Happy birthday to York County! Check out these 275th anniversary events this weekend
York County will celebrate its 275th anniversary this year.
The York County History Center museum will host a grand opening celebration in its new home the first weekend in August.
And local historian James McClure has published a new, expanded version of his book, "Never to be Forgotten," to include more history about the area, including events that have happened in the past 25 years.
McClure, a retired editor of the York Daily Record/York Sunday News, said he timed the publication of "Never to be Forgotten, A History of York County, Pa." with local history museums opening and anniversaries, including the upcoming 250th birthday of the nation and the adoption of the Articles of Confederation in York.
"This really is a major moment in York County history," he said. "I kind of call it the golden age of York County history, studies and learning."
The book will give readers a chance to learn about the county's history for the first time or gain more knowledge about it.
What's in the latest 'Never to be Forgotten' book?
The first edition of "Never to be Forgotten" was published in conjunction with the county's 250th anniversary in 1999.
The new, softcover edition totals 440 pages — double the size of the first book — and includes about 250 pictures and more stories.
It features more history about Native American life — from before the Susquehannock Indians to present day — as well as expanded sections on the American Revolution, Civil War and World War II, McClure said.
While past historians focused on men involved in government and business, "Never to be Forgotten" covers men and women of various races who have been involved in the community, McClure said.
What might surprise some readers is that "Never to be Forgotten" includes historical events to the current day, he said. Most books cut off at a certain date, but this one includes news of this century, such as the court trials in the 1969 murders of Lillie Belle Allen and Officer Henry Schaad.
"Never to be Forgotten" not only covers the pivotal events in the county's history but also everyday life, McClure said.
Examples include the rules proprietors of Ye Olde York Valley Inn established for guests, such as no more than five people could sleep in one bed, and a horse named George that pulled a mower to cut the fairway grass for the Country Club of York.
In the 1980s, Lt. Robert O. Goodman Jr., who was a prisoner of war, received a hero's welcome in York. Here's an excerpt from the book:
"Lt. Goodman was serving as a navigator/bombardier aboard a jet over Syria when anti-aircraft fire caused him to eject. He became a prisoner of war in Syria and was freed after the Rev. Jesse Jackson intervened. President Reagan welcomed him home. And so did York in 1984, home of his father and brother. Students at Alexander D. Goode School welcomed him, waving flags and handing him a sweatshirt emblazoned with 'I’m a Goode Man,' referencing the school’s name, one of the Four Chaplains who died heroically in World War II."
Second volume of 'Never to be Forgotten' to be published
"Never to be Forgotten" is the first of two volumes that will be published for the historical anniversaries being celebrated in York County.
The first volume covers who, what, when, where and how, McClure said. The second one will take a look at the "why" — what makes York County what it is. The book is expected to be published in 2026.
The project, which is a culmination of three years of work, is in cooperation with the York County History Center and the York Daily Record/Sunday News.
The book is being published by Scott Mingus Enterprises/Amazon Publishing.
York County historian June Lloyd wrote in the forward of the book that people should add it to their collection even if they have the 1999 version.
“... this is not just the same book with 25 more years of recent history. Jim has included lots of new material on many people and many events pertinent to the whole 275 years of York County’s existence and added stories about the Native American inhabitants and settlers who lived here before that official August 1749 creation.
"This history is an easy read that you can approach however you please," she wrote.
York County plans 275th anniversary celebration
York County has a variety of events, including fireworks, planned to celebrate the 275th anniversary of the charter signing on Aug. 19, according to a fact sheet.
Here is a list of the events released by the county:
Saturday, Aug. 17 at WellSpan Park in York: A block party is set for 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., which will include vendors, activities and artisans.
The York Revolution will play against the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars at 6:30 p.m.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the pre-game festivities, which will include a parade, birthday cake and performances by the York County Honors Choirs Alumni Choir.
The event will end with a fireworks display sponsored by America250PA.
The ball stadium is located at 5 Brooks Robinson Plaza.
Sunday, Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts: York County historian James McClure and radio host Gary Sutton will discuss York County's 275 years of history, including "exploring facinating stories, little-known facts and pivotal moments" that have shaped the county's identity. The York County Honors Choirs Alumni Choir also will perform at the event.
Sunday, Aug. 18 at the Elks Lodge, 223 N. George St.: The public is invited to participate in a community mural painting project, led by local artist Ophelia Chambliss. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. at the York County Administrative Center: The ceremony at 28 E. Market St. will include a reading of The Charter and unveiling the design of the 275th Commemorative plaque. It will kick off a series of upcoming anniversaries over the next few years, including America's 250th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Articles of Confederation.
Monday, Aug. 19 at noon across York County: Bells will ring across the county to mark the 275th anniversary. The public is invited to join in the event.
To see the events, visit www.york365.com and click on the category "History Made Here."
How to buy the book
"Never to be Forgotten, A History of York County, Pa." will be available for sale on Amazon, Brown's Orchards & Farm Market or at the York County History Center Museum.
The cost is $24.95.
McClure also will be autographing copies of the book at the York County History Center Museum on the following dates:
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2
Noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: New edition of 'Never to be Forgotten" includes more stories, 21st century
