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INSIDE THIS ISSUE President's Note............................................................3 Collections .....................................................................4 Events Calendar........................................................5-6 Development .................................................................7 Education .......................................................................8 Library & Archives.........................................................9 HIS STORY, HER STORY, YOUR STORY: STORIES FOR ALL Over the past three years, the History Center has been focused on creating a new history campus by right-sizing the organization into the former Met-Ed Steam Plant. A vital component of this plan is the creation of a new core exhibit that will offer an extensive understanding of the historic and cultural heritage,as well as the human experience of York County. To truly tell a complete and full story, the History Center has recognized the need to further discover, document, and tell the stories of everyone that have made York County their home. Common to most similarly sized county institutions founded in the late nineteenth century, the History Center’s collections tend to focus more narrowly on the better known, or perhaps more easily found stories that were documented by groups that often had more fortunate means to do so. However, this does not mean that the experiences, the cultural traditions and practices that were less documented are not important. In fact, finding these “lost” stories brings more information In this photo from the History Center Library & Archives, a crowd gathers in Penn Commons (Penn Park) during a Memorial for Martin Luther King Jr. to light and creates a fuller and complete in 1968. narrative and a more accurate understanding of the past and the present. To find these stories and to create as inclusive of a visitor experience as possible at the new museum, each History Center department is making efforts to be more inclusive within each of their specific areas. You can find out more in the articles that follow. continued on p.2 CENTER PIECE November 2018 Volume 3 Issue 4 1

cont'd from page 1 More recently, the History Center record and serve as a tool to hired Ophelia Chambliss as educate our children, and to train our Community Historian for them to collect and represent Diversity and Inclusion, a grant their history accurately, and as it funded position from the York is happening. County Community Foundation. November 2018 Our plan is to fortify the archives, Volume 3, Issue 4 To follow, Ophelia shares her the library, and especially the Mission: To inspire the exploration of the perspective and initial work exhibits in the location, to history, people and culture of our county, in uncovering more of the reflect York’s Black American state and nation. As a non-profit community’s African American experience from their point of organization, the History Center utilizes collections, historic sites and museums to history and how it will be view, in a reputable, searchable, help tell the American story. incorporated into the new and an accurate verifiable way. In History Center’s core exhibit. the process, we are developing BOARD OF GO BACK AND GET IT methods and processes that invite and welcome the DIRECTORS In Ghana’s Akan tribe the word community to play a role in their ‘Sankofa’ means ‘go back and get history. Chair: Rev. Patrick Rooney, STS it.’ Symbolically it is represented Another goal is to build records by a stylized bird whose long and artifacts that speak to the Vice Chair: Richard Randall neck is turned backward over its rich history of York’s Military Treasurer: Richard Hogentogler body which balances an egg. Its personnel and recording oral meaning defined by the Carter Assistant Treasurer: Stephen Feldmann histories that cover memories, G Woodson Center as \"it is not and stories. We are also looking Secretary: Nadine Hubner taboo to fetch what is at risk of to make connections for families being left behind\" has particular Assistant Secretary: Rebecca Countess and some of the original relevance to the importance of residents who arrived here as Past Chair: Robert A. Kinsley, II, AIA history. early as 1827. At Large Members: What we are trying to do Jim May, Fran Polk, Tim Sutherland, Jim Additionally, we want to collect at the York County History the stories and backgrounds on Tanzola, Dan Waltersdorff Center is go back and get the the many entrepreneurs, and the Members histories, stories, and knowledge many firsts who opened doors for that represents York’s Black those to come behind. We invite Mandy Arnold, Debbie Bieber, Krista Darr, community. the entire community to help Scott Deisley, Tim Fulton, George Gard, Ron us connect the threads that will I have spent the better part of lead to a more comprehensive Hershner, Jeff Hines, David Hogg, Tom just over a year, researching, history of York that is complete, Koppmann, Jeff Lobach, Glenn Miller, Rep. illustrating, and gathering first- accurate, and serves the entire hand accounts of York’s history, Kristin Philips-Hill, Genevieve Ray, Joanne community for generations to with the hopes of filling in the come. Shannon, David Walsh, Cal Weary, Brad gaps within the stories that exist as a part of the public and Community Historian Willow, Karen Wix* permanent record. *Friends Representative for Diversity & Inclusion With this research and gathering Ophelia M. Chambliss of information, the plan is to [email protected] also gather archives that will 2 CENTER PIECE November 2018 Volume 3, Issue4

