Group Rates
We are happy to welcome groups to our museums! We also have virtual tour options for your group, organization or club. Please contact groups@yorkhistorycenter.org for the latest information.
Minimum 10 people, must schedule three weeks in advance. If you have questions, please contact us.
$6.00 Single site or walking tour
$7.00 Combination of sites or site plus walking tour
Beginning in July $10 per person for group tour experiences
To schedule a group tour, please use our Tour Reservation Form
Guided Group Tour Experiences
Museums and Historic Sites
Agricultural & Industrial Museum
Tour length: 60 minutes
On a visit to the Agricultural & Industrial Museum, agricultural artifacts produced or used in the county over three centuries include locally made wagons, a tractor, steam engines and farm tools. Working industrial exhibits include a 72-ton A-Frame ammonia compressor, made in York in 1907, and used to manufacture large blocks of ice that lined railroad cars for the meatpacking industry in Wichita, Kansas. A water powered, three-story gristmill has been recreated, complete with grinding stones. Exhibits on Pfaltzgraph pottery, casket manufacturing, dental supplies, piano and organ manufacturing, as well as York’s industrial contribution to World War II are also featured. Air, Land, & Water: Transporting People & Products, housed in our 12,000 square-foot transportation wing, includes York manufactured automobiles, a Conestoga wagon, a York trolley car and a 1937 Aeronca K airplane.
Colonial Complex
Tour length: 60 minutes
The Colonial Complex is a collection of restored and reconstructed buildings reflecting York’s early history . The Golden Plough Tavern, a Germanic half-timbered building built in 1741, is the oldest structure in the City of York and served York residents and travelers into the mid 1800s. General Gates House (c. 1751) was the temporary residence of General Horatio Gates, newly appointed president of the Board of War. The Barnett Bobb Log House dates to 1812 and is currently used during programs for artisan demonstrations and hands-on activities. All three buildings contain period furnishings, textiles, tools and utensils. The Complex also includes the reproduction of the 1754 Colonial Court House, created to represent the headquarters of the Continental Congress, which met in York from September 1777 to June 1778 and adopted the Articles of Confederation.
York County Fire Museum
Tour length: 45 minutes
Located in the 1903 Royal Fire House, the museum allows visitors to see how York firefighters worked, lived and played. It holds more than 225 years of firefighting equipment, representative of the 72 fire companies of York County. Objects on display include 6 fire trucks ranging from the 1920s to the 1950s, 19th century hand-pumped equipment, stalls for the fire horses, alarm boxes, parade uniforms and photographs.
Walking Tours
All walking tours are guided and typically last about 1 hour, and cover approximately 1 mile.
The locations of the museums and historic sites of the York County History Center are in the oldest areas of York City, near the heart of the revitalized downtown area. Each tour has it’s own focus, and most include York’s historic Continental Square. Tours return to the site from which they depart.
Revolutionary York
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.
Civil War York
Many of the buildings that witnessed the confederate invasion of York County still stand on Market Street. This tour leaves from the Historical Society Museum, where guides will describe what events affected the town, and the roles some residents played.
York History
Over 275 years of history await you on this tour, from the Colonial Complex, past the National House to Continental Square, past the beautifully refurbished Appel Performing Arts Center, and Quaker House. This tour covers the highlights of several different eras, while allowing you to appreciate the details of architecture and art that can only be seen on foot.
Murals of York
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.
Combination Tours
For a fuller appreciation of York’s History, the tours listed above can be combined. Following are suggested experiences.
Agricultural and Industrial Museum plus Colonial Complex
Colonial Complex plus Revolutionary Walking Tour
Agricultural and Industrial Museum plus Mural Walking Tour
If self-exploration is preferred, no guide is required at the Agricultural & Industrial Museum, Historical Society Museum, and Fire Museum
To schedule a group tour, please use our Tour Reservation Form
Group Tour Requirements
- Minimum Group Size: 10 adults
- Maximum Group Size: 70-100 at most sites (larger numbers can typically be accommodated through various tour options and multiple site visits)
- Availability Tuesday-Saturday
- Tours available at 9:30 a.m., last tour start time 3:00 p.m.
Adult Group Tour Rates
- $6.00 per person for tour of one site, or walking tour
- $7.00 per person for combination of two or more tours
- Group leaders and bus drivers are admitted free of charge
- Accepted forms of payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
- Payment can be made prior to visit or on date of visit for total amount due
o Final admission fees based on actual attendance
Please note that discount or free admission coupons cannot be used toward group tour admission costs. Groups arriving with less than ten in their party will be charged regular admission rates.
Tour Amenities
- Eating spaces available at the Agricultural & Industrial Museum and Historical Society Museum
- Box lunch options available, contact the Education Department for more information
- Bus parking available on Pershing Avenue, north of Philadelphia (Drop off locations available at all sites)
- Agricultural & Industrial Museum and the Historical Society Museum are handicap accessible.
o Due to the historic nature of the structures, the Bonham House, Colonial
Complex, and Fire Museum are not fully handicap accessible.
Reservations
- Reservations are required 3 weeks in advance
- Tours booked on a first come, first serve basis
- April-August are usually the busiest tour months; advanced reservations are suggested
- For questions, contact groups@yorkhistorycenter.org or by phone (717) 848-1587 extension 301
