York Town News
Old York seeking community's help in final push to reach fundraising goal
By Jennifer L. Saunders
Old York Historical Society's Morning Adventures are continuing through the month, but only three chances remain to join in some old-fashioned fun like the children pictured here. For those between the ages of eight and 12, there's River Rats' Adventures, providing nautical fun at the John Hancock Wharf and Warehouse this Thursday, Aug. 17. Then, there's Big Kids Brunch at Bessie's at the Elizabeth Perkins House on Thursday, Aug. 24. For children between the ages of five and seven, only one Morning Adventure remains for this season: Brunch at Bessie's for Little Kids on Tuesday, Aug. 22. And for kids and adults of all ages, there's one more York Beach Historical Walking Tour set for Aug. 30, departing from the Ellis Park Gazebo. For all the details on signing up, event prices and more, call 363-4974 or visit www.oldyork.org.
Photo by Jennifer L. Saunders
A key project in the effort will be the creation of a new Visitor and Education Center, with town approval.
Old York Executive Director Scott Stevens said Tuesday that the success of the effort to date is wonderful news for Old York, and that plans are underway to reach the final goal and secure the NEH grant funds.
Those plans include a letter and phone campaign to members of the community and a Harvest Ball, currently planned for Sept. 29, to raise the final portion of the funds.
"Reaching our fundraising goals will be crucial to the future of Old York," Stevens said in an announcement of the progress to date. "We are literally busting at the seams, both with precious antiques … and with people."
The construction of the Visitor and Education Center, which Old York plans to build from an historic Eliot barn that was placed in storage when it had to be removed from its site to make way for a new development, will improve options for educational programs, seminars, demonstrations, lectures and more.
As Stevens put it, "It is becoming increasingly difficult to accommodate the hundreds of schoolchildren and adults who come to Old York to visit or to attend one of our programs."
With a history spanning 110 years, Old York has been praised not only by the NEH for its collections and programs but also by antiquarian Leigh Keno of the popular television show "Antiques Roadshow."
During a recent visit, Keno was quoted as saying, "You could visit a thousand museums and not see anything like this."
Stevens and the staff and volunteers at Old York hope the planned expansion will allow more residents and visitors to access items in the museum's collection, which includes rare furniture, glass, paintings, samplers and mourning pictures with roots reaching deep into York's history.
And, of course, locals and visitors alike need look no farther than the village center to see many of Old York's museum buildings, including the old gaol, Emerson-Wilcox House, Jefferds' Tavern and the old schoolhouse.
"Experts come here and are amazed by the pristine nature of these buildings," Stevens said. "When people visit Old York, they don't see a collection of paintings behind glass and cordoned-off furniture; they are seeing history coming alive, presented as it would have existed 250 years ago."
With the fundraising goal so nearly within reach, Stevens said he hopes residents, business owners and visitors alike will join in the effort to continue to preserve York's history.
As he and others have pointed out, people come to York and support its tourism economy not only for the beaches, restaurants and shops, but for the history of the town.
"We know that Old York is a source of pride for residents of the region and the people who do business here," he said, adding, "it also makes York a destination for families throughout the country, and the ever growing number of history detectives. With the completion of this fundraising effort, we can continue the important work of making sure that the history of York and Maine is protected and shared for generations to come."
Want to be a part of the effort? For more information, contact Old York at 363-4974 or visit www.oldyork.org.
