Center Piece February 2019

CENTER PIECE INSIDE THIS EDITION: Lewis Miller: A True Romantic - PG. 3 Looking to Preserve Your Family Treasures? - PG. 4 Membership Benefits/Exclusive Discount - PG. 6 Address: 250 E. Market St., York, PA 17403 Phone: 717-848-1587 Website: www.yorkhistorycenter.org CENTER PIECE Feb. 2019 Volume 4 Issue 1

MESSAGE FROM or influence are extending the timeline beyond our original estimates. At this point we project THE PRESIDENT: the opening in 2021. That said, there is a silver lining, more time. We are using it to conduct vital research within our collections while simultaneously connecting with the community through the \"Share Your History\" program to uncover stories and histories not well known. The re- sult will be a more rich and robust history for you to experience. Like a intricate, complex movie, exhibits are labor intensive, gaining additional time is a blessing.Additionally, during this expanded period we are establish- ing organizational scenarios to help us identify Joan Mummert, options for additional funding and financing for the project. Our commitment to the mem- President & CEO bership and the community remains the proper stewardship of the History Center’s resources. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated “time must be used creatively”, we are heeding that advice As always, we are available to answer ques- at the History Center while forces beyond our tions and entertain your thoughts. Thank you control hamper progress on the Steam Plant for your continued support of our work to development. As you are aware, our fund- share this community’s extraordinary history. raising efforts combined with support from a redevelopment grant (RACP) from the state of Pennsylvania positioned the project for suc- cess. Since that time forces beyond our control ON THE COVER BOARD OF DIRECTORS \"Laura:\" Being the inspiration for one of his Chair: Rev. Patrick Rooney, STS most emotionally powerful poems, Laura is Vice Chair: Richard Randall quite the stunning figure for Lewis Miller. Treasurer: Richard Hogentogler Laura holds the fragrant symbols of love and Assistant Treasurer: Stephen Feldmann romance. To read more about the artist, Lewis Secretary: Nadine Hubner Miller and the preservation that goes into the Assistant Secretary: Rebecca Countess care of his collection, please see page 3. Immediate Past Chair: Robert A. Kinsely, II, AIA At Large Members: Fran Polk, Jim May, Tim Sutherland, MISSION & VISION Jim Tanzola, Dan Waltersdorff Members: Mandy Arnold, Debbie Bieber, Krista Darr, Scott To inspire the exploration of the history, people Deisley, Tim Fulton, George Gard, Ron Hershner, Jeff Hines, and culture of our county, state and nation. As a Tom Koppmann, Jeff Lobach, Glenn Miller, Senator Kristin non-profit organization, the History Center Phillips-Hill, Genevieve Ray, Joanne Shannon, David Walsh, utilizes collections, historic sites and museums to Cal Weary, Brad Willow, Karen Wix* help tell the American story. *Friends Representative