PRESIDENTIAL meetings. At this point, the perspectives in the Renewal NOTE exhibit work is 65% complete, a Theater, allowing more voices wonderful milestone! to be heard and understood. By providing a variety of viewpoints As set forth in our strategic plan based upon experience, we strive The video opens through the and exhibit goals, the new core to create empathy while building exhibit door where a visitor exhibits utilize multiple means a more complete narrative of is greeted by colorful, larger to convey history content from York history. than life images of York simple hands-on activities to Countians, both every day comprehensive databases crafted This represents a relatively and famous, clustered around into technology elements that new approach to community the smokestack. Your history allow visitors to delve more history, and more importantly, starts here! It’s powerful, deeply into content. We are an advancement to ensure more compelling and extensive which layering information to satisfy narratives are included. Since draws people further into the an array of audiences from the the turn of the millennium, the exhibit experience, capturing casual stroller to the serious entire museum field has been imaginations and sparking history buff. advocating and encouraging interest and intrigue. That institutions to broaden was the reaction last month Through it all, our extended team representation and include when our exhibit design firm, is earnestly laboring to ensure multiple perspectives. This PRD, debuted the latest design the History Center represents shift appropriately expands development renderings and diverse populations from all and enhances interpretation digital ‘fly through’ for the new of York County, which is also a while also providing seminal core exhibit at the Steam Plant. strategic priority. In partnership information for further academic We are so excited about the with community members, exploration. For the History images and content that we’ve their stories and those of their Center, this approach transforms uploaded a link onto our website. ancestors are being incorporated the organization into a truly We invite you to view it using the into the fabric of the exhibit, community based historical following link - https://www. thus enriching our shared museum, library and archive. yorkhistorycenter.org/about/ history. Even after the new York Our role, past and present, faqs/login. Please take time to County History Center opens, we remains focused upon watch and give us your thoughts. will continue to gather personal connecting our community and stories from our visitors in an the region with the expansive Over the past 18 months interactive exhibit called the York County history that serves numerous volunteers, Y(our) History gallery. to illuminate the past and community members, educators inform the future. This history and historians joined together Many aspects of the new design is celebratory and challenging. to help establish a matrix of celebrate the astonishingly May we learn and grow because historical York County content ingenious, innovative and of our shared experiences. imbued with stories and transformative nature of our #YourHistoryStartsHere. augmented by artifacts. The history. It also addresses ‘hard President & CEO journey to arrive at this juncture histories’ focusing on issues and involved copious numbers of events that divide and challenge Joan Mummert phone calls, consultations, focus our community. These will be [email protected] groups, meetings, and more shared through multiple CENTER PIECE Novermber2018 Volume 3, Issue 4 3

