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.
Friends Events for 2026
Dive headfirst into adventure on a 9-night cruise through Canada and New England. Depart from Baltimore, Maryland on Vision of the Seas for your epic journey along magnificent coastlines and visit world-renowned destinations. Gaze in awe and wonder at wow-worthy architecture and natural beauty as you travel throughout the region.
Book now
Join the Friends of the History Center for the Liber-tea Luncheon and the latest in the If These Walls Could Talk series. For this year’s luncheon, experience a presentation by Brandon Hufnagel on the history of the Glen Rock Mill Inn, along with Revolutionary York history and trivia by Rob McCann and a tour offered by the Glen Rock Historic Trust. The day will include a lunch of High Tea. Each ticket includes individual tea service for each guest. Go here for details on the lunch menu. Tickets are $75 for History Center members or $85 for the general public.
The program will run from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the restaurant in Glen Rock. Seating is limited.
Purchase tickets
Calling all bakers! The Friends are putting together another fabulous bake sale for the History Center’s Fall Oyster Festival Sunday, Oct. 18. Any kind of baked goods are welcome! Contact Kathy Levey at kathylevey1@gmail.com or 717-495-4152.
Reserve a seat now for the Friends trip to Antietam National Battlefield Oct. 22. Enjoy a scenic two-hour bus ride, then immerse yourself in history with a museum visit and a three-hour battlefield tour. Leave York at 7 a.m. from the Weis Markets, 1800 Roosevelt Ave. Return approximately 5 p.m. Questions? Contact Mike Russo at 717-873-9274 or mrusso4@comcast.net or Corey Nade at 717-891-5278 or cjnade@comcast.net.
Tickets are $100 for History Center members, $110 for the general public.
Purchase tickets
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:
- Bake Sale at Oyster Festival
- Turkey Trot Sandwiches to Go
- Annual Holiday Pecan Sale
- Treasures and Trinkets Jewelry Sale
- Friends Book Blast
Our fundraisers not only raise much-needed funds but also serve as platforms to raise awareness about our organization and the stories we share. They 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.
Volunteer with us
2024 – 2025 Friends of the York County History Center Board Members
President — Michael Russo
Vice President – Kathy Levey
Recording Secretary — Cory Nade
Corresponding Secretary — Mary Alice Heilig
Treasurer — Kathleen Tendler
Membership Chair — Barbara Sleeger
Lynn Allison, Susan Ariail, Becky Cox, Bernadette Free, Ellen Graham, David Henry, Joyce Ilyes, Rene Manzella, Phyllis McCullough, Deb Mohle, Cory Nade, Bonnie Rothert, Gail Ruppert, Patricia Schell, Howard Tendler
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.
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.
