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INSIDE THIS ISSUE President's Note............................................................3 Collections .....................................................................4 Events Calendar........................................................5-6 Development .................................................................7 Education .......................................................................8 Library & Archives.........................................................9 THE ART OF HISTORY MAKING Summer always marks an exciting time for the York County History Center. The season of travel and vacations often brings more visitors to our sites, museums, and library and archives as well as new faces to the organization including interns and seasonal team members. New members tasked with interpreting the historic sites and museums to visitors undertake a challenge to understand a voluminous amount of York County history in a relatively short period. The approach however, highlights the process of history and its interpretation. Generally speaking, in order to develop an engaging, relevant and factually based tour of the Colonial Complex, for instance, it is vital to first understand the context of the broader time, what is happening on a local level, and finally to uncover the specific stories and personal experiences in a given place and time. Essentially, this approach works from a wide perspective to a more precise one, such as understanding what a Pennsylvania Germanic five plate stove might tell us about culture, everyday practices, building history, and if that A portion of the first page of a copy from one of the story can connect to individuals or families original printings of the Articles of Confederation, housed in the History Center’s Archives. using it. This all starts with knowing why “Pennsylvania Germans” are in Pennsylvania, and then York County and York in the first place. Finding those answers and presenting them to the public is the “art” of historical interpretation. continued on p.2 CENTER PIECE August 2018 Volume 3 Issue 2 1

cont'd from page 1 One of the enduring constants of At the same time, a central point history is that there are always of York as the First Capital is multiple perspectives to any the Articles of Confederation, given topic, event or story, both a seminal document of United for modern historians and from States government that is not August 2018 the “voices” of the past. It is this well known or understood. The Volume 3, Issue 3 discourse of debate that makes Articles are another subject history exciting. to explore, as part of the First Mission: To inspire the exploration of the history, people and culture of our county, Capital debate. state and nation. As a non-profit One of my favorite debates of organization, the History Center utilizes collections, historic sites and museums to York County is whether or not The “First Capital” is only one help tell the American story. York was/is the “First Capital.” of many debates within York For many York Countians, this County history. The Civil War and BOARD OF statement immediately creates whether or not York surrendered to the Confederates days before a visceral response in either DIRECTORS the negative or the positive. For the Battle of Gettysburg, offers others, such as non-local tourists, another example. it may engender curiosity about Chair: Robert A. Kinsley II this local statement. The origins of the phrase Vice Chair: The Rev. Patrick Rooney, STS “Underground Railroad,” or the The debate itself is less extent to which the York Plan Treasurer: Cynthia Dotzel important than its ability to influenced the outcome of WWII Assistant Treasurer: Richard Randall serve as a jumping off point are two others. In each case, the Secretary: Steve Feldmann to deeper history. It offers an context of these “debates” are not opportunity to explore where well known, but again, they serve Assistant Secretary: Nadine Hubner this phrase comes from and as great entry points to stories Immediate Past Chair: Thomas Shorb what important events took of local significance and personal place that inspired it, 241 years perspectives, both past and later. Of course, it links back present. At Large Members: to the adoption of the Articles Fran Polk, Jim May, James Tanzola of Confederation of Perpetual When these discussions find Union by the Second Continental contemporary relevance and Congress while meeting in York meaning, and perhaps even Members in November of 1777. inform the future, the art of Mandy Arnold, Debbie Bieber, Rebecca their interpretation is that much This connection allows for an more valuable, offering another Countess, Krista Darr, Scott Deisley, Tim exploration of the community’s way of looking at these historic Fulton, George Gard, Ron Hershner, Jeff place in the Revolutionary War, discussions. Hines, Rick Hogentogler, David Hogg, Jeff nationally and locally. It connects to other events, such as the In April of 2019, the “First Lobach, Glenn Miller, Rep. Kristin Philips- Conway Cabal (not without its Capital” debate will be covered Hill, Genevieve Ray, Joanne Shannon, Tim own debates), and allows an in an Articles of Confederation Sutherland, David Walsh, Dan Waltersdorff, exploration into an episode that Symposium, a partnership occurred in York that challenged between the History Center and Cal Weary, Brad Willow, Winnie DeGennaro* George Washington’s command York College of Pennsylvania. *Friends Representative of the continental army. The symposium will explore the cont'd on p.4 2 CENTER PIECE August 2018 Volume 3, Issue3

