Placing History At The Center

HOW YOU CAN HELP OUR GOALS WHY CHANGE C A S E F O R S U P P O R T

YORK COUNTY HISTORY encompasses many stories… Our history is America’s history - the Articles of Confederation, a seminal experiment in governing a new nation. Our history extends worldwide - across the globe the influence of York County is seen and experienced through locally manufactured goods. Our history includes many inspiring people - ordinary people accomplished the extraordinary. Our history is our community - significant events, both past and present, echo through generations through story telling.

WHAT WE ARE DOING Our future vision for the York County History Center is a new campus that serves as a major cultural anchor and community space in downtown York. To accomplish this we will • MERGE disparate museums into one centrally located, engaging environment • REVITALIZE a historic building in downtown York • CREATE new intriguing exhibits imbued with highly interactive activities and stories Moving to the center ensures that • ESTABLISH a technology-enabled Library & Archives to serve our local York County’s community and the far reaches of the historical legacy world remains strong, • BUILD a financially sound nonprofit by vibrant and shedding $12M in deferred maintenance relevant. • DEVELOP a cohesive and inclusive experience creating a destination for York County

WHY CHANGE • To meet the demands of diverse “…The City must accommo- audiences date for the generational • To provide educational experiences changes that are happening. for varying learning styles It must be a place where • To improve collections conditions people want to live, to work, to be entertained, to shop • To place the History Center on a and to dine. Fortunately, financially sustainable path there is a strong foundation already in place but much more is required…” – Louis Appell, Jr. in his address to the York County Community Foundation

CREATING THE HISTORY CAMPUS Located in the 100 block of West Philadelphia St., the site of the former Met-Ed Steam Plant is the right place for a single York County History Center campus within a high profile development district. Situated along the Codorus Creek inside the “North Bend Opportunity Area”, the campus plan foresees the Rail Trail/Codorus Corridor as a key focal point for recreational, residential, and commercial development contributing to the quality of life of the community we serve. Benefits to the community and tourists: • Proximity of History Center venues enhances and strengthens visitor’s experience • High impact, ambitious project has “WOW” factor that offers a center-city cultural anchor to complement Strand-Capitol and PeoplesBank Stadium • Student tours benefit from consolidated campus, placing more emphasis on learning, less on travel time between sites • Multiple community uses (e.g. event, concert & meeting “The History Center will be a place of space, galleries) common ground, where lessons of the • Many groups will collaborate for economic development past shape the vision of the future. • Plentiful parking and close to visitor amenities encouraging longer visits A place where what has been done here It is projected that the History Center will see an up to 50% inspires a belief in what can be done.” increase in visitation while also serving as a connecting – Dan Murphy, PRD Group resource to other local historical organizations expanding heritage tourism opportunities throughout the county.

SMALL STORIES – BIG IDEAS Making it Personal. Making it Important. Offering the Visitor Control • Giving them a voice • Valuing their story Reflecting Our Diverse Community • Connecting people to people • Encouraging group interaction Creating Meaning and Memory • An exciting & beautiful space • Iconic objects • Signature experiences and follow up

BUILDING EXCITEMENT… for New Experiences Interactivity Aha Moments Education Discovery

Placemaking In 2006 the Department of Community and Economic Development funded an economic development report, River of Opportunity, recommending the “transformation of the Codorus Corridor into a thriving and diverse urban center for the new economy.” With the expansion of the York County Heritage Rail Trail, and the possible extension of Steam Into History, the economic potential for the region is significantly expanded. The History Center’s plan to connect the Colonial Complex with the steam plant property creates a destination that enhances the downtown experience.

The York County History Center Campus



History is Relevant… Through the preservation of YOUR HISTORY IS RELEVANT authentic, meaningful places, documents, To Ourselves: artifacts, images and • Nurtures personal identity stories, we leave a • Fosters discovery of our own families, communities foundation upon and nation which future To Our Communities: Americans can build. • History lays the groundwork for strong, resilient communities • Communities are strengthened when we share stories and experiences • It is a catalyst for economic growth. People are drawn to communities with a strong sense of historical identity To Our Future: • History helps people become engaged citizens • It inspires local and global leaders providing inspiration and role models • History saved and preserved is the foundation for future generations.

