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Friends of the York County History Center

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Friends Membership

Build on your History Center membership –
Join the Friends

The Friends of the York County History Center had its formal beginnings in 1964, and has raised funds, hosted events, volunteered in support roles and nurtured friendships year after year. A Friends membership is open to any current History Center members. 

Not a History Center member, yet? Visit our Membership page here.

The Friends of the York County History Center provide tremendous support, service and financial aid to the York County History Center. The Friends began and still operate a number of signature events, including the Book Blast used book sale, the If These Walls Could Talk program series, and the Annual Turkey Trot, among other events and programs. Each year, the Friends provide generous support to the Oyster Festival and the annual Gala. They have also purchased supplies and equipment for various History Center departments.

Becoming a member of the Friends means you are part of a group that is passionate about history. Sometimes it means you roll up your sleeves and help make and sell baked goods during Oyster Festival or assemble and deliver sandwiches for the Turkey Trot sandwich sale. Other times it means you relax and take a bus trip to see history, or you spend a night at a York Revolution baseball game. All of it is fun, and you’re supporting the History Center’s work to collect and share the stories of York County’s rich past.

To make a general donation to the Annual Fund, visit the Annual Fund page.

Become a Friend Today
IMG_2057 Book Blast Friends Web

Friends Events

Friends enjoy a variety of fun events. Activities include:

Friends Main Image OysterFest Bake Sale

Friends Fundraisers

Our fundraising activities are the lifeblood of the Friends of the York County History Center, providing vital support for our mission and programs. We strive to make our fundraising events engaging, meaningful, and impactful for our supporters of both the Friends and the History Center. From traditional events like sandwich sales and car washes to more creative endeavors like Book Blast and Fasnacht Day, we offer a diverse range of opportunities for individuals to get involved. Each fundraising initiative is carefully planned to align with our values and goals, ensuring that every dollar raised directly benefits our cause. Fundraisers include:

  • Friends Book Blast
  • Bake Sale at Oyster Festival
  • Turkey Trot Sandwiches to Go
  • Annual Holiday Pecan and Car Wash Sales

Our fundraisers not only raise much-needed funds but also serve as platforms to raise awareness about our organization and the stories we share. The provide a space for our community to come together, show their support, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or participate in one of our events, your support is invaluable. Your contribution helps us share the history of York County, bringing us one step closer to achieving our vision.

Join us in our fundraising efforts and be a part of something bigger than yourself. Together, we can create positive change and make a lasting impact on our community.

Enjoy being involved? Check out the many volunteer opportunities available.

Contact the Friends

New members are always welcome! Potential new members must either already be a member in good standing with the History Center or make joint application to both the History Center and the Friends. For inquiries, please contact Barbara Sleeger at 717-318-9249, or you can email her at Barbsmile4me@aol.com.

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2024 – 2025 Friends of the York County History Center Board Members

President — Michael Russo
Vice President – Kathy Levey
Recording Secretary — Jennifer Sears
Corresponding Secretary — Mary Alice Heilig
Treasurer — Kathleen Tendler
Membership Chair — Barbara Sleeger

Susan Ariail, Ellen Graham, David Henry, Suzy Hershey, Joyce Ilyes, Cory Nade, Claudia Parks, Bonnie Rothert, Gail Ruppert, Patricia Schell, Howard Tendler

  • If you have a history interest, then the Friends is the place to be. We’re always looking for volunteers and new members to be a part of our community events and to help raise funds to support the History Center. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun.
    Kathy Tendler
    Member of the Friends
  • Being a history buff, I am fortunate to live in an area where so much American history has occurred. One way to protect and preserve our historic sites is to belong to the Friends. They support the History Center, which is dedicated to this purpose.
    Michael Russo
    Member of the Friends

This group represents the soul of the York County History Center, inspired by a long history of service and dedication to the future health of the organization.

We invite you to join the Friends. For inclusion in the Annual Yearbook, dues must be paid by August 1, 2025. Details are on the application.