that make our York story relevant and captivating. You Are Invited These are your stories. Whether to the collected recently through York County PRESIDENTIAL conversations and oral histories History Center NOTE or through objects and documents 2018 Annual Meeting & donated decades ago, the information mined reflects our Awards shared history. We invite you to Just as the Second Continental continue sharing your history with Thursday, Congress did so many years us enabling the History Center to September 13, 2018 ago, the York County History more accurately reflect the entire Center has embarked upon a community. 5:00 p.m. transformation with lasting impact. Granted, the magnitude and Our goals are based upon a Historical Society longer term implications of these long-view and inclusion. The Museum, Library & changes are significantly different, History Center’s time horizon however the insights and long stretches in perpetuity - ensuring Archives view necessary to anticipate future we develop a destination that is needs is similar. changeable, that meets audience 5:00 p.m. Doors Open and community needs, and is 5:30 p.m. Program Begins One of the more challenging sustainable, safeguarding artifacts 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. issues for both the Continental in proper environments and Light Refreshments Congress and the History Center establishing solid fiscal health. is the source of power. For our RSVP by September 4, 2018 fledgling nation it was imperative Equally important are the stories [email protected] to break loose from divine within, ones that reflect our past – or 717-848-1587, ext. 210 imperial power in favor of agency all of it. #Your History Starts Here or online at by people. Museums, the History is much more than a slogan, it’s a www.yorkhistorycenter.org Center included, now embrace promise. We invite you to help us similar thinking. Rather than be deliver on it. 2018 AWARDS the expert, all knowing institution legislating or imparting knowledge, President & CEO Individuals, organizations, we utilize our community to craft Joan Mummert and communities will be our historical backbone and invite honored for the legacy they you to leave your story, in other [email protected] have established of words crowdsourcing some of our preserving history. historical material. Included will be the Chair’s Award, the Heritage In the current exhibit Design Profile Award, and Development phase our team of acknowledgements staff and volunteers have diligently of a business, government labored to unearth our county’s entity, and Volunteer of the historical stories that represent Year. a multitude of places, people, industries and events. Numerous For a list of recipients, conversations combined with visit www.yorkhistorycenter.org dogged research continue to yield intriguing episodes from our past 3 CENTER PIECE August 2018 Volume 3, Issue3

COLLECTIONS cont'd from p. 2 CONSERVATION CARE large context of the historic time As we remember the nine portrait of Captain Michael period, the local experience months the Continental Doudle that was commissioned during the Second Continental Congress spent in York and their to hang outdoors on a light post Congress’ stay in York, and monumental achievement of during the sesquicentennial of the historic and contemporary solidifying the union with the the Articles of Confederation. legacies of the document itself. Articles of Confederation, we This 1927 portrait is one of 16 must focus our attention on paintings in the collection More information will be preserving their legacy. We have commemorating the Articles of available on the History many objects in our collection Confederation, and all of them Center’s website in early 2019. deserving and in need of need some conservation. All the conservation. Especially as we paintings need to be cleaned -Daniel Roe, V.P. of delve deeper into our cataloging however, some paintings require Interpretation and inventory project in order to extensive treatments to repair prepare for our move to the tears and paint loss sustained Steam Plant, we find our list of over time. objects needing conservation SAVE THE DATE: growing. As we hold these paintings and many other objects in the public ARTICLES OF One such trust, it is our duty to care for CONFEDERATION DAY object is the these pieces so that future generations may continue to enjoy and learn from them. We hope that you will assist us in this endeavor by donating to our Collections Care Fund, so that we may continue our efforts to Director of Collections Meegan Carr [email protected] Save History:– Support the Conservation Fund Artifacts in need of conservation now: Lewis Miller’s 1840-41 Travel Journal NOVEMBER 17, 2018 Estimated Cost: $1,500 1927 Continental Congress Portraits COLONIAL COMPLEX Estimated Cost: $4,000 each Contact: Rachel Warner, [email protected] 4 CENTER PIECE August 2018 Volume 3, Issue3

