Conservation Society of York County

04/15/2026

Opening Day Celebrates History, Culture, and Community at Indian Steps Museum, 205 Indian Steps Road, Airville, PA – April 25, 2026
The Indian Steps Museum will welcome visitors for its highly anticipated Opening Day on Saturday, April 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at its historic riverside location, 205 Indian Steps Road, Airville, Pennsylvania.
This annual event marks the beginning of the museum’s 2026 season and offers a full day of immersive programming celebrating regional history, archaeology, and Native American heritage along the Susquehanna River.
The day will begin with an Opening Ceremony at 11:00 a.m., followed by a variety of educational and hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
Highlights of the event include:
• 11:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Colonial food sampling and traditional cooking demonstrations by Valley Forge Black Pots, offering a taste of early American life
• 11:15 a.m.: A guided Wildflower Walk along the Susquehanna River with Ranger Kelly, exploring the natural beauty and ecology of the region
• 11:30 a.m.: The Lower Susquehanna Archaeological Society (Chapter 28) will provide free artifact identification, inviting the public to bring local finds for expert insight
• 12:00 p.m.: Native American food sampling provided by Circle Legacy
• 1:00 p.m.: A special presentation by Curator Debbie Saylor in the Kiva Room, focusing on the history and culture of the Susquehannocks
Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the historic Indian Steps Museum, a unique early 20th-century structure overlooking the Susquehanna River, known for its rich collection of Native American artifacts and regional history exhibits.
Admission is $6.00 for adults, with free admission for children under 6.
“Opening Day is about bringing the community together to experience the history that surrounds us,” said Curator Debbie Saylor. “From archaeology to living history demonstrations, we want visitors to engage with the past in meaningful and memorable ways.”
For more information, visit www.indiansteps.org.

08/21/2025

September 13th Saturday, meet our curator, Debbie Saylor, for an entertaining overview of the last 16,000 years of Pennsylvania History. At 1:00 in the Kiva Room at Indian Steps Museum you will learn about how prehistoric Native Americans lived and hunted on the land.
Additional topic: Susquehannock Indians... Where did they live along the Susquehannock River and what happened to them as a culture.
Please to bring any Native American artifacts for Debbie to identify for free, plus provide th cultural content of your local finds.

08/21/2025

Save the date: September 13th and 14th at Indian Steps Museum.
Join us for the 43rd Annual Native American Fall Festival.

08/21/2025

Meet Mark Weaver on August 31st, Sunday 1:00 in the Kiva Room at Indian Steps Museum for a thrilling deep dive into hominid evolution. Examine skull, bones and tools upclose to appreciate our ancestors' survival skills.

07/15/2025

07/04/2025

Think about your impact to wildlife
Celebrate our great nation in other ways besides fireworks.

With freedom comes responsibility. Celebrating Independence Day is part of being an American. Still, when it’s at the expense of our nation’s iconic wildlife, we ask you to think twice about the impacts your celebration may have on the species and habitat around you. Fireworks are detrimental to wildlife and the environment due to air and water pollution, habitat disruption, and potential for physical harm. The explosions and chemicals released can frighten, injure, or displace animals, while the debris pollutes habitats and waterways with harmful substances.

Noise Pollution and Stress:
Animals have sensitive hearing and can be easily startled by the loud, unpredictable sounds of fireworks. This can lead to increased heart rates, stress, and panic, causing animals to flee their habitats. Disorientation and injury can occur when animals fly into buildings or obstacles while trying to escape the noise. In some cases, fireworks can trigger a flight response that leads animals to cross roads or enter dangerous areas, increasing the risk of accidents and death.

Habitat Disruption and Nest Abandonment:
Fireworks displays often take place near or within natural habitats, disrupting nesting sites and causing animals to abandon their young.
Parents may be unable to find their way back to their nests, leading to dehydration or starvation of their offspring. The disturbance caused by fireworks can impact migration patterns and other essential behaviors.

Chemical Contamination and Pollution:
Fireworks release various toxic chemicals, including heavy metals and particulate matter, into the air and water. These pollutants can contaminate soil, vegetation, and bodies of water, affecting wildlife that rely on these resources for survival. Animals may ingest contaminated food or water, leading to poisoning or other health issues. Fireworks also produce debris, such as paper and plastic casings, which can become litter and pose a choking hazard or contaminate habitats.

Direct Injury and Mortality:
Fireworks can cause burns, eye damage, and hearing loss in animals.
Birds may collide with buildings or other structures while fleeing from fireworks, resulting in injuries or death. In some cases, fireworks have been linked to mass deaths of birds, particularly when they are startled and fly into obstacles or fall from the sky.

In conclusion, fireworks pose a significant threat to wildlife due to their impact on animal behavior, habitat, and the environment. It is essential to consider the potential consequences of fireworks displays and explore alternative, wildlife-friendly celebrations. Instead of letting your money go to waste, consider purchasing supplies for your Wildlife Center. Your contribution will make a significant difference and will be greatly appreciated.

07/02/2025

Go Natural. Respect the Environment

You wanted a green lawn... but what did it cost? 🐦☠️
Pesticides don’t just kill pests—they poison the entire chain.
💔🧪

07/01/2025

July 19th come out to the Indian Steps museum! Geology Club's Social Potluck picnic & Rock Swap with crafts at a great York County museum filled with rocks used by Native Americans, right on the Susquehanna River! Learn about Fluorescents & UV with Andrew Rockhound, and how Native Americans used Lithics with Curator Debbie Saylor! A great event for the whole family!

06/10/2025

Do not use tape.

06/10/2025

Artifact show on June 21 from 11-3 at Friendship Lodge No. 663.
Debbie Saylor, curator of Indian Steps Museum and the Lower Susquehanna Archaeological Society will showcase local Native American artifacts.
Bring your artifacts for a free identification and corresponding cultural information.
Private local collections will be available to view. First time open to the public.
Fun day with food and friendship.

06/09/2025