The Old York Historical Society was founded more than 100 years ago to preserve the history and artifacts of York.
Originally referred to as Gorgeana, York is one of New England's earliest colonial settlements. It also has the distinction of being the nation's first chartered city (1641) and first incorporated city (1642).
Offering 37 period room settings and several galleries housed throughout nine historic museum buildings, the Society showcases a wealth of early New England art, architecture, and decorative arts. The exhibits focus on the stories of southern Maine's men, women, and children and the world they created and lived in from the earliest settlement in the 1600s to the present day.
The Society also owns several other land holdings and also maintains an archival library with materials relating to the history of the town and surrounding area.
Selected Old York Historical Society images:
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Silver Tankard by Benjamin Burt, Boston, ca. 1760
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Hepplewhite Federal chest of drawers, York, ca. 1810
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Chest of drawers attributed to John Bradbury, Sr. of York, ca. 1760
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Walnut high chest, attributed to John Bradbury, Sr., York, ca. 1740
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Portrait of Nathaniel Barrell, 1816
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Chair/table, possibly York County, ca. 1715
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18th century pocket watch and case