WHAT OUR ICONS MEAN! CALENDAR OF $ EVENTS Adults One- Admission program Family charged time event Visit www.yorkhistorycenter.org for more information! AUGUST YORK CIVIL WAR YORKFEST ROUND TABLE TANNENBERG August 15, 7 p.m. August 25 & 26 ORGAN CONCERT Historical Society Museum, Agricultural & Industrial August 3, 12:15 p.m. Library & Archives Museum & Colonial Complex Historical Society Museum, Ray Kinard: Hanover Branch The History Center hosts the Library & Archives Railroad - Gateway to Youth Art & Literary Exhibition Victor Fields at the keyboard. Gettysburg. at Agricultural & Industrial Museum, and Colonial Complex is open for touring. Check our BOOK BLAST: website for details. THE LAST BLAST! August 9-11, times vary Agricultural & Industrial Museum Thursday: Members-only 4-7 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. SOUTH CENTRAL PA. Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY (Buck-A Bag Day) August 26, 2:15 p.m. TANNENBERG TANNENBERG ORGAN CONCERT Historical Society Museum, ORGAN CONCERT August 17, 12:15 p.m. Library & Archives August 10, 12:15 p.m. Historical Society Museum, Update on FamilySearch.org. Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives Library & Archives TANNENBERG Cheryl Huber at the keyboard. Patrick McMullen and Rachel ORGAN CONCERT Schulz at the keyboard. August 31, 12:15 p.m. ALLVETS Historical Society Museum, August 22, 7 p.m. Library & Archives Historical Society Museum, Mark Herr at the keyboard. Library & Archives SEPTEMBER Herold Redding, U.S. Army veteran who served in WRITERS' ROUND TABLE Vietnam, will share his story. September 6, 7 p.m. SECOND SATURDAY TANNENBERG Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives ORGAN CONCERT August 11, 10:30 a.m. August 24, 12:15 p.m. The Writers' Round Table Historical Society Museum, meets quarterly, bringing Library & Archives Historical Society Museum, together writers on local John Moore: The Pennsylvania Library & Archives history and those who aspire to write as well. All are wel- Continental Line. Richard Frey at the keyboard. come. 5 CENTER PIECE May 2017 Volume 2, Issue 2 CENTER PIECE August 2018 Volume 3, Issue 1 5

SECOND SATURDAY GENEALOGY $ YORK CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE September 8, 10:30 a.m. September 22, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. October 17, 7 p.m. Historical Society Museum, Historical Society Museum, Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives Library & Archives Library & Archives Scott L. Mingus, Sr.: The Second Dr. Damayanthie Eluwawalage: Visit scpgs.org for information Day at Gettysburg - the Attack The History of Costume in on sessions and registration. and Defense of Cemetary Pennsylvania. Ridge. ANNUAL MEETING September 13, 5 p.m. Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives Watch your mail for an invitation to this year's (weekday) event. YORK CIVIL WAR $ ROUND TABLE YORK CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE September 23, 10 a.m. - noon September 19, 7 p.m. Gettysburg National Military Park Historical Society Museum, Join Dr. Charles Fennell, Jr. for a Library & Archives walking tour of the park. Dr. Charles Fennell Jr.: The 1st ALLVETS U.S. Sharp Shooters. September 26, 7 p.m. Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives HISTORY ON THE Billy Terrell, U.S. Army veteran, HALF SHELL shares the story of his service in October 21, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Vietnam. Agricultural & Industrial OCTOBER Museum Oysters stewed, nude and fried, SOUTH CENTRAL PA. along with non-seafood choices, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY music, and artisan demonstra- October 7, 2:15 p.m. tions. MUSEUM DAY Historical Society Museum, Library & Archives ALLVETS September 22 October 24, 7 p.m. All Sites Program to be announced. Historical Society Museum, SECOND SATURDAY Enjoy free admission at all Library & Archives History Center sites during this October 13, 10:30 a.m. Jeff Hawks, U.S. Army veteran, Smithsonian Magazine Historical Society Museum, shares the story of his service in celebration! Library & Archives Korea and Desert Storm. Program to be announced. 6 CENTER PIECE August 2018 Volume 3, Issue3