COLLECTIONS ARTIFACTS FOR ALL STORIES has become more intentional in our collecting practices and in identifying the gaps in our STRENGTH & HEALTH holdings. Some of this process Family Activity Day has occurred from working with our exhibit design firm, PRD Group, on the development of the new exhibits at our future Steamplant site. In designing this new space, we’ve had the chance to work through and identify the stories that best showcase York’s spirit of innovation and renewal. It has been an opportunity to explore our collection further, expose the areas where we lack materials, and find new ways to During this daytime event, York If you’ve had the pleasure of tell these stories through digital County History Center will visiting one of our many sites means, artistic renderings, and celebrate health and wellness or the opportunity to take a by reaching out to individuals in the community by providing activities geared to children and behind-the-scenes tour of our and communities that can help families. storage areas, you’ll know that us diversify our holdings. the History Center has a vast Visitors can participate in a collection spanning over 300 With a history as rich as what variety of fitness classes and years of the county’s history. York has, there will always be learn to make healthy choices With over 90,000 objects, we more stories to tell than objects through crafts and activities. have the ability and the privilege to represent these stories. Our Affordable recreation and other of being able to tell many stories goal is to grow our collection community groups will be on site to share information on from many points of view. Many so it truly represents this how children can get involved organizations would be content community and our desire to with sports, lessons, or activities with a collection like the History make history more accessible, that will keep them moving and Center’s, but as someone that exciting, and inspiring for all. active. has worked closely with this collection on a daily basis, I Acting Director of Collections Learn about York County know there is still work to do. As athletes and fitness industry an active collecting organization, Rachel Warner leaders through our touch screen pop-up exhibit. we must continue to develop a [email protected] collection that is more diverse Join us and get moving! and representative of the varied FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28 peoples that have called York 10am-1pm County home. Agricultural & Industrial Museum 217 W. Princess St. To help accomplish this goal, the Collections Department 4 CENTER PIECE November 2018 Volume 3, Issue4

WHAT OUR ICONS MEAN: CALENDAR OF $ EVENTS Adults One- Admission program Family charged time event Visit www.yorkhistorycenter.org for more information NOVEMBER SOUTH CENTRAL PA. GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY November 4, 2:15 p.m. Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives James Landis will discuss analysis of information obtained from Colonial Era Pennsylvania MEMBERS' HOLIDAY tax returns. ARTICLES OF OPEN HOUSE CONFEDERATION DAY December 2, 1-4pm November 17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Historical Society Museum, Colonial Court House Library & Archives Celebrate and learn about this important chapter of American Drop by and enjoy the galleries, History. shopping, light refreshments and music! TURKEY TROT $ THANKSGIVING DAY ALL SITES CLOSED Sandwiches-To-Go November 8 November 22, 2018 Historical Society Museum, LAST DAY FOR SEASONAL Library & Archives SITES UNTIL APRIL 2019 Order/Pick up Questions: call November 24 Becky Cox at 717-495-6461 or Bonham House, Helen Lehman at 717-266-3975 Colonial Complex Fire Museum SECOND SATURDAY November 10, 10:30a.m. DECEMBER Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives NEW EXHIBIT OPENS $ Craig Bondra, Colonel, USA \"The December 2 American Expeditionary Force in WWI\" Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives YORK CIVIL WAR Lewis Miller as a \"romantic?\" ROUND TABLE See another side of York's November 14, 7 p.m. famous folk artist with display Historical Society Museum, LIGHT UP YORK of his lesser seen and known Library & Archives December 1 writings, poetry and otherwise Scott E. Rosenau \"Lincoln & Bonham House romantic depictions. the Founders: Completing the Visit our website for more details Unfinished Work\" www.yorkhistorycenter.org CENTER PIECE November 2018 Volume 3, Issue 4 5

WRITERS' ROUND TABLE FAMILY ACTIVITY CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE DAY December 6, 6-9 p.m. December 28, 10 a.m January 16, 7pm Historical Society Museum, Agricultural & Industrial Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives Museum Library & Archives York County History Center A Strength & Health Family Visit our website for more Archivists discuss research Day event celebrating health information: topics just waiting to be explored and wellness with activites for www.yorkhistorycenter.org and share some of their most children and families. useful tools for research. JANUARY SOUTH CENTRAL PA. GENEALOGY SOCIETY January 6, 2:15 p.m. Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives Tour of Christmas Putz at First Moravian Church led by Terry Downs. FAMILY DAY WITH SECOND SATURDAY THE CULTURAL December 8, 10:30 a.m. ALLIANCE January 19, 10am-2pm Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives Agricultural & Industrial June Lloyd presents \"Anna Dill Museum Gamble, Woman Suffragist.\" Learn Be a hometown hero! Enjoy more about this York countain entertainment, demonstra- who was recognized internation- tions, hands-on fun, make and ally for her activism in organi- take activities and discover the zations concerning world peace, cultural heritage of the peo- women's suffrage and Catholisim. ple who have made York their home. Kids and family alike SECOND SATURDAY can explore how we can all be CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY HOURS January 12, 10:30a.m. hometown heroes. December 24 & 25 Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives All Sites Closed ALLVETS Join Historical Reenactor and January 26, 10a.m.-12p.m. Lecturer Michael Jesberger for Historical Society Museum, a program on one of America's Library & Archives oldest foes, the Hessians and their unique role in the American Lynwood Schgleeter, Seabee Revolutionary War. Visit website for more details: www.allvets.us 6 CENTER PIECE November 2018 Volume 3, Issue4

