CenterPiece August 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE President's Note............................................................3 Collections .....................................................................4 Events Calendar........................................................5-6 Development .................................................................7 Education .......................................................................8 Library & Archives.........................................................9 VISIT EARLY AND OFTEN “I remember coming here before on a field trip with my fourth grade class….” “I haven’t been here in a while, but visited once as kid, and I wanted to show my family the museum….” The History Center’s frontline interpretive staff (tour guides, educators, and visitor service personnel) hear such quotes often from visitors. One of the core objectives of the History Center is to create unique and engaging experiences that foster opportunities for individuals to make personal connections and find relevance with stories, objects, events, or people. When done effectively visitors leave with a memorable personal experience that translates into long-term relevance or future visits. For many years, cultural heritage organizations have recognized that children who visit museums are more likely to attend as adults, and to support museums either financially or as volunteers. Recent research has not only reaffirmed this link, but has also highlighted its importance, now more than ever. Colleen Dilenschneider, author of a cultural heritage research blog called Know Your Own Bone, draws on her experience as Chief Market Engagement Officer for IMPACTS, a global leader in predictive market intelligence and related technologies, to provide the heritage field with statistical information related to audience engagement. In one of Dilenschneider’s recent blogs, she presented survey data that compared adult visitors to cultural heritage organizations with whether or not they visited similar institutions as a child under the age of 13. The survey showed that “on average, those who visited a cultural August 2017 Volume 2 Issue 3 continued on p.2 CENTER PIECE August 2017 Volume 2 Issue 3 1

cont'd from page 1 organization as a child are 1.73 times more likely to have visited a similar organization within the last two years, than someone who did not visit as a child.” For history museums specifically, about 66% of respondents that visited a history museum in the last two years reported that they visited a museum as a child, compared to 27% who did not. Dilenschneider points out that the survey is an affirmation rather than a revelation; however, shown within the statistics above, early visits are important, but impactful or August 2017 meaningful visits are even more vital. Furthermore, creating Volume 2, Issue 3 connections to younger audiences will be significant to the cultural heritage field’s future as visitation has decreased in the Mission: To inspire the exploration of the last two decades, due in part to changing audience demographics history, people and culture of our county, and desires. state and nation. As a non-profit organization, the History Center utilizes collections, historic sites and museums to Presenting as a keynote speaker for the Pennsylvania Museums help tell the American story. Conference in 2016, Dilenschneider’s presentation entitled BOARD OF Museum Modernization: The New, Data Informed Expectations of Audiences, highlighted the field’s challenge with reaching and DIRECTORS developing new audiences. Describing it as “negative substitution” for its “visitor base,” Dilenschneider warns that a rapidly decreasing audience pool needs to be quickly addressed by the field. In short, the millennial generation (people born between Chair: Robert A. Kinsley II 1980-2000) is larger than previous generations and also more Vice Chair: Rev. Patrick Rooney diverse overall. It is also less likely to visit cultural heritage sites, Treasurer: Cynthia Dotzel or to see relevance in these institutions. Primarily it is a result of a lack of connection and the field’s challenges in reaching and Assistant Treasurer: Jim May delivering programs, exhibits, or experiences that meet this “new” Secretary: Steve Feldmann audience’s needs. Assistant Secretary: Nadine Hubner So what does all this mean for the York County History Center? Immediate Past Chair: Thomas Shorb In short, there is a need and an opportunity for the History Center to serve a different and more meaningful role in the At Large Members: York County community by reaching new audiences. As part of the History Center’s work on the Steam Plant project, the Fran Polk, Richard Randall, James Tanzola organization participated in a national survey of Museum-Goers implemented by Susan Wilkening, an experienced researcher in Members the field. In comparing the History Center's results with 24 other organizations, the survey focused on demographics, motivations Mandy Arnold, Debbie Bieber, Scott Deisley, of respondents for visiting museums, and specific questions Tim Fulton, Ronald Hershner, Jeffrey Hines, related to the offerings of the History Center, along with their personal experiences. From a demographic perspective, History David Hogg, Jeff Lobach, Jim McClure, Glenn Center respondents, more than the national average, were white, Miller, Genevieve Ray, Joanne Shannon, Tim male, and 60 years of age or older. Programming and events Sutherland, David Walsh, Winnie DeGennaro* overall were ranked highest as preferred experiences. The results align with the above stated research and current state of the field. *Friends Representative In many ways the results of the Wilkening survey showcases the potential the History Center has to build new audiences that are younger and diverse, along with actively engaging cont'd page 4 2 CENTER PIECE August 2017 Volume 2, Issue 3

