William Ecenbarger— 10:30 a.m. Historical Society Museum

Made famous prior to and during the American Civil War, the Mason-Dixon Line, the border between Maryland and Pennsylvania, marked the informal boundary of North and South.  2013 marks the 250th anniversary of the establishment of that border, which finally settled a drawn out colonial dispute.  Join renowned journalist William Ecenbarger and author of  Walkin’ the Line: A Journey From Past to Present Along the Mason-Dixon Line, as he recounts the line’s fascinating history and development.  Ecenbarger will also share his experiences in walking the total length of line, comparing its surrounding history 250 years ago to today. At the conclusion of the program, Ecenbarger will have books available for purchase.
Did you know an original Mason-Dixon marker is on display at the Historical Society Museum?
Click Here to see our flyer on more upcoming Second Saturday Programs.

Please visit our Events Calendar for details and locations for a specific program each month or contact the Education Department at (717) 848-1587 x301.

Following the complimentary program, participants are then encouraged to enjoy the day in Downtown York, visiting the museums and historic sites of the Trust and taking advantage of the other cultural, dining and shopping opportunities along the way. 

Susquehanna Trail Woodworkers Guild
The Susquehanna Trail Woodworkers Guild is a group of dedicated woodworkers that aim to preserve the history, traditions, and culture of woodworking while also promoting the sharing of woodworking knowledge. The Guild meets on the fourth Thursday of every month (except November and December) at the York County Heritage Trust's Agricultural & Industrial Museum at 7:00 p.m. The meetings feature Guest speakers and related programs. Adults, as well as young people, of all skill levels are welcome.

Please visit the Guild's website for more information.


York Civil War Roundtable
The York Civil War Round Table (YCWRT) is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote, interpret, preserve, and protect the Civil War heritage of York County, Pennsylvania, through the education and exchange of information with its members and the general public. Membership is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about the American Civil War.

Founded as the White Rose Civil War Round Table, the York CWRT holds monthly meetings the third Wednesday of every month except December at 7:00 p.m. in the Meeting Hall of the York County Heritage Trust’s Historical Society Museum at 250 E. Market Street in York, Pennsylvania. Each meeting features a guest speaker talking about a Civil War topic of local or national interest. Meetings are FREE and open to the public.

Please visit the YCWRT website for more information.


South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society, Inc. (SCPGS) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization of genealogists. As genealogists, they study ancestry and family history, and are interested in preserving family heritage for future generations.

Their primary geographic area of interest and coverage is Pennsylvania's York and Adams counties. Their purpose is to encourage and promote an interest in genealogy by, collecting and preserving materials related to genealogy, encouraging the compilation and publication of family genealogies and histories, publishing materials of interest and benefit to members, holding meetings for the education of members and the public and offering financial and volunteer support to the library at the York County Heritage Trust.

Monthly meetings are held in the Meeting Hall of the York County Heritage Trust, at 250 East Market Street, York, Pennsylvania unless otherwise noted. The business portion of the meeting begins at 2:15 PM and the program begins at about 2:30 PM. Meetings are FREE and open to the public.

Please visit the SCPGS website for more information and a schedule of programs.


Walking Tours
A walking tour is the perfect way to rediscover the past. Our walking tours highlight historically significant sites within the city. You can choose "Revolutionary and Colonial York" or "York during the Civil War."

A walking tour of the York Murals, a larger than life art project in Downtown York offering over 200 years of York's history.

Beginning on June 5, 2012 free Murals tours will be offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tours depart from the Colonial Complex Gift Shop.

The Revolutionary and Colonial York and York During the Civil War walking tours must be scheduled two weeks in advance. The Revolutionary, Colonial York, and York During the Civil War Walking tours are available for groups of ten or more only.

Average tour lengths: 45-60 minutes each

Walking tour points of interest