The History Center moved into the
former Met-Ed steam power plant in August 2024 with all new exhibits including a 12 foot tall Reddy Kilowatt.
The first exhibits describe the role York, Pennsylvania, founded in 1741, played in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The city hosted the Continental Congress from September 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778 while the Articles of Confederation were drafted and adopted. During the Civil War the city was occupied by the Confederate Army for three days before they marched to Gettysburg. After the battle thousands of wounded Union soldiers were treated in the York U.S. Army Hospital.
Other exhibits cover stories of local residents who were involved in the Underground Railroad helping runaway slaves as they headed north, plus tales of early settlers and farming practices. Artifacts include a large variety of equipment and machinery built in York factories. On display is a very complicated looking machine from D. F. Stauffer Biscuit Co. that made animal crackers using a long cylindrical cutter. The company made the first animal crackers in the US and has been in business for over 150.
Another complicated piece of machinery is a huge A-frame ammonia compressor built by York International in the early 1900s. It was used until the 1970s at the Cudahy Packing Company in Wichita, Kansas to produce ice and refrigeration for preserving meat products.
The museum is accessible. The admission price includes three more museums in the complex but their hours are very limited so we didn't visit any of them.
Parking is located directly north of the museum. Go past the museum on Pershing Avenue, round the corner onto Gay Avenue then turn right into the lot. The lot is large enough for RVs. History Center 39.96376, -76.73228
No comments:
Post a Comment