Onsite Programs & Tours

These programs are offered free of charge for our educational members. Admission is $4.00 per child for non-member schools and children's groups.

History of York Firefighting
Students will examine the history of firefighting in York County via a trip to the 1903 firehouse. Historic York fires, their origins and impact upon the community will be reviewed. The economics, politics, and racial and gender integration of York County and City fire companies will be explored. The program concludes with a discussion of the contemporary citizen's responsibility in fire prevention and safety.
Location: Fire Museum
Time: 1 hour

Art Through the Ages (new and improved!)
Students will learn about two nineteenth century York artists: Lewis Miller and Horace Bonham. Style, purpose and social backgrounds of the two men will be contrasted. Activities include a personal exercise in art appreciation.
Location: Historical Society Museum, Bonham House
Time: 1 hour
Bonus: Add a walking tour of York's murals for no extra charge! (30 minutes)

You Say You Want a Revolution? (expanded!)
Students are introduced to a time when York was the capital of the United States. In the Colonial Courthouse, students will re-enact the trial of Daniel Batwell, accused of treason in 1778. The Articles of Confederation will be reviewed and compared to our Federal Government of today. A tour of the General Gates House will include a discussion of the Marquis de Lafayette and the Conway Cabal.
Location: General Gates House, Colonial Courthouse
Time: 1 hour
Bonus: Add a walking tour of Colonial York for no extra charge! (30 minutes)

York County During the Civil War (new and improved!)
Students learn about one of our nation's most tragic times through the experience of costumed Civil War interpreters. They will meet Cassandra Small, a member of the Farquhar family and a Confederate soldier, all of whom will share their personal experiences as to the occupation of York County by Confederate forces in 1863. Heated political topics of 1863 York County will be reviewed and debated.
Location: Bonham House
Time: 1 hour
Bonus: Add a walking tour of Civil War York for no extra charge! (30 minutes)

Insight on Inventions (new and improved!)
Some of York County's most prominent inventors, Phineas Davis, S. Morgan Smith, and A.B. Farquhar will be discussed. will learn how inventions can become reality and how inventions change and improve our way of life.
Location: Industrial and Agricultural Museum
Time: 1 hour

On the Home Front
When the United States entered World War Two, industry in York was already mobilized for war production. The York Plan would become the standard for war production in the U.S. How did this vital plan work? The program examines this and also looks at the everyday lives of Yorkers during this time of trial for our nation.
Location: Industrial and Agricultural Museum
Time: 1 hour