York County Historical Society
York County Heritage Trust
250 East Market St.
York, PA 17403
(717) 848-1587 • 845-2951 Colonial Complex
www.yorkheritage.org

The Historical Society of York County operates a number of beautiful historic sites and museums that recall the area's heritage and contributions to the nation.

All facilities are close to the Museum. The Museum features great exhibits including the popular Street of Shops, with its printing, apothecary and toy shops. The Transportation Gallery displays a magnificent Conestoga freight wagon as well as a number of more "modern" vehicles. Visitors will enjoy the collection of antique autos and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Other Museum galleries present changing local history exhibitions or exhibit items drawn from the Museum's collection.

The Library offers one of the region's best genealogical research facilities. The many documents, books and photographs unlock the past for researchers.

The Fire Museum features a wonderful collection of firefighting vehicles and memorabilia and celebrates the proud heritage of firefighters in York County...and everywhere, really. Click here for more information.

The Golden Plough Tavern (c. 1741), the city's oldest structure, gives a taste of life during the years when the Tavern housed travelers and served local residents.

The General Horatio Gates House (c. 1751): this English-style house was the General's home while he attended the Continental Congress, and is said to have been the site of LaFayette's famous toast to Washington that sent a signal to conspirators that the French would not support a plot to replace Washington with Gates.

The Bobb Log House (c. 1812) is an example of the simple structures popular along the Pennsylvania frontier at the turn of the 19th century. Furnishings illustrate the period's decor.

The Agricultural & Industrial Museum is a fascinating complex that features hands-on exhibits of machines and artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Horace Bonham House, with original furnishings of the artist, reveals the social and cultural changes that took place between the Civil War and the turn of the century.

The Society offers a wide range of special events and programs, including the October Oyster Festival.

School Groups can enjoy a number of special tours with plenty of hands-on activities. The Civil War Tour (grades 7 -12) is a 2-hour excursion to the days of Confederate occupation of the city, including tours of the Museum, the Bonham House, and the sites of downtown York. Art Through the Ages (4 - 12) uses tours and activities to give students a better understanding of what art is. Early Settlers Tour (elementary) includes the Transportation and other Galleries, as well as hands-on activities that illustrate the early settlement of York County. Most Programs last 60 - 90 minutes.

Many other great programs are available, including Museum Teacher Programs, where certified teachers will visit a class with hands-on history lessons for groups of any age. Outreach Programs include material loans and audiovisual presentations.