Information for Tour Groups

Consider a visit to the Museums of Old York! Nine museum buildings, an archival library, a new handicapped-accessible exhibition hall and education center and a contemporary art gallery house an impressive collection that tells the story of more than 300 years of life in southern Maine!

The museum buildings are open to the public from June 7 through October 11, 2008. Off-season tours can be arranged, and our administration offices, library and contemporary art gallery are open year round. Our new fully handicapped accessible education and exhibition center will be open year-round. Our first exhibit, opening in May 2008, will showcase southern Maine folk art. Tour options are incredibly flexible and can often fit into an already scheduled itinerary. We can also put together an exclusive package for your group that is based on your own interests in the area. A day in York could include a morning tour of the museum, lunch at Foster's Downeast Clambake, shopping in York Beach, a visit to the Nubble Lighthouse, dinner at one of York's fine restaurants and a trip to a local theater before retiring at one of our fine hotels or bed and breakfasts.

Featured Tours & Presentations

History and Highlights: Learn about the museum's buildings, the history that they represent and view some of the museum's most noteworthy treasures in this overview tour held in the fully-accessible Remick Barn. This is a good introduction for first-time visitors and a nice option for those with limited mobility. It includes a tour of the current exhibition and a slideshow presentation. $5 per person with a minimum $25 fee; approximately one hour.
Historic Buildings: Each of our historic buildings are available for tours lasting from 30 to 45 minutes. Groups can choose to tour all of the buildings or simply choose those of greatest interest. Costumed interpreters are available for some tours and guided tours through hte historic buildings are limited to 12 people at a time. Larger groups are encouraged to select additional buildings or activities that can allow participants to rotate. Self-guided tours are available for some buildings. $5 for one museum building, $8 for two or more museum buildings. An additional $1 discount per person is available for groups of 20 or more.
Walking Tours of York Beach: Join us for a one hour walking tour of York Beach. See the sights, view the architecture and learn about this very distinct beach community. $4 per person with a minimum $48 fee.
Walking Tour of York Village: Join us for a one hour walking tour of York Village. Learn about the historic sites, folklore and architecture unique to one of the community's traditional town centers. $4 per person with a minimum $48 fee.
Walking Tour of York Harbor: Join us for a one hour walking tour of York Harbor, the prestigious summer community of southern Maine. The famed River Walk will take you past some of the grandest homes, build in York Harbor's heyday. $5 per person with a minimum $60 fee.
Step-On Guide Service: Old York will provide a step-on guide to accompany your group for a one hour tour through York, York Harbor and York Beach. Learn about the historic sites, folklore, local history and architecture of this seacoast community. $75 per motor coach. Transportation must be provided by the group.

Custom Tours: Experience by Design

These thirty minute workshops can be added to guided tours of our historic buildings. For larger groups, please select two or more activities to allow participants to rotate and experience each activity in turn.

Hearth Cooking: Observe as our baker prepares some 18th century desserts. Help mix ingredients as you learn about the various cooking methods and common food products of the colonial era. $3 per person with a minimum $36 fee.

From Fleece to Fashion : Unravel the mystery of colonial clothing. Try on hats and petticoats, card and spin wool and learn about clothing through the centuries. $2 per person with a minimum $24 fee.
Games of the Past : Try your hand at some old-fashioned games such as Nine Men's Morris, dominoes, ball and cup, and for the bravest ones, why not try walking on stilts? This brief introduction to games of the past will feature dolls and other toys from our extensive museum collection. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy this activity! $2 per person with a minimum $24 fee.
Colonial School Lesson : Learn the three R's in our 1745 one-room schoolhouse. Practice writing with a quill pen, learn about punishments and other fun educational techniques of the 18th century! $2 per person with a minimum $24 fee.
History of Laundry: In this engaging demonstration, Old York airs its dirty laundry! Learn about the history of this sudsy endeavor and view a demonstration of the process using our original set kettles. $2 per person with a minimum $24 fee.
A Tour of Trees: While focusing on the species found in York Village, we will discuss the evolution of men's relationship with local trees. Participants will learn to identify Maine trees and discover their historical uses, properties and origins. $2 per person with a minimum $24 fee.

Exclusive Tours for Larger Groups

In addition to our regular tours, the Museums of Old York offers special programs exclusively for groups of twenty or more. Reservations are required and please note the additional fees.

Jail Break! Available June through September, enjoy a forty-five minute theatrical tour of the Old Gaol by lantern-light with the jailor and his wife. Visit the dungeons and hear the stories of the jailor's interactions with some of the prisoners. $8 per person.
Tavern Time: Spend an hour with the Tavern Keeper, sip some apple cider and participate in a hands-on open hearth cooking demonstration in true colonial style. Tour includes an 18th century style school lesson in the Old Schoolhouse. $6 per person.
Victory Garden and House Tour : Spend an hour and a half at a riverside estate between June and September. Begin your visit by strolling through the flower garden, rose arbors, victory garden and orchard overlooking hte York River. Next, tour the estate house, which features an eclectic array of collectibles, decorative arts and rare antiques from around the world. Finally, retire to the riverside porch and enjoy a glass of lemonade or tea with your fellow travelers. $7 per person.
Voices from the Grave : Join us June through October for a one hour walking tour of one of the oldest burying grounds in town. Your guide will discuss the different gravestone styles and explain the evolution of the symbolism of death from the early settlers until the mid-nineteenth century. The discussion, epitaphs and monuments will tell the story of events that shaped the history of York. $5 per person.

Additional programs and customizable tour options are available. To learn more, download our Tour Information Package. To make reservations or to further customize your experience, contact Education Director Anne Poubeau at (207) 363-4974 or education@oldyork.org!

Please make reservations at least two weeks in advance.