OUR GOALS 1) Right-size the organization into a history campus utilizing the Colonial Complex and the former Met-Ed Steam Plant located on the corner of Philadelphia Street and Pershing Avenue. Our plan 2) Establish a solid financial footing to ensure the collections are housed in appropriate conditions while creating robust programs that continue to is to establish a inspire the exploration of York County history. History Center 3) Reinvent the History Center into a highly coveted point of pride for the community where exhibits tell stories through interactive and engaging means. that is experiential, 4) Positively impact economic development in the city and county. exciting, 5) Develop a comprehensive collections plan that addresses current scope, and compelling. condition and size, additional target collecting goals and needs for storage, housing and care. 6) Create a community space where conversations and collaborations thrive. The project will eventually consolidate 10 building sites into one campus reducing annual maintenance costs and saving $12 million in critically needed deferred maintenance on existing sites. Additional savings will be realized in staffing as we focus more on programming and mission directed activities instead of maintenance and security that is now needed to operate multiple sites..

The Community Campaign – $5,000,000 The total cost for realizing our History Center museum is $20 million dollars, including renovation and expansion; creating 15,000 square feet of new exhibits and a state of the art library & archives. Of this amount, the York County History Center must raise $5 million in philanthropic support from the community that will be matched by Pennsylvania redevelopment funds (RACP) The balance will come from grants and tax credits that will be available for this site. This project is endorsed by organizations such as • York County Planning Commission • Downtown Inc. • York County Legislative Delegation • York County Commissioners

HOW YOU CAN HELP HOW OUR FUNDING The York County History Center will be a wonderful opportunity to STACKS UP share our history with others so they may appreciate the role the people, places and ideas have played in creating our community. The time is now. Philanthropic support of the Placing History at the $2,000,000 in Grants Center Campaign is imperative to the success of this new vision for York County. Thank you for thoughtfully considering a gift to achieve $3,000,000 in Tax Credts our goal of protecting and sharing York’s history today and for future generations. $5,000,000 in Gift Range Number Number of Total Dollars Cumulative Total Capital Campaign of Gifts Prospects/Gifts per Category Donations $1,000,000 1 3 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 2 6 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $250,000 3 10 $750,000 $2,750,000 $100,000 6 18 $600,000 $3,350,000 $10,000,000 in State RACP Grants $50,000 12 36 $600,000 $3,950,000 $25,000 15 45 $375,000 $4,325,000 $15,000 20 60 $300,000 $4,625,000 $10,000 25 75 $250,000 $4,825,000 Other Gifts Many $125,000 $5,000,000 TOTAL 253+ $5,000,000

Gifts of Cash Cash gifts may be made over a period of 3 to 5 years or as a one-time donation. Pledge payments will be arranged to best meet your needs. Gifts of Appreciated Securities or Real Estate Gifts of appreciated ecurities and real estate may provide tax advan- tages to you. Generally, the income tax deduction may be taken for the full fair market value of the gifted property and no capital gains tax will be due. Estate, Planned or Deferred Gifts Another way to make a gift to York County History Center through a bequest, planned or deferred gift. Many of these giving opportunities — including charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts, for example — provide income for life to you and a loved one. If you are interested, please contact York County History Center for additional information.

Naming and Recognition Campaign Leadership Opportunities Honorary Chair: For your investment in the future of John Schmidt York’s history, gifts of $50,000 or Campaign Co-Chairs: more will receive special recognition with named gift Tony Campisi and Joe Crosswhite opportunities throughout the Campaign Cabinet: York County Pete Brubaker History Center. Fred Callahan Steve Feldmann Please refer Rick Hogentogler to the Naming Dave Hogg Opportunities Les Jones insert for details. Bill Kerlin Rob Kinsley Donor Wall Recognition Jeff Lobach Jim May Gifts of all amounts will be recognized Glenn Miller on a centralized campaign contributor Tom Norris plaque located inside the York County Fran Polk History Center. Additionlly, all gifts Patrick Rooney Tom Shorb will be recognized in the campaign Shawn Stine report published at the conclusion Dan Waltersdorff of the Placing History at the Center Mort Zifferer Campaign. President/CEO: Joan Mummert

Our Vision: Serve as an engaging cultural destination through place making and community participation that attracts visitors to York County. Our Mission: The York County History Center inspires the exploration of the history, people and culture of our county, state and nation. As a non-profit organization it utilizes collections, historic sites and As a respondent in our Study conveyed, museums to help tell “Your plan is bold and strategic, a community signature project.” the American story. Most of all, the project will transform the York County History Center to the 21st Century and make it an exciting and interesting place that is sustainable now and in the future. For more information about how the History Center project will transform York’s We hope you agree and consider investing in history experience, visit www.yorkhistorycenter.org. #YourHistoryStartsHere.

www.yorkhistorycenter.org