DEVELOPMENT THE MUSIC PLAYS ON move to the first floor of the Historical Society Building, the Tannenberg now sits in its present location in Founder’s Hall. The organ that was first played at Tannenberg’s funeral in 1804 continues to be played more than 200 years later for the History Center’s Summer Concert series, during special events and is enjoyed by music lovers of all ages. Now, this revered instrument is in need of your help. Of the 42 organs known to have been built by Tannenberg only nine exist today. The York County History Center is kicking off a campaign to raise $250,000 to repair and restore the historic 1804 David Tannenberg organ in preparation for its move to the new History Center. The list of repairs is extensive: from removal of the 600 pipes for restoration and cleaning, to repairing the cracked casework, and tuning, there is much \"... to and for the use of the Lutheran Congregation in the Borough of York all of my Estate both real and to be done. Work will be carried out by master personal ... that part of the money arising from the sale craftspeople Brunner and Associates of Silver of my Estate be applied as follows: part thereof towards Spring, PA who have a great deal of expertise purchasing an organ for said Congregation ... \" and have completed prior restorations of the From the will of Barbara Schmidt, Tannenberg. The timeline for the restoration is January 7, 1795 for work to begin in late summer 2019 and is expected to take 18 months to complete- just in In the years following the death of Barbara time for the installation in the new York County Schmidt, the Lutheran congregation of York History Center. commissioned David Tannenberg, a prominent organ builder of the time to build the organ Help us restore this magnificent instrument by specified in the York widow's will. It would be supporting the Campaign to the Restore the the last organ to be built by Tannenberg, as he Tannenberg Organ. Gifts of cash and stocks are a suffered a stroke during its installation on May versatile way to ensure we can continue our work 19, 1804 and died two days later at the age of 76. for years to come with a planned gift. Just as Barbara Schmidt’s legacy gift in 1795, including a The Tannenberg organ would remain at Christ bequest to the History Center in your will or living Lutheran Church enduring several moves and a trust will ensure we continue to celebrate the few alterations within the church from 1804 until Tannenberg organ and that the beautiful music 1945. With plans to renovate the church’s Sunday can be heard for generations. School, the organ was offered to the Historical Society which gladly accepted the gift. It was held To learn more about the Campaign to Restore the in storage until a proper building could receive 1804 Tannenberg Organ, visit our website at the organ. The organ was finally installed on www.yorkhistorycenter.org and watch for updates the second floor of the current Historical Society on this project. building in 1958 and once again music could be Director of Development heard emanating from its pipes. Terri Altland With a bit more restoration work and another [email protected] CENTER PIECE Novermber2018 Volume 3, Issue 4 7

