York County Historical Association

06/17/2026

YORK – It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon as the 150th anniversary of the Arborville Church was celebrated on June 14. The Arborville Church was organized on July 19, 1876, with nine charter members. Rev. C.S. Harrison – pioneer preacher, nurseryman, horticulturist, poet and educator – was in...

06/17/2026

This is going to be a fun historically flavored event!

06/17/2026

What's your story Wednesday- Hunting Season?

Sunday evening, I was checking on a resident raccoon lounging on the roof of the old shed when something caught my eye. My first instinct was disbelief, but it didn't take long to confirm my suspicions. It's lightning bug season! The weekend showers must have awakened them.

I have an inkling that everyone reading this has, at least once, captured a whole jar of the flashing beetles for a nightlight. I know we punched holes in the lid for air holes so the bugs could breathe and fill the bottom with some fresh grass, so they had something to eat and a place to sleep. I also remember the disappointment in the morning when I had a whole jar full of plain – looking dead bugs- not one of the beautiful flashing bugs that I caught the evening before remained.

Lightning bugs also help me to remember my cousin Scott's birthday. It was a chance to see not only my regular cousins but also see his other cousins on his dad's side. He had an aunt that would take a lightning bug that we caught and cut the flashing part off to put it on our finger for a glowing ring. That was the best, times were different then. Now, I just enjoy the light show they provide.

Imagine how our ancestors felt on their first summer here and seeing that first spark of green light. It must have brought a smile to their faces as they remembered the old country. They probably handed a jar to their kids to go hunting for their own night light. Hopefully kids will hunt them and parents enjoy watching the scene for years to come.

Visit the York County Historical Association on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 9:00 until 12:00 and do a little hunting of your own. You'll be glad you did!

06/16/2026

These shelves are filled with local family collections spanning many generations, donations from families here in and around York County with deep roots here. Letters, photos, articles, vital records, you name it.

Cataloging everything is on ongoing task (volunteer opportunity!), but we warmly welcome donation of family collections connected to our local history. If you have a family history collection and not sure what the future holds for it, know it will be safe with us. Preserving these stories is our mission.

Come visit and browse these collections yourself! We’re open Wednesdays & Saturdays 9–12 on the north side of the square.

Who knows what family treasures you might discover?

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

A big thank-you to the wonderful volunteers who make up our Board of Directors! We snapped this photo during this month’s board meeting with the board and some guests: real people, giving their time because they care deeply about preserving and sharing our county's community history.

This organization doesn’t run itself. It runs on the dedication of your friends and neighbors who believe our stories matter. Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the area, you’ll find a welcoming place here filled with kind, knowledgeable folks who love talking local history and helping you research it.

We’d love for you to stop by and visit, and maybe even consider volunteering (we always have more projects needing attention, one might be right up your alley!). We are here on the north side of the square from 9-12 on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

What part of our local history interests you most? Drop a comment below, we’d love to hear!

06/06/2026

The historic county courthouse cornerstones are now here at the Association. They are not yet set up as a permanent display but you are still welcome to come by and see them and we would love to have you visit! Downtown, north side of the square!

06/06/2026

The historic county courthouse cornerstones are now here at the Association. They are not yet set up as a permanent display but you are still welcome to come by and see them and we would love to have you visit! Downtown, north side of the square!

06/01/2026

Mark your calendar for Sunday June 14, as the Arborville United Church of Christ is hosting a 150th Anniversary and reunion event starting at 2PM, with an Open House to follow. Historical items of interest will be on display. Guests are also welcome to attend church services that morning at 9AM.

Arborville and its church were founded by renowned horticulturist Reverend Charles Simmons Harrison, with the Post Office being established in 1874. Harrison chose the name and then planted an entire quarter section of trees accordingly. Harrison later moved to Franklin NE, helping found the Franklin Academy, but eventually returned to York County and resided in York until his death in 1919. Harrison Park in York bears his name. His personal bible, dated 1865, is in the collection.

Arborville grew to include a general store, a smithery, a schoolhouse, and was platted for growth before the railroads bypassed the settlement. Nonetheless, it has held on as a community even as others in the County have vanished completely.

If you have stories to share about Arborville, feel free to comment here, and we hope you can make to the reunion event to share them there as well.

05/26/2026

YORK – Last week, a reader asked about the location of the cornerstone from York County’s historic courthouse. As the reader recalled, years ago there was a story written regarding speculation it had been found among property at the county roads department. Since that time, there has been no men...