Hands-on thematic programs
With such a large homeschool population in the region the History Center offers a unique opportunity to homeschool students. Our homeschool days program provides hands-on thematic experiences focused on our museum exhibits. This program series is designed for Elementary School- age students (ages 6-12) but younger and older siblings are welcome to participate. Our previous programs have highlighted exhibits such as 18th-century agriculture, currency, paper making and more! The History Center’s Manager of School Programs formats each season to a different overarching theme. The fee is $5/student, and adults are free and must remain with their child during the activities. Scroll down this page for a schedule of upcoming Homeschool Days programs.
Students in Action!
Homeschool Days programs can be found on our Calendar. Visit the page to register.
Reserve a spot today!
To reserve a spot, please visit our website, choose the day of the event, select “Homeschool Days,” choose your timeslot, then follow the prompts. Sessions fill up quickly so please be aware sessions may be low on tickets depending on when you register. For assistance with this or any questions about classes, please contact schools@yorhistorycenter.org.
Homeschool Days – Spring 2026
Fri, Jan 30 (11 am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm): Common Sense for kids (HC or CC)
250 years ago this month, Thomas Paine published his famous pamphlet Common Sense. This primary-source-heavy class explores the importance of this work along with Paine’s connection to York.
Weds, Feb 11 (11 am – 12pm and 1pm – 2pm): The Roaring 20s (HC)
The 1920’s were a time of prosperity and dramatic cultural and social change in America. This lesson will introduce different aspects of this decade from music to consumerism.
Fri, Feb 20 (11 am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm): Technology of the 1800s (AIM)
The 1800s were a revolutionary time for technology. This class focuses on the galleries of AIM and some hands-on activities throughout.
Weds, Feb 25 (11 am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm): Forgotten Founders (CC)
The founding of America was accomplished by many people, some better known than others. This class will focus on the lesser-known stories of the founding era.
Fri, Mar 13 (11 am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm): Labor in the 1900s (AIM)
Labor practices of the early 1900s were harsh, even for kids! This class explores the awful working conditions and terrible events (like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire) and the eventual reforms that made working better.
Weds, Mar 18 (11 am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm): “Remember the Ladies”: Women in the American Revolution (HC and CC)
Women played an important role in the American Revolution – from spying to holding down the home front. This class will delve into the lives of women generally in the 18th century and focus in on a few key figures.
Fri, Mar 27 (11 am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm): Women’s suffrage (HC)
Votes for Women! Women did not always have the right to vote. This class will explore the steps leading to the passage of the 19th Amendment, including some contributions from local York women.
Fri, Apr 10 (11 am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm): Great Depression (HC)
The 1929 stock market crash ended the Roaring 20’s and led to a dark period in American history – the Great Depression. This class surveys how people lived during this very challenging period.
Fri, Apr 24 (11 am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm): Quakers and the American Revolution (HC and CC)
The Quakers were in Pennsylvania and York long before their Revolution. This class will explore Quakerism in general, famous early Quakers, and the Quaker experience during the American Revolution.
Weds, Apr 29 (11 am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm): The Declaration of Independence (CC)
The Declaration of Independence turns 250 years old this year! This lesson will discuss the history and meaning of this influential and important document.