Collections

Old York Historical Society collects objects, artifacts, archival and ephemeral materials that were made, used, or are otherwise relative to the history of the York region (generally defined as Southern York County). The collection has a particular focus on—but is not limited to—the Colonial period and the Early National Era (encompassing the years from 1789 to 1837).

Old York cares for the collections of two former founding organizations: the Society for the Preservation of Historic Landmarks in York County, and the Old Gaol Museum. In addition, Old York has been collecting objects and materials since its founding in 1984. Collection policies and activities support the organization’s goal to provide public access to the Old York’s collections, to provide superb exhibitions and educational programming, and to achieve the best possible conditions for the long term preservation of the collection.