DEVELOPMENT GIVING BEYOND MEMBERSHIP The York County History Center is proud to care for, preserve, and share the remarkable history of York County through its noteworthy collection, which includes artifacts and objects from the American Revolution through the Industrial Revolution as well as the stories of inspirational people like General Jacob Devers and Voni Grimes. As a member of the History Center, we know you share in this commitment to preserving our past. Gifts to the York County History Center help to inspire thousands of visitors to explore, discover, and learn together what makes York history unique. Your contributions play an essential role in connecting with our past, promoting learning, and inspiring people to preserve American stories about the world they live HISTORY ON THE HALF SHELL in – today and for future generations. Now in its 44th Year! Join us for the History Whether you give to the Annual Fund or to any of our Center’s largest fundraiser featuring food by endowed funds, a donation beyond your membership land and by sea! Oysters are the highlight dues makes the difference in providing for the events, (served nude, stewed and fried) but if that’s exhibits, educational programs, and preservation not your thing, there are many other options projects that highlight the York story and make the to choose from including shrimp, crabcakes, York County History Center such a crucial part of the BBQ and lots more! community. While you’re there, check out the artisan As we look to our future, your financial support will demonstrations throughout the museum, enable us to continue to develop and enhance our listen to live music on Princess Street and chat collections in ways that will be meaningful to all with friends over a glass of wine (or beer)! members of our community. Admission to this event is free and all food is pay as you go. See you there! Our Annual Fund drive is right around the corner and we hope you consider making a contribution in When: Sunday, October 21, 2018 support of our efforts to make history accessible 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. to all. Gifts of all forms and sizes are welcome and appreciated. To learn more about gifts and bequests Where: Agricultural and Industrial Museum to the History Center, please contact Terri Altland at 717-854-1587 ext 216 or Heard of the saying “Many hands make light [email protected]. work?” Join in the fun by volunteering the day of the event! Two-hour shifts allow you Thank you for supporting the York County History time to eat some great food and help a great Center. organization. Director of Development Contact David Henry to sign up for a shift! Terri Altland [email protected]. [email protected] 7 CENTER PIECE August 2018 Volume 3, Issue3

EDUCATION immediate argument that comes of York as the first capital will continue, with both sides having to mind is the Declaration of FIRST CAPITAL? Independence, it should be noted facts they can use to support that it was the “The unanimous their argument. My hope is that Visitors to the History Center's Declaration of the thirteen visitors focus less on this debate Colonial Complex often ask united States of America” with a and more on understanding the about the validity of York’s lowercase “u.” challenges that becoming the \"First Capital” moniker. The temporary seat of government History Center staff responds But, nearly a year before arriving presented for a town on the by presenting both sides of the in York, Continental Congress edge of the frontier with limited argument and allowing visitors declared, “That in all continental resources and a largely German- draw their own conclusions. speaking population. commissions, and other instruments, where, heretofore, One place to start is with the the words ‘United Colonies’ have Our Revolutionary War story question, When did we officially been used, the stile be altered for includes John Adams, John become the United States?Was the future to the ‘United States’.” Hancock, and Henry Laurens, it with the signing of the Because the United Colonies of who arrived here when morale Declaration of Independence, America was in common use, can was low and the outcome of which we celebrate every July it be assumed that this meant the Revolution was uncertain. 4th? The Constitution? The the United States of America It includes a suspected traitor Articles of Confederation? was the official name? Or, is the minister, a spymaster for George full name not official until the Washington, a duel postponed, a The first capital debate hinges Articles state “The Stile of this determined march by the York on the assertion that America Confederacy shall be ‘The United Rifles to join the war, and a officially became a country when States of America’.” movement to replace Washington the Articles of Confederation and as Commander-in-Chief. Perpetual Union were adopted in Some will further argue that York. As the governing document performing official diplomatic These stories of the American of the new country, the Articles relations with foreign nations Revolution include political established the law of the land and the execution of major intrigue, culture clashes, and and provided legitimacy to a treaties with France provide compromises that are woven de facto government consisting more evidence that the United into the fabric of our community, of a group of non-elected States began functioning as a state, and nation. The first representatives from each state. capital debate is just one facet real nation during those nine months they were seated in the of a rich, entertaining, and If nationhood began with the provincial court house in York, important story. Articles, does it begin with their hence making us the first capital. adoption on November 15, 1777 For additional insight on this or with the ratification by all 13 But the other side could argue debate, see the column written states, which occurred in March that the country began with by the History Center’s Librarian of 1781? If the adoption is the the Constitution, because Emerita, June Lloyd at https:// nation’s beginning, then it can it strengthened the unity of www.ydr.com/story/opinion/ be argued that York is the first the states, created by the columnists/2015/12/14/whats- capital. york-first-capital/77294208/. Articles, under a strong central government creating the United Some visitors say they heard States as we think of it today. Director of Education that York is the first capital because the term “United States As long as there are differing Parthena Bowman of America” was first used opinions as to when the nation [email protected] during Continental Congress’s officially began, the argument nine months in York. Though the 8 CENTER PIECE August 2018 Volume 3, Issue3