Honoring Friends of the York County History Center June Lloyd, Librarian Emerita Justine Landis has left her mark on innumerable proj- ects and exhibits at the York County History Center and its predecessors. She was an accomplished artist, ardently painting for the rest of her life, always open to learning new techniques. Another of Justine’s passions was the history of her adopted York County. She raised her five children in the Hanover area and then moved to York. She spent at least 25 years on the staff of the Histor- Pictured above is Justine Landis giving a group of ical Society of York County/York County Heritage students a tour at the Bonham House. Trust, wearing just about all the available “hats.” after retiring she volunteered by doing tours of these Justine worked with the rest of the staff curating and murals as well as the larger ones throughout the city. mounting innumerable in-house exhibits. Her artist’s eye was invaluable in the design as well as placement Justine also served many years on York’s Historical of objects and documents. Architecture Review Board (HARB), where she prob- ably saved the integrity of quite a few buildings by Justine painted, with the assistance of her daughter sticking to criteria when owners asked for exceptions. Lori, the Lewis Miller mini-murals that line Cherry Lane. Justine passed away a few months ago, but the knowl- edge she shared and interpreted has enriched our These murals are her most visible legacy, but even collective local heritage. After ten years of school tours, public programs and site management. service to the York Additionally, he lead two exhibit teams through County history research, development and implementation phases to community Dan create, Front Porch to Front Lines: York County Goes Roe, Vice President to War and The Fiery Trial: York County’s Civil War for Interpretation, Experience. recently accepted a new position with During that time Dan was recognized by the Pennsyl- the Berks County vania Museums Association with the Carol Wickkiser Parks and Recre- Memorial Award (Emerging Museum Professional). ation Department working with histor- Four years ago Dan was again promoted to Vice ic sites and interpretive programs. President for Interpretation for the purpose of creating stronger historical programs across departments thus Arriving at the then York County Heritage Trust in improving visitor experiences and outcomes. May 2008, Dan started as a part-time Museum Educa- tor primarily based at the Colonial Complex where he Dan’s influence on historical programming, public improved tour experiences and developed an array of engagement, visitor services and research has been programs to attract locals and tourists. critical to the York County History Center’s success. Shortly thereafter Dan moved into the Director of We wish him all the best in the new role which he Education role assuming primary responsibility for started in January.

New Exhibit: Lewis Miller: A True Romantic Rachel Warner, \"Fair as the Opening\" Director of Collections The work of York’s nineteenth century folk artist and historian Lewis Miller (1796-1882) remains one of the greatest gifts to the commu- nity that the History Center is able to share. Miller chronicled everything from daily life to major historical events, and gave us a window into the lives of people of all walks of life. Not to mention, he chronicled the faraway places he saw on his travels throughout the United States and abroad. The History Center’s collection is comprised of over 2,000 original Miller sketches, with regular rotations of his works going on exhibit in the Historical Society Museum’s Mezzanine Gallery. A young woman carries an olive branch, Our most recent rotation was curated by Histo- a classic symbol of peace derived from ry Center Intern, Jessica Plummer, who fin- Christianity. Lewis Miller also appears ished her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History this to revisit and further develop his poetic past December. The exhibit, entitled “Lewis sentiments for the composition. Miller: A True Romantic,” explores Miller’s sensitive side through an examination of his art, poetry, and writings on the topics of love, nature, and music. COME VISIT: While several donations have been made to To see more of the Lewis help preserve parts of the Lewis Miller Collec- tion in recent years, there is still a significant Miller: A True Romantic amount of conservation work that could be done. Exhibit, please visit the Historical Society Funds from the Collection Department’s Care and Acquisition Fund were used to purchase Museum. new storage cabinets and archival materials to rehouse the collection. Currently, the Collec- Located at 250 E. Market St., York, PA tions Department has been working to orga- 17403. The Historical Society Museum, nize, catalog, and rehouse the collection with open Tuesday through Saturday, the goal of making Miller’s work more accessi- 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. ble and better preserved for future generations.

Behind the Scenes: Preserving the Lewis Miller Collections Director of Collections, Ra- Some of the Lewis Miller's Some of the more fragile chel Warner has a Master's collections are in an acid documents can be protected Degree in Museum Studies free mylar covering - which by tissue paper. The tissue from Southern University of acts like a sleeve that will paper will absorb the acid New Orleans and over five help slow down the aging from the documents and will years of expereince in process of the documents. prevent deterioration. handling historic artifacts. Looking to Preserve Your Family Treasures? Below are some tips and tricks from our very own -As with all digital files, have several back Library & Archive experts. Director of Library ups in case of computer failure. & Archives, Lila Fourhman-Shaull and Assistant Director, Nicole Smith give some tricks of the -Store the originals in an area where you trade to help preserve family treasures. are physically comfortable; not the attic or the basement due to variations in te- -Agents that deteriorate historical artifacts: mperature or humidity. Physical forces: handling Light damage: can lead to fading of -Handle original documents with clean the photo image on a document hands and photographs by the edges. Pests: silverfish etc. -Use only polypropylene or polyester Temperature: too high or too low sheet protectors for documents, letters Humidity and photographs. Fire -Avoid the use of scotch tape on docu- Water ments, letters and photographs. If it has Thieves and vandals been used, contact a conservator to pro- perly restore the original. -Carefully scan or photograph fragile ma- terials; this provides an easier method to -Do not laminate original items; this is a share the original. heat process that seals the document and over time will yellow and damage it.