PRESIDENTIAL NOTE Is there any doubt that we live on’ connection lies at the heart use technology, are connected to in an experience economy? It of experiential learning. The community and desire experiences seems that experience branding lessons are derived from the actual over material goods. is everywhere. A recent search experience and the processing of of Guidestar.org, a meta data information well beyond the event. Our opportunities to deliver base of nonprofit organizations, History institutions have compelling content to multiple counted 23,917 entities with the a plethora of experiential age groups through various word ‘experience’ in the title or opportunities available through experiential methodologies and mission statement. Presumably living history interpreters, historic means is extraordinary. And, we, these institutions are capitalizing craft making, hands-on activities the York County History Center, on what the corporate, for-profit, with reproductions, interactions intend to take full advantage of sector has known for some time: with electronic documents and these going forward. In fact, who experiences matter. More than a much, much more. Interestingly, would have thought during a free name or competitive advantage, as an industry we are not known history festival that Ancestry. differentiated, unique and for engaging and enterprising com would be available for free changing experiences are critical experiences yet considerable effort in the Bobb Log House? The to keep customers or visitors and progress is being made across experience was immensely popular returning. the country to provide intriguing and brought tears to the eyes of and inspiring ‘hands on, minds on’ several people who found relatives Recently my family walked by a activities. in their initial searches. bakery which touted a cupcake decorating experience for children The York County History Center Or, imagine that a group of for $10. Numerous thoughts came change timing is perfect. As contemporary firefighters would to mind regarding price point generations continue to shift, make a connection to Ben Franklin, access, etc., but their strategy was we must rise to meet Gen Xer's, the founder of fire service (kudos, simplistically brilliant. How many Milliennials', and Gen Z’s interests Chief Michaels for that one!). children will drag their parents and desires for experiences. The back to that bakery because they Boomer Generation (1946-1964) Have a thought about our future? had fun? The experience sells the peaked in 1999 at 81 million We are more than willing to listen. product or place. people; today we (yes, I’m a Send me an email or call; after all, Boomer) have fallen behind this is your history, and it starts Aquariums and zoos now offer Millenials, 74.9 million compared here. petting experiences; who would to 75.4 in 2015. That change have thought about a touch tank has significant implications for President & CEO 20 years ago? These experiences institutions like ours; we must Joan Mummert not only provide a fun interaction, meet and exceed expectations in but an educational opportunity the experience economy to connect [email protected] typically guided by a professional with both current and future team member. While seemingly generations. In particular, these innocuous, the ‘hands on, minds groups are more diverse, like to CENTER PIECE August 2017 Volume 2, Issue 3 3

cont'd from page 2 to do that we need to create a families in the future. collection that represents the diversity of York County. Over the past two months, community input meetings The York County History Center have brought out the need of is a collecting institution. We the History Center to provide have a vast collection of artifacts a comprehensive and holistic that touch on a variety of topics, such as, industry, agriculture, approach to the interpretation military, clothing, decorative of York County’s history, arts, and much more. However, incorporating the stories of there are some time periods, “everyone.” ethnicities, cultures, and events where our collection could use As a community centered a few more artifacts in order to organization, there is also tell your story more effectively. a clear need and desire on Please do not assume that our the part of the York County collection has the pieces to tell community and the History your story. Contact our Center to provide public space Collections Department to and facilitate conversations discuss possible donations to not only on historic topics, but COLLECTIONS help the York County History Center more fully tell your story. also on contemporary events or issues, using historic analysis, STORIES vs. THINGS The Collections Committee