Old York Historical Society

06/23/2026

Old York Historical Society will open its doors on July 4 with free admission and a full slate of programs. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Peter Morse

06/19/2026

Stories at the Old Schoolhouse returns to Old York! Enjoy weekly readings of children’s books that highlight New England history and culture, and participate in a related activity afterwards. Recommended for children ages 4 to 10. (All children must be accompanied by an adult.)

Join us Wednesday, June 24 for ‘Independence Cake’ by Deborah Hopkinson (author) and Giselle Potter (illustrator). Celebrate American independence with a story inspired by the childhood of Amelia Simmons, author of the first American cookbook, published in 1796. Before then, all the cookbooks printed and used in America were British. After the story we will visit the York Corner Schoolhouse to sign the Declaration of Independence and try some Independence Cake.

What: Stories at the Old Schoolhouse: ‘Independence Cake’

When: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
10:30 a.m.

Where: Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York, Me 03909

Cost: FREE

For more information and the full Stories schedule visit https://oldyork.org/stories-in-the-old-schoolhouse/

06/17/2026

Join us for a special demonstration on the history of chocolate making by Kristel Henry….

The practice of drinking chocolate began over 3,500 years ago by people indigenous to South America. By the mid-16th century, chocolate had been introduced by Spanish colonists. Learn about the history of chocolate from its ancient roots to its popularity during the American Revolution.

Following the demonstration, gather in historic Jefferds Tavern for a special tasting and a sweet treat.

Chocolate generously donated by Kakawa Chocolate House

What: The History of Chocolate Making: The American Colonies in the 18th Century

When: Thursday, June 25, 2026
6:00 p.m.

Where:
Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME 03909

Cost:
$30 / $25 members

Register at https://oldyork.org/events/the-history-of-chocolate-making-the-american-colonies-in-the-18th-century/

06/11/2026

Join us Friday, June 19 for a special Juneteenth Walking Tour. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation had freed slaves in 1863, it was not implemented in the far western parts of the Confederacy. On June 19, 1865 Union troops entered Galveston, Texas to announce the end of slavery.

Our tour…People who were enslaved lived in the town of York and throughout York County as early as the mid-17th century. Learn about these individuals and their descendants, both free and enslaved, who lived in York during this time period, the primary sources that shed light on their lives, and their treatment in the legal system and at the Old Gaol.

The tour begins promptly at the Old York Museum Center at 3 Lindsay Rd. Parking is available along Lindsay Road and in Old York’s parking lot. Please arrive no later than 5 minutes prior to the start time. The tour lasts approximately an hour, and covers a two-block area along York Street. The terrain is uneven, and comfortable shoes are recommended.

What: Special Juneteenth Walking Tour: The History of Slavery in York County, Maine

When: Friday, June 19, 2026
1:00 p.m.

Where: Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME 03909

Cost: FREE for all on June 19

Image: Courtesy of The National Museum of African American History and Culture.

06/06/2026

Join us at Old York’s historic Jefferds Tavern on Tuesday, June 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for our FIRST EVER Tuesday Trivia at the Tavern! Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a history buff! Questions will be diverse.

Make a night of it and bring food and drinks to enjoy at the tavern! This event is open to ages 21+. Gather your friends...teams consist of up to 4 people.

Be sure to visit SoMe Brewing Company or the York Beach Beer Company for your B.Y.O.B needs! And the lucky winners will take home prizes from these local companies!

What: Tuesday Trivia at the Tavern

When: Tuesday, June 9
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Where: Jefferds Tavern at Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME 03909

Cost: $20 per person / $15 for members

To register please visit oldyork.org.

📸 by Laura Ritch

05/20/2026

Research Center Director, Peggy Wishart, and her team have been busy preparing the gallery for Old York’s opening day on Monday, May 25.

Be sure to visit the newly refreshed Remick Gallery’s ‘Revolutionary York’ exhibition with its focus on Revolutionary-era artifacts. 

Join us Monday, May 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is FREE!

05/19/2026

Come check us out Monday May 25th for our Old York Season Opening and Community Free Day!

Old York marks the nation’s 250th with new programs, free admission days and special tours. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Natasha Osborne-Howe

05/15/2026

Please join us on Memorial Day as we kick off our 250 at Old York season, which commemorates the nation’s Semiquincentennial with programs and events highlighting York’s rich Revolutionary history. 

Our striking seasonal image features a pine tree from a flag that once flew above the Old Gaol. The pine tree’s ties to Maine date to the Revolution and its use as a symbol of resistance.

From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. visit the newly refreshed Remick Gallery’s “Revolutionary York” exhibition with its focus on Revolutionary-era artifacts. Tour the Old Gaol, Jefferds Tavern, and the York Corner Schoolhouse. The Emerson-Wilcox House will also be open! 

And don’t miss our special free walking tour at 1:00 p.m., “Answering the Call: York’s Wartime Service.” Registration is encouraged.

What: Memorial Day at Old York: 250 at Old York Season Opening and Community Free Day

When: Monday, May 25, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
“Answering the Call” walking tour at 1:00 p.m.

Where: Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME 03909

Cost: FREE

For details and to register for the walking tour please visit oldyork.

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

A loud shout out to the great group of Liberty Mutual volunteers who helped Old York staff and trustees spruce up our York Village properties. We're excited for opening and our first Community Free Day of 2026 on Memorial Day. Tour the Old Gaol, the Emerson-Wilcox House, the Schoolhouse and check out "Revolutionary York" in the Remick Gallery. See you there!