Highlighting York's African American Civil War Veterans, and the Legacy they Left Behind Lila Fourhman-Shaull, Director of Library & Archives The History Center Library & Archives has strived to gather and make available information about our York County resi- dents, mostly through donations and the diligent efforts of dedicated volunteers. The development of databases of informa- tion concerning our York County military veterans has been one of those projects. For Black History Month, we would like to highlight a database on York County’s African American Civil War Veterans (United States Colored Troops). This database will soon be available both at the Library & Archives and on the History Center's website. Other databases that are currently available on the website is a general database of Civil War veterans from York and Adams Counties, compiled John Aquilla Wilson (far right) was part of the 32nd USCT by Dennis Brandt, and a database for Civil and is pictured above with fellow veteran, John Eich (far-left) War damage claims from York County and Lincoln re-enactor, P.J. Kammerer. This photograph was compiled by Scott Mingus. taken in 1941. Photo courtesy of YCHC Library & Archives. Through various sources such as obituar- that while still suffering from USCT which was assigned to ies, Federal Census and Federal Pension the effects of the measles, he the 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, files, the African American Civil War re-joined his unit which was 15th Corps. As a part of the soldier’s (USCT) database contains infor- attached to the 1st Brigade, 3rd 3rd Brigade he was involved mation currently on over 200 soldiers with Division in the 10th Corps, later in numerous engagements and York County ties. Information gleaned to become a part of the 2nd skirmishes. Cited for bravery from these sources includes birth and Brigade of the same division. while on guard duty on a mili- death dates, as well as unit and length of In the early months of 1865 his tary train, he was discharged on service. Surnames include Barton, Batty, unit was engaged in the siege August 22, 1865. Berry, Craig, Dorsey, Green, Johnson, of Richmond and Petersburg as Mars, Noble, Peaco, Stephenson, and well as the pursuit of Robert E. He attended the 75th anniver- Washington. Lee in April of 1865. sary of the battle of Gettysburg and enjoyed the comradeship of Two stories of note that emerge from the Married twice, he had four chil- other veterans. He also attend- database include those of James Barton dren and died on October 21, ed every Decoration Day (now and John Aquilla Wilson. Information 1903 at the age of 59. He is bur- known as Memorial Day) with researched and shared by descendant ied in the Stone Church Ceme- his family including grand- Leroy Carter note that James Barton was tery, also known as Mt. Pisgah, daughter Isabella Phillips. On born in southern York County in 1844. A in Wrightsville. John Aquilla Memorial Day, 1941 he posed resident of Wrightsville during the 1860s, Wilson was the last surviving for a photograph with Civil War he enlisted in Carlisle on August 30, 1864 York County Civil War soldier veteran John Eich of York and and served in the 127th USCT. Contracting when he died in 1942. Born in Abraham Lincoln re-enactor P. measles while at Camp William Penn in Gatchellville, Fawn Township, J. Kammerer. He died on De- Philadelphia, he remained a patient there Wilson enlisted at the age of 15 cember 11,1942 and is buried in for two months. His pension files note on February 8,1864 in Lancast- Trinity A.M.E. Zion Cemetery er and served with the 32nd in Fawn Township.