is perspective, or context as tools. charged with reviewing all possi- How do we create an exhibit ble acquisitions and The new museum experience will that will tell your history? First, deaccessions. It is important provide an opportunity for the we have to make sure to collect to remember that it can cost History Center to create more artifacts that are part of your approximately $30-50 per year meaningful relationships with history. Look at your belongings: to store and care for an artifact visitors. Improved experiences what one object has a story that according to museum best will enhance current and new is uniquely you, paints a picture practice standards. Therefore, community relationships with of your family, or makes a all the artifacts currently in the schools and families especially, statement about your heritage? York County History Center generating opportunities for collection and those that are children 13 years or younger to As we move forward, the under review to become part of Collections Department and its the collection must be mission learn about their communities committee are striving to build related and have provenance. and make personal connections a collection that tells the stories to place and culture. Through of all York Countians. We have Should you have questions, don't these experiences they will gain an incredibly diverse community hesitate to contact us about an a life-long affinity for York that is full of vibrant stories from artifact or about our policies! County’s history. different ethnicities, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, Vice President of Interpretation Director of Collections and educational backgrounds. Dan Roe The York County History Center Meegan Carr wants to be able to share all of [email protected] [email protected] these amazing stories. In order 4 CENTER PIECE August 2017 Volume 2, Issue 3

WHAT OUR NEW ICONS MEAN! CALENDAR OF $ EVENTS Adults One- Admission program Family charged time event Visit www.yorkhistorycenter.org for more information! AUGUST SECOND SATURDAY TANNENBERG ORGAN CONCERT $ August 12, 10:30 a.m. August 25, Noon Historical Society Museum, STROLLER TOUR Library & Archives Historical Society Museum, August 2, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Don Robinson speaks about Library & Archives Historical Society Museum, \"The Slate Industry of Delta Phillip Cooper, St. Andrew's Library & Archives and Welsh Culture\" Episcopal Church Historic Walking Tour YORK CIVIL WAR TANNENBERG ORGAN ROUND TABLE YORKFEST FINE CONCERT ARTS FESTIVAL August 4, Noon August 16, 7 p.m. August 26-27 Historical Society Museum, Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives Colonial Complex Library & Archives Linda Clark: \"Wounded The complex will be open for Victor Fields, St. Paul's Lutheran Houses, Shattered Lives: $1 tours! Also, the Agricultural Church & Industrial Museum will host Gettysburg 1863\" the CreativeYork and York City PRESCHOOL ACTIVITY Youth Art and Literary SERIES Exhibition. August 9, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. TANNENBERG ORGAN Colonial Complex CONCERT SEPTEMBER Play 1700s dress-up! August 18, Noon CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY Historical Society Museum, September 4 Library & Archives BOOK BLAST Richard Frey, Unitarian All Sites August 10-12 Universalist Congregation Agricultural & Industrial $ Museum FAMILY ACTIVITY $ STROLLER TOUR Details, p. 9 SERIES August 19, 11 a.m. - noon September 6, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Colonial Complex Colonial Complex TANNENBERG ORGAN CONCERT Shine a light on Colonial lighting! Murals Walking Tour August 11, Noon Historical Society Museum, ALLVETS SECOND SATURDAY Library & Archives August 23, 7 p.m. September 9, 10:30 a.m. Rodney Barnett, St. John's Episcopal Church Historical Society Museum, Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives Library & Archives Dan Steel, Navy veteran, served Tim Niesen will speak on \"The on the U.S.S. Forrestal, 1967, will Origins of the Underground Rail- share his story. road.\" CENTER PIECE August 2017 Volume 2, Issue 3 5

ACTIVITY SERIES $ WASHINGTON'S $ HISTORY ON THE PRESCHOOL SOLDIERS HALF SHELL September 13, 9:30 a.m.-10:30a.m. September 30, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. October 15, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Colonial Complex Colonial Complex Agricultural & Industrial How Did Early Yorkers Do It? Experience life as a Museum Revolutionary Soldier! Muster Oysters stewed, nude and fried FAMILY ACTIVITY $ in, march, make musket balls, will be served up once again and experience a mock skirmish during this traditional fall SERIES under the command of General fundraiser! September 16, 11 a.m. - noon Washington's officers! YORK CIVIL WAR Colonial Complex ROUND TABLE Spiders, Lark Spits, and Hog OCTOBER Bladders: Exploring the Summer October 18, 7 p.m. Kitchen STROLLER TOUR $ Historical Society Museum, SERIES Library & Archives ANNUAL MEETING October 4, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Scott Mingus, Sr.: 20th September 17, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Agricultural & Industrial Anniversary Meeting! Confederate General William Historical Society Museum, Museum \"Extra Billy\" Smith Library & Archives Enjoy