pajamas
2026-05-01 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | York County History Center Museum, 121 North Pershing Ave., York, PA, 17401, United States
During First Friday on Give Local York we are offering a fun experience for all ages! Pizza & Pajamas is an opportunity for people to come to the museum in lounge wear/pajamas, enjoy some pizza and activities.
Activities for the evening

Showing of Liberty’s Kids- Valley Forge episode which features York’s part in the American Revolution every half hour.
Try your hand at the Lego challenge to build based on inspiration of our historic building.
Specialized highlight tour best suited for adult visitors.

We hope you can join us for a fun evening!

This event is part of Give Local York! Admission is by donation, and you may choose the ticket level that feels right for you. All contributions directly support the York County History Center and help make programs like this possible.

Friends Spring Luncheon
2026-05-03 12:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | 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 (America/New_York) | 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 (America/New_York) | 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.
