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Mission and History

Mission Statement

The Museums of Old York is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the history of the York region for the education and enjoyment of the public

History

The Museums of Old York is the product of a merger of three historical organizations founded in York with histories dating back more than one hundred years:

The Old York Historical and Improvement Society was founded in 1896 by a group of York summer residents to preserve local history and to beautify the town. It sponsored town parks, road improvements and beautification projects, and played an important role in town zoning, historic districts, and community landscape projects. It also owned Steedman Woods, a 17 acre nature preserve.

The Old Gaol Museum Committee was formed in 1900 to restore the 18th century Old Gaol (now a National Historic Landmark), establish a Museum of Colonial Relics, and assume responsibility for the preservation of the Old Gaol, the collection of objects, and historical education in the community. In 1953 the Museum Committee purchased the 18th century Emerson-Wilcox House adjacent to the Old Gaol. A curator was then hired in 1959. In 1976, the Old Gaol Museum Committee and the Society for the Preservation of Historic Landmarks in York County collaborated to launch the award winning Living History education program, which still runs today.

The Society for the Preservation of Historic Landmarks in York County was founded by Miss Elizabeth Perkins and incorporated in 1941. It concentrated on building restoration projects such as the moving and restoration of Jefferds' Tavern and the Old School House. The Society was bequeathed the Elizabeth Perkins House in 1952, an 18th century house with later enlargements and furnishings that showcases a remarkable colonial revival period study collection. The Society also obtained deeded rights to the John Hancock Warehouse and purchased the George Marshall Store in 1955. A full time director was hired in 1980 to oversee museum properties, architectural surveys, and educational outreach.