an overview of the FAMILY ACTIVITY $ All History Center members are Agricultural & Industrial Museum SERIES invited to be a part of this annual with lots of hands-on fun! October 21, 11 a.m. - noon update and the presentation of the 2017 Awards. Invitations will PRESCHOOL ACTIVITY Agricultural & Industrial be mailed. ALSO: see “Our Artists SERIES Museum Our Stories” temporary exhibit, Spread the Word! Use the opening on this date. October 11, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. printing press, typewriters, and Historical Society Museum, rotary phones to explore Library & Archives communications of the past 250 YORK CIVIL WAR Mind Your Manners: Etiquette of years. ROUND TABLE the 1800s REED ORGAN September 20, 7 p.m. SOCIETY Historical Society Museum, SECOND SATURDAY October 20 & 21 Library & Archives Historical Society Museum, Dr. Charles Fennell, Jr: October 14, 10:30 a.m. Agricultural & Industrial Museum \"Farnsworth's Fatal Charge with Historical Society Museum, An international gathering of the 1st Vermont Cavalry\" Library & Archives the society will feature sessions \"Artists of York County\" open to the public, along with a concert by Dr. Rob Horton of ALLVETS Lancaster. Watch our website for details. September 27, 7 p.m. ALLVETS Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives October 25, 7 p.m. Greg Warner, veteran of Vietnam, Historical Society Museum, will share his story. Library & Archives Alan J. Frame, Navy Sea-Bee in History on the Half Shell, October 15th! Vietnam, will share his story. 6 CENTER PIECE August 2017 Volume 2, Issue 3

DEVELOPMENT Membership Benefits Update: History Partners Program Make your History Center experience more memorable when you shop, dine or visit one of our participating History Partners. We are pleased to announce our newest member benefit, the History Partners Program. York County merchants have created complimentary items or purchase discounts just for you as a History Center member! Campaign Giving The following York County businesses and Envision a place in downtown York that functions as a organizations are proud participants in the pivotal center of pride for York County, a setting that History Partners Program, providing History connects our revolutionary history with the stories Center members with special shopping, dining that make York County what it is today. The York and entertainment discounts. To take County History Center located at the former Met-Ed advantage of your discount, simply present a Steam plant will be a place to learn, experience and valid York County History Center membership appreciate York County’s unique history. We hope you card. are excited aboutt the opportunity that this project October 21, 11 a.m. - noon will bring to our community and the stories we will i-ron-ic share. Kimman’s Co. Tutoni’s Restaurant In order to make this vision for the future a reality, we Mudhook Brewing Co. need your support. Please consider a gift to the Rockfish Public House “Placing History at the Center” Capital Campaign. Our Grace Manor Bed and Breakfast goal is to raise $5M from our community to support building the new History Center and positioning our For the latest list of History Partners and their organization to meet the needs of today’s museum offers, visit our website at visitor in 2020. Your gift will not only support the www.yorkhistorycenter.org. construction project, but more importantly, serve as an investment in the preservation of our county’s To obtain a new or replacement membership stories. card, Contact Membership Services at (717) 848-1587 ext. 232 or These are exciting times for the History Center and [email protected]. we look forward to sharing our project progress with you over the next few months. Gifts of any amount are appreciated. If you would like to make a gift now, please visit the campaign page on our website www. yorkhistorycenter.org or call Terri Altland at 717-848-1587 ext 216 for more giving options. Director of Development Terri Altland [email protected] CENTER PIECE August 2017 Volume 2, Issue 3 7

EDUCATION Youth and History = We are excited to add new way to spend an hour of quality Museum Sustainability programs this year to our time together while discovering established yearly programs. something new. Do you have a fond memory of visiting a history museum One is an immersive day-long We look forward to seeing as a child? Maybe it was right workshop, Washington’s Soldiers, more children and families here at the Gates House and for 10-14 year olds. The program at our sites, and we hope Plough Tavern. Did that positive is planned and conducted by the we spark a lifelong love for experience lead you to engage Kittatinny Associators, and will history! Check the CenterPiece with our organization or other start with mustering in and end calendar or our website at www. history institutions as an adult? with a mock skirmish. yorkhistorycenter.org for dates, If so, you are in line with field times and details! research that indicates providing youth with positive experiences Director of Education at cultural institutions can lead Parthena Bowman to future engagement. [email protected] Planning for long-term sustainability should include engagement of youth. With this in mind, the York County History Center is offering a full slate of