The New Home for York's History

Opening in August, what you need to know for your visit to the new York County History Center

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

The York County History Center will officially open its new museum in the former Met-Ed Steam Plant in York City with a grand opening celebration from August 2nd to 4th. Until then, they have a series of events planned to celebrate the new facility including a Gala function and a series of member open houses, both in June. To prepare you for this exciting addition to Downtown York, we’re excited to offer this sneak peak and visitor’s guide for your reference.

What should visitors expect at the new History Museum?

Visitors will see some of their favorite artifacts from the previous History Center Museum on East Market Street, interwoven with new artifacts on display and interactive experiences including digital touch screens throughout the museum. While not a children’s museum, the History Center has taken special care to ensure that there are opportunities for children to enjoy the visitor experience with several hands-on discovery carts stationed throughout the museum.

An example of an interactive digital display is the York County History Makers images stretching over 20 feet up the old smokestack greeting visitors at the main entrance. This and other digital experiences will be refreshed every 18-24 months, while display cases are likely to be refreshed every 5 years, encouraging visitors to return to the museum. Visitors can further engage with the History Center’s ongoing programming including the Civil War Roundtable, the Writer’s Roundtable, and “All About!”, as well as partner programming via groups like ALLVETS and the South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society

At the end of their tour, visitors will have the opportunity to record their own history via two oral history recording booths and explore a map of the other great historic sites throughout York County.

Where is the museum located and where should I park?

The History Center Museum is located at 121 North Pershing Street, and parking is available onsite for 80 vehicles in the parking lot behind the York County History Center on North Pershing Street. The parking lot is also accessible via West Gay Avenue. Paid Parking is available at the Central Market Garage at 101 West Philadelphia Street.

Will the new museum be accessible for trail users?

Located adjacent to the York County Heritage Rail Trail, the York County History Center is bike-friendly and has received the York County Trail Towns Trail-Friendly Business Designation. Thanks to a grant from the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, they will have bike racks available for trail users.

How long should I anticipate that my visit will last?

The History Center has taken special care to provide experiences that can be tailored to the preferences of their guests.

• Folks who move quickly through museums should allow at least an hour for their visit.

• Those who prefer to read the interpretive signage can easily spend two hours in space.

• Experts and History Buffs may find that they’ll need multiple trips to digest the full information available via the extensive digital kiosks.

How much does admission cost, and which History Center Sites can I visit?

ADULTS: $20 (Tuesday-Saturday) $10 (Sunday)

LIBRARY & ARCHIVE ACCESS ONLY: $12

STUDENTS (6-18): $8

CHILDREN UNDER 5: Free

Admission includes access to the Steam Plant, the Colonial Complex, the Agricultural & Industrial Museum, and the Fire Museum (Saturdays Only).

Group tours for students and adults are available and can be scheduled for each of the York County History Center Sites. Trip organizers and visitors wishing to access the archives should make a reservation in advance of their visit by going to the York County History Center website at: yorkhistorycenter.org

What type of rental facilities are available at the new History Center Museum?

Rentals will be available for the entire museum or portions of the museum. Rentals can be organized ala cart for the Lobby, Exhibit Space, and a third-story multi-purpose room that has an excellent view of Downtown York. This room can comfortably seat 150-180 attendees for a banquet or luncheon and could seat 300 in a classroom setting.

What types of walking tours are available for visitors and where will they begin?

Walking tours of Downtown York will begin at the new museum. Visitors should allow between an hour and an hour and a half for their tour. Tours are available around a variety of themes including the Revolutionary period, the Civil War, architecture, York’s murals, York’s cemeteries, and ghost stories (in October only).

What types of concessions are available at the History Center?

The Steam Plant site will have a small grab-and-go type café that will sell pre-made sandwiches, small bites, and drinks. A small seating area will be available on-site.

How can folks get involved with the York County History Center?

If after your trip, you decide that you’d like to get involved and volunteer with the History Center, you can sign up to help with special events, visitor experiences, administration, or in the library and archives by going to the website or emailing: volunteer@yorkhistorycenter.org.

History of the STEAM PLANT

The building, referred to as the Steam Plant where the York County History Center is now housed was constructed in phases from the 1880s to the early 1900s and the buildings are now tied together by the new History Center Lobby. The oldest portion of the structure was built by the Edison Electric Light Company of York in 1885.

Seeking to utilize the excess steam that was created by the electric generation process, the York Steam Heating Company was formed in 1898. The company provided steam for heating purposes to buildings in Downtown York. It operated as a closed-loop distribution system with the main steam lines running under Beaver Street, Mason Avenue, Queen Street, and Clarke Avenue. Electric generation continued on the site until 1959. Steam generation lasted for another 18 years until the final shutdown occurred on May 31, 1977.

Over a decade ago the York County History Center began to evaluate options to consolidate its real estate holdings and reduce its on-going cost of operations. After evaluating several options including consolidating its facilities at 250 East Market Street or the Agricultural & Industrial Museum on West Princess Street. Ultimately, the decision was made to acquire the former Med-Ed Steam Plant in 2015 and redevelop the building as a museum.

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