Historical Center of York County | York City

York County Heritage Trust (Now York County History Center) — Detailed Overview

1. Background and Evolution

Originally founded in 1895 as the Historical Society of York County, the organization was created to preserve and promote the history of York County, Pennsylvania.

Over time, through growth and consolidation with other local historical entities, it expanded its mission and holdings.

In 2013, the organization was rebranded as the York County History Center to better reflect its comprehensive role as a steward of the region’s heritage.

It operates as a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and sharing York County’s history dating back over 300 years.

2. Museums and Historic Properties

The History Center oversees several museums and historic sites that together provide a broad and immersive experience of York County’s past:

History Center Museum (121 N. Pershing Avenue)

The main museum showcases permanent and rotating exhibits on the county’s social, industrial, and agricultural history.

Highlights include displays on Native American heritage, early European settlement, York’s role in the American Revolution, and the Civil War era.

Features a recreated 19th-century downtown streetscape, complete with storefronts and period artifacts, bringing local history vividly to life.

The Civil War exhibit explores York’s strategic importance and experiences during the conflict, including local soldiers' stories and artifacts.

Colonial Complex

A cluster of original historic buildings from the 18th century, including:

Golden Plough Tavern (circa 1741) — One of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the United States, illustrating colonial hospitality and commerce.

Horatio Gates House (circa 1751) — Home of Revolutionary War General Horatio Gates, showcasing colonial architecture and period furnishings.

These sites provide insight into colonial life, architecture, and the early history of York County.

Agricultural & Industrial Museum

Located in a former factory building, this museum chronicles the transformation of York County from rural farmland to an industrial hub.

Exhibits highlight local innovations in farming equipment, manufacturing processes, and the impact of industrialization on the community.

Visitors can see vintage machinery, tools, and interactive displays tracing the region’s economic development.

Fire Museum of York County

Housed in the historic Royal Fire House built in 1903, this museum presents over 200 years of firefighting history in the county.

Collections include antique fire engines, hand-drawn pumps, uniforms, and memorabilia that reflect technological and social changes in fire services.

Murals of York

An outdoor program featuring over a dozen large-scale murals painted on downtown buildings, depicting significant events, people, and industries from York’s past.

The murals serve as a vibrant, accessible form of public history, connecting community identity to artistic expression.

3. Library and Archives

The York County History Center houses a significant research library and archives open to the public by appointment.

The collection includes:

Over 100,000 photographs documenting people, places, and events across York County’s history.

More than 25,000 books and periodicals on local and regional history.

Approximately 8,000 family files for genealogical research, compiled from census records, obituaries, newspapers, and personal papers.

Manuscripts, maps, diaries, oral histories, and audiovisual materials supporting academic and personal research.

The archives serve genealogists, historians, students, and community members investigating family roots or regional heritage.

4. Educational and Community Programs

The History Center offers a wide range of educational programs, workshops, and lectures tailored for school groups, adults, and families.

Special events include heritage festivals, historical reenactments, and themed tours that engage visitors with York County’s diverse cultural and historical narratives.

Programs support community outreach, fostering appreciation for preservation and local history.

5. Preservation and Stewardship

The organization actively works to preserve historic buildings, artifacts, and archives, ensuring their integrity for future generations.

Restoration projects maintain the Colonial Complex buildings, museum facilities, and firehouse structure.

The History Center advocates for historic preservation and collaborates with local governments and preservation groups.

6. Visitor Information

Location:

Main Museum & Library: 121 N. Pershing Avenue, York, PA 17401.

Colonial Complex: Nearby historic buildings located within walking distance.

Hours:

Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday (Museum only): Noon to 4 p.m.

Closed Mondays and major holidays.

Admission:

Adults: $20 (discounted to $10 on Sundays)

Students (ages 6–18): $8

Children under 5: Free

Discounts available for seniors, AAA members, and military personnel.

Contact: Phone (717) 848-1587

Website: yorkhistorycenter.org

7. Significance

The York County Heritage Trust, now the York County History Center, stands as a vital institution for preserving the layered history of a region central to Pennsylvania’s development. Its museums and archives not only safeguard physical artifacts but also foster community identity and historical understanding through education and engagement. The Center helps residents and visitors alike connect with York County’s rich stories—from indigenous peoples and colonial settlers to industrial innovators and community leaders—ensuring this heritage continues to inform and inspire.