experiential programming targeted to youth. History on the Half How are we engaging youth? We traditionally offer a variety Shell, An Arts and of youth and family-friendly programming. Our Family Day at Food Experience the Agricultural and Industrial Museum is targeted to families We also added three ways for Each October, the York County with children ages 4-10. We also youth and families to engage History Center celebrates our hold a festival at the Colonial with us each month. If you are a Colonial heritage with History on Complex each summer, where stay-at-home parent looking for the Half Shell. The inspiration the biggest history buff and an a chance to get out with baby for our longest running inquisitive 5 year old can both while also learning something fundraiser began with the discovery of oyster shells during find something new to learn and and meeting new people, come restorations of the Golden enjoy. for our Stroller Tours on the first Plough Tavern in the 1960s. Wednesday of the month. History on the Half Shell is a Likewise, our annual program day-long celebration of food, to commemorate the adoption If you are a grandparent looking music, and local history. of the Articles of Confederation for a fun learning activity with includes elements for all ages. your preschool-age grandchild, We are looking forward to come see us the second serving up oysters, stewed, nude We also offer scout programs Wednesday of the month. and fried, on Sunday, October and serve thousands of students 15, 2017 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. through school tours. Our Family Activity on the third at the Agricultural & Industrial Saturday of the month is a great Museum, 217 West Princess Street. Save the Date! 8 CENTER PIECE August 2017 Volume 2, Issue 3

LIBRARY & ARCHIVES Research and Education Today, technology plays a key of the book will increase its role in our lives. Electronic accessibility while reducing devices maintain our schedule, damage caused by physical connect us with friends or handling. It also gives us the family via a text or phone call, ability to post images of the and can capture a photo of a book online. family moment at a quality unfathomable a few years ago. It is the role of the York County Technology also has greatly History Center and organizations influenced how we are taught like us to preserve items like the and learn in school. During the ciphering book to connect people 19th century students may have today with personal stories of used a cyphering or copy book the past. where they practiced their cursive handwriting, complet- Director of Library & Archives ed mathematic problems and Lila Fourhman-Shaull practiced surveying techniques. Use of ciphering books declined [email protected] after 1840, in part because state education leaders switched their focus from the individual Solomon Tate (1805 – 1875), it student to that of a graded class. was given by his great great grandson. Begun in 1824 when BOOK BLAST Currently, many York County he was 19, Tate used this book school students receive an iPad when he taught during the winter The Book Blast is celebrating its or tablet for use in school. months for over a dozen years at 17th year. Prices are still $2 for Today’s electronic tablets allow several of the schools in north- hard covers and $1 for students to have a year’s worth ern York County. Written in ink, paperbacks, with special prices of textbooks in the palm of their with some hand-coloring, are les- on children’s books and York hand compared with years past sons in basic arithmetic, algebra, County history books. Book Blast when they carried those thick geometry, and trigonometry. is August 10-12 and is held at the textbooks in a book bag. Forty Tate’s ciphering book also History Center's Agricultural & years ago students also received contains mathematical lessons Industrial Museum. a tablet, but in that case it was in associated with occupations such the form of paper, accompanied as bricklaying, carpentry, mason- On Thursday August 10, begin- by a #2 lead pencil. ry and plastering. ning at 4 p.m., History Center members have the first Technology also greatly affects Conserving this piece of York opportunity for admission using the History Center’s ability to County history is important in their special invitation card. preserve important books and many ways. It shares the story of Friday hours are 9 a.m. until 6 documents from the past and a York County resident and p.m., with the public welcome. makes them more accessible for illustrates the methods of The sale ends with Buck-a-Bag on a new and changing audience. education during the early 19th Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. century. This volume will be Recently the History Center wrapped in archival paper with Library & Archives received the each page separated by acid free Thank you again for your donation of a ciphering book. tissue. continued support in making this Owned and used by Monaghan event a long-time success. Township resident, farmer and Wrapping and storage in a proper teacher environment will protect it from light and dust. Digital scanning CENTER PIECE August 2017 Volume 2, Issue 3 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 August 2017 Volume 2 Issue 3 IN YORK COUNTY’S HISTORY FOLLOW US ON GIVE NOW!