Membership Spotlight: SAVE THE DATE Your Benefits Attention Grandparents! A trip to the museum can be the perfect answer to cabin fever on a winter’s day! Take advantage of our expanded benefits for Family/Dual, Senior Plus and Circle members. Holders of these memberships can now bring up to four grandchildren under the age of 18 with them to enjoy our museums and family-friendly programs that are free for History Center members. Art & Leisure Auction Check out our History Partners! 2019: Fun, Food and Make your History Center experience more enjoyable Frenzied Bidding! when you shop, dine, or visit one of our participating His- tory Partners. Date: Friday, June 14th, 5:30 PM York County merchants have created complimentary items Where: Agricultural and Industrial or purchase discounts just for you as a History Center member. Simply present your valid membership card to Museum take advantage of these offers! Be sure to dine with our newest History Partners, Roost Live & Silent Auction, Raffles, Uncommon Kitchen and the Glen Rock Mill Inn. Delicious Food from Local Are You a Time Traveler? Caterers Is a visit to another museum or site in your future? Time Table Sponsorships & Tickets Travelers is a reciprocal membership network for histor- Available! For more information ical museums, sites, and societies throughout the United States. go to: The program includes over 300 organizations in more than www.yorkhistorycenter.org 40 states across the country. Members of these organiza- tions can receive a variety of exclusive benefits and privi- leges at participating institutions, such as free or discount- Your History Starts Here; Volunteer! ed admission, gift shop discounts, and much more. Make an historic move and inquire about To find out if a museum or site is a participating member, volunteering at the History Center! We love please visit the Time Travelers website at: our volunteers! timetravelers.mohistory.org. Many opportunities are available, including You will be required to show that you are a member in roles in the Administrative, Curatorial, Educa- good standing of the History Center in order to take ad- tion, Library & Archives, and Special Events vantage of the program. departments. We also use college students as interns in many departments. To obtain a temporary membership card prior to your trip, please contact David Corman at dcorman@yorkhistory- Want to learn more? Visit our website at: center.org or 717-848-1587 ext. 232. For more informa- tion about membership benefits, including a current listing www.yorkhistorycenter.org/about of History Partners, visit our website or contact Member- or contact David Corman at ship Services at 717-848-1587 ext. 232 or membership@ [email protected] or yorkhistorycenter.org. (717) 848-1587, ext. 232.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 34 York, PA 250 East Market St. York, PA 17403 yorkhistorycenter.org 717-848-1587 CALENDAR OF EVENTS South Central PA South Central PA South Central PA Genealogical Society Genealogical Society Genealogical Society Feb. 3, Historical Society, 2:15PM March 3, Historical Society, 2:15PM April 3, Historical Society, 2:15PM A tour and presentation will be given about the Goodridge Freedom Writers' Roundtable Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Center. March 7, Historical Society, 6:00PM April 11, Historical Society, 5:30PM Second Saturday We do not say thank you enough to Feb. 9, Historical Society, 10:30AM Second Saturday our volunteers. One special eve- Put A Can On It: Canning in York March 9, Historical Society, 10:30AM ning each year, we celebrate their County. Hear about the impact the York County Quilt Turning with passion for York County history canning industry had on troops Barbara Garrett. and their dedication to community during the World Wars. York Co. Civil War Roundtable service! York Co. Civil War Roundtable March 20, Historical Society, 6:00PM Second Saturday Feb. 20, Historical Society, 6:00PM Scott L. Mingus, Sr., will present: Erin April 13, Historical Society, 10:30AM African American Baseball in PA Kelly D. Summerford will be giving a Go Bragh: Human Interest Stories of first person portrayal of William the Irish in the Civil War. C. Goodridge. ALL VETS ALL VETS March 27, Historical Society, 7:00PM Feb. 27, Historical Society, 7:00PM Veteran and author, Paul Mitura will Veteran and author, Don Helin will discuss his 30 plus years of experi- discuss his experience in the Viet- ence in the Army and his published nam War book, The Best Worst Tank, and other books. Red = Adult Only Event/Activity Blue= Family Event/Activity Yellow= Special Event/Activity Additional Information about special events and programs can be found on our website at: www.yorkhistorycenter.org