LIBRARY & ARCHIVES THE ORIGINAL it was important to relay its related to the military and contents to the 13 states. The PAMPHLET: ARTICLES Journals of Congress note the foreign diplomatic policies. OF CONFEDERATION following: “Ordered, That the Weaknesses were found following the Revolutionary War, committee appointed to revise The first constitution, or a social and arrange the articles of con- including the fact that Congress contract, these are some of the could proportionally access, but terms that have been used to federation, have three hundred not directly collect, the stagger- describe the Articles of copies printed and lodged with ing debt from the war. Confederation. But just what the secretary…” was this document and why is Charles Thomson added the These flaws led to the need to it important both nationally and hold the Constitutional locally? following: “The Articles were Convention in 1787. The U.S. printed and returned to the Constitution became official president on Friday, November Forty-eight members of the when New Hampshire ratified it Second Continental Congress 28, who had them tied in bundles, on June 21, 1788. The first and gave 18 to the delegates of adopted this document on Congress under the Constitution November 15, 1777, during each State, reserving the rest for met in 1789 and Rhode Island their stay in York. It was then himself; so that none came into was the last state to ratify on sent to the separate states for the Secretary’s office. C. T.” May 29, 1790. Receiving such a limited The History Center is proud to number of copies, many states preserve an American treasure were prompted to have local with York County roots. printers produce more copies. One of the original printings of Director of Library & Archives the Articles of Confederation is housed in the York County Lila Fourhman-Shaull History Center Library & [email protected] Archives Rare Book Room. Congress authorized Lancaster BOOK BLAST: printer Francis Bailey to produce these official pamphlets. It was AUGUST 9-11 printed in Lancaster since the Hall and Sellers press did not Join the History Center for arrive in York until later in 1777. the \"Last Blast\" at the The History Center’s copy is said Agricultural & Industrial to be one of only nine known Museum. August 9th is copies to exist today. Other Members-Only night, copies are at the New-York 4-7 p.m. Hours on the 10th Historical Society, the Gilder are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and the their ratification. The Articles of 11th is Buck-A-Bag Day, Confederation went into effect Lehrman Institute and Williams 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on March 1, 1781 following the College. ratification by Maryland, the last Grab some new (old) titles of the 13 states. It served the The Articles provided the basis of and benefit the History a unified government, a federal nation through the Revolutionary Center at this, the 18th War until it was replaced by the union formed of the 13 indepen- Annual Book Blast. stronger United States Constitu- dent states with authority vested tion in 1789. in a single body, the Congress of More details at Confederation. Congress had the power as specifically granted to www.yorkhistorycenter.org Following its adoption in York, them by the states, primarily 9 CENTER PIECE August 2018 Volume 3, Issue3

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 2018 Volume 3 Issue 2 IN YORK Your History Starts Here; Volunteer! COUNTY’S Make an historic move and inquire about volunteering at the History Center! We love our volunteers! HISTORY Many opportunities are available, including roles in the Administrative, Curatorial, Education, Library & Archives, and Special Events departments. We also use college students as interns in many departments. FOLLOW US ON Want to learn more? Visit our website at www.yorkhistorycenter.org/about or contact David Corman at [email protected] or (717) 848-1587, ext. 232.