York County Historical Association

York County Historical Association The York County Historical Association, founded in 1967, exists to preserve, research, and interpret the materials and history related to York County, NE.

06/06/2026

The historic county courthouse cornerstones are now here at the Association. They are not yet set up as a permanent display but you are still welcome to come by and see them and we would love to have you visit! Downtown, north side of the square!

The historic county courthouse cornerstones are now here at the Association. They are not yet set up as a permanent disp...
06/06/2026

The historic county courthouse cornerstones are now here at the Association. They are not yet set up as a permanent display but you are still welcome to come by and see them and we would love to have you visit! Downtown, north side of the square!

Mark your calendar for Sunday June 14, as the Arborville United Church of Christ is hosting a 150th Anniversary and reun...
06/01/2026

Mark your calendar for Sunday June 14, as the Arborville United Church of Christ is hosting a 150th Anniversary and reunion event starting at 2PM, with an Open House to follow. Historical items of interest will be on display. Guests are also welcome to attend church services that morning at 9AM.

Arborville and its church were founded by renowned horticulturist Reverend Charles Simmons Harrison, with the Post Office being established in 1874. Harrison chose the name and then planted an entire quarter section of trees accordingly. Harrison later moved to Franklin NE, helping found the Franklin Academy, but eventually returned to York County and resided in York until his death in 1919. Harrison Park in York bears his name. His personal bible, dated 1865, is in the collection.

Arborville grew to include a general store, a smithery, a schoolhouse, and was platted for growth before the railroads bypassed the settlement. Nonetheless, it has held on as a community even as others in the County have vanished completely.

If you have stories to share about Arborville, feel free to comment here, and we hope you can make to the reunion event to share them there as well.

05/26/2026

YORK – Last week, a reader asked about the location of the cornerstone from York County’s historic courthouse. As the reader recalled, years ago there was a story written regarding speculation it had been found among property at the county roads department. Since that time, there has been no men...

We had a lovely evening speaking at the Waco alumni banquet tonight at Chances R. The food was delicious and we enjoyed ...
05/24/2026

We had a lovely evening speaking at the Waco alumni banquet tonight at Chances R. The food was delicious and we enjoyed visiting with everyone! Thanks so much for having us! Go Warriors!

05/23/2026

Some snapshots of historic maps of York County Nebraska and its towns

What did that street look like 75 years ago? Where did the train tracks run? Where was the edge of town in 1900? Histori...
05/23/2026

What did that street look like 75 years ago? Where did the train tracks run? Where was the edge of town in 1900? Historical maps provide initial clues for some fascinating stories that can be fun to pursue, and we have lots of maps! Come see for yourself how our county and towns used to be laid out, including some neighborhoods and communities that no longer exist. The historical aerial imagery and atlases entrusted to our care can give you a window into how the county has grown and evolved. Come on down and check them out!

Mark your calendars for this Memorial Day weekend May 23-25, the Annual Gresham Fireman's Picnic has three full days of ...
05/20/2026

Mark your calendars for this Memorial Day weekend May 23-25, the Annual Gresham Fireman's Picnic has three full days of programming for the community that starts at 9AM Saturday morning and wraps up with live music running until 11PM Monday night.

Fun activities and events for everyone in the family!

We hope you can make it out to Gresham this weekend to show your support!

Gresham NE Volunteer Fire and Rescue
Gresham Nebraska

What's your story Wednesday- The Magic of Flowers Years ago, we were hit by the "Spring fever bug" where the only cure w...
05/20/2026

What's your story Wednesday- The Magic of Flowers

Years ago, we were hit by the "Spring fever bug" where the only cure was to take a day trip. We often left home in the early morning with no particular place to go; but let nature take the lead while we just enjoyed the ride. That day, flowering trees were filled with rose-colored blossoms, spring bulbs splashed color around houses, and calves lounged on dark green grass under a brilliant Blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. As the miles slipped by, we changed course and ended up at my parents house. We visited in their sunroom while watching a garter snake lounge on the step by the open door. It was such a pleasant way to spend the day.

Before leaving, we looked at Dad's cornfield admiring. The tiny leaves springing up through the soil. That's when I caught a whiff of Lily-of-the- valley, I intuitively knew that I had a small bouquet to take home. Wading through the hydrangeas on the corner of the front porch. I soon had a handful of the quaking bell-shaped blossoms. Dad was saying his final goodbye as I split the bouquet in half telling him to give Mom a bouquet too. You could see the years magically erased as he once again became her bashful suitor. As we drove out of the yard, I could see him handing the nose gay to her, they were both smiling. It's a wonderful memory that I still carry today.

Is your memory jogged to another place in time when you see a row of blooming lilacs or inhale the scent of a freshly tilled field? It's important that you share these memories because they are a tiny part of your life story. To see photos, books, or memorabilia that may magically ease years. Visit the York County Historical Association on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 9:00 until 12:00. You'll be glad you did.

05/19/2026

Scenes from the old York Middle School

Address

109 East 6th Street
York, NE
68467

Telephone

+14023622990

Website

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