EDUCATION INCLUSIVE YORK STORIES make up the cultural heritage of York County’s current diverse population. Since it is Family Day, there will be something for all ages, including hands on learning activities and intriguing expert demonstrations. Our goals are for visitors to take away an understanding of how Yorkers from all backgrounds enrich the community, an appreciation of the things that make us different, and the recognition of the common threads that connect us. We are excited about this Family Day event which will celebrate Our York story is collective, but The York County History the diverse culture and history of it is composed of individual Center is working toward the people of York County’s past stories of factory workers, creating a new History Center and present. We hope you will homemakers, and community where all visitors can see join us for this event in January activists. We use our objects to themselves and their stories. and as we journey into the future. convey those stories, but our Considering the York story is focus is people. being written by individuals representing hundreds of racial, Director of Education York County’s identity was national, ethnic, and religious Parthena Bowman shaped by the influences of its backgrounds, the History [email protected] earliest influx of people, the Center aspires to layer that Germans and the Scots-Irish. diversity into our exhibits and Their influence is still felt in programming. SAVE THE DATE the many Protestant churches throughout the county and With these goals in mind, the Family Day with idiosyncrasies in our vernacular, next “Family Day”, scheduled for like“quit your rutchin’.” Over Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the Cultural Alliance the past two and half centuries, the History Center’s Agricultural people from all over the country & Industrial Museum, will be a Saturday and all over the world have celebration of the culture and January 19, 2019 continued to choose York County background of our hometown as their home. In the same way heroes, past and present. 10am-2pm early settlers to York shaped Throughout the museum, visitors Agricultural & Industrial its traditions, new traditions will have the opportunity to Museum from our diverse community are experience an array of traditional woven into the fabric of York crafts, visual and performing County. arts, games, toys and food that 8 CENTER PIECE November 2018 Volume 3, Issue4

LIBRARY & ARCHIVES ARCHIVING A COMMUNITY As the History Center has a one-year staff position of available and accessible for grown we have worked toward Community Historian for public research. providing exhibits and research Diversity and Inclusion. Through Through this new position we resources that are meaningful this we were able to hire Ophelia hope to grow new relationships and reflect all members of the Chambliss, artist, historian and as well as our artifact and York County community. The community leader. Her goal is to archival collections, develop History Center depends on reach out and raise awareness of more inclusive exhibits, and donations to build its collections the History Center and our need improve research resources for of artifacts, documents and to build our collections in order local history and genealogy. As photographs. These resources to tell more inclusive stories. we prepare new exhibits for the are known far and wide, She will work to develop new new History Center in 2020, we especially our family history relationships with underserved are looking forward to telling collections. individuals and organizations the stories of members of our in the community. And she community that have never been The old historical societies were will work closely with staff to told before. founded as basically clubs for uncover diverse stories already upper class men and told history in our collections, promote Assistant Director, from their perspectives. The donations of artifacts and Library & Archives telling of history has changed a archival material, use these Nicole Smith lot since then and we have tried materials to develop content for to change with it. Despite past exhibits, and help the history [email protected] efforts to expand our collections, Center make these new resources we still lack original materials to preserve and tell the stories of GIVE THE GIFT OF HISTORY... our diverse community. Through YORK COUNTY HISTORY, THAT IS! community focus groups and task forces made up of leaders A History Center in the African American and membership makes a great gift for the Hispanic communities, we have genealogist, history come to understand the need buff or that hard- to connect with underserved to-buy-for family members of our community member, friend or colleague! Buying to make the History Center that special one year the place where all of our gift membership is community’s history is shared. even easier using your Inclusiveness is a strategic goal credit card and our online order form. and has become a focus of exhibit development and archival Your recipient will receive their welcome packet wrapped with our collecting. complimentary table publication and a card announcing your gift. Please allow 2 weeks for processing and mailing. The History Center is grateful To purchase, visit our website www.yorkhistorycenter.org to be a recent recipient of or contact David Corman at grant from the York County [email protected] or (717) 848-1587, ext. 232. Community Foundation for CENTER PIECE Novermber2018 Volume 3, Issue 4 9

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 34 York, PA 250 East Market St. York, PA 17403 yorkhistorycenter.org 717-848-1587 EVOKE PRIDE November 2018 Volume 3 Issue 4 IN YORK COUNTY’S Black Friday. Cyber Monday. We're counting down the days until HISTORY November 27, 2018 #GivingTuesday marks the beginning of the holiday giving season. Show your support of the FOLLOW US ON Tannenberg Restoration Campaign with your gift. Follow us on social media to learn more!