American Craftsmanship Itinerary

A dive into the county history center of York will launch you into the many markers of our region. Making is a theme throughout the York County History Center exhibits and will showcase some of the county’s most famous makers and inventors. Check out the History Maker’s tower when you enter. This state-of-the-art touchscreen lets you delve into lives of history makers from all walks of life. From famous colonial clockmakers like John Fisher to Phineas Davis, inventor of America’s first iron steamboat, the York County History Center showcases how the county has grown, built, and made America.

The Agricultural and Industrial Museum in York brings York County’s legacy of making and manufacturing to life through immersive exhibits and working machinery. Inside a restored factory building, you can explore how local innovation transformed raw materials into tools, equipment, and products that supported everyday life. From early farming technology to complex industrial systems, the museum highlights the skill, problem solving, and craftsmanship that powered generations of workers.

As you move through the exhibits, you will encounter the stories behind major York companies that shaped both the region and the nation. Learn how Harley-Davidson built iconic motorcycles in York, how York International advanced heating and cooling technology, and how Voith Hydro contributed to global energy solutions. This stop connects local ingenuity to global impact, showing how craftsmanship in York continues to evolve and inspire.

Distilling was a major component of the economy. The Eichelberger Distillery showcases the techniques and history of this craft. They use 18th century methods and equipment whenever possible. Also on site is the historic Dill’s Tavern from 1794. This historic site preserves and showcases life in Pennsylvania’s frontier. Multiple historic buildings on site showcase not just distilling but also blacksmithing, coopering, and carpentry. The Northern York County Historical & Preservation Society operates the site and all its great programs, plus they host a seasonal farmers market on Saturdays.

Craftsmen always leverage natural resources for their craft. Mills for grain, lumber, and paper harness water flow to create their products much faster than manual labor. They were a catalyst for the industrial revolution, and some mills grew into manufacturing powerhouses. P.H. Glatfelter Paper Company of Spring Grove, York County, started small in 1864 and grew into a global manufacturer of specialty paper. In the 1960s, they helped create the Codorus State Park. This state park was created in partnership with the P.H. Glatfelter Co to dam the creek and create Lake Marburg. The state purchased the land, and the company built the dam, which created a water supply for its mill. This joint project was the first of its kind in the state. The park opened in 1967, and Lake Marburg was named for the small town that the waters of the lake now cover. Whether you are camping for the weekend or looking for a beautiful place to take a walk, Codorus State Park stands as a reminder that industry has always changed our landscape.

The Warehime-Myers Mansion is a gorgeous 1913 neo-classical building in the heart of Hanover, Pennsylvania. The home was built for Clinton Myers and his family, owners of the Hanover Shoe Company. The company, started in 1899, was very successful very rapidly. The factory in town had five major buildings and took up an entire city block. The factory made high-quality men’s leather dress shoes, like bluchers, wingtips, and tassel loafers. They sold direct to consumers at more than 60 stores between Indianapolis and New York City. The Warehime-Myers Mansion is a reflection of the great success of the company and the Myers family.

Today, the mansion is operated by the Hanover Area Historical Society. You can learn more about the shoe company and Hanover’s other famous makers in the property’s Carriage House. The Carriage House displays Hanover’s history over more than 250 years in three galleries.

The Dallastown Walking Tour invites you to explore a community shaped by the craft of cigar making in Dallastown. As you walk through the borough, you will discover how small factories and home workshops once filled the streets with the rhythm of skilled hands at work. Immigrant families brought knowledge and techniques that turned Dallastown into a center of cigar production, where craftsmanship and community grew side by side.
Along the route, you will see historic buildings and learn how makers rolled, packed, and shipped cigars that reached customers far beyond York County. Stories of workers, entrepreneurs, and families reveal the pride and precision behind each product. This experience connects you directly to the people who built a thriving industry and invites you to imagine the sights, sounds, and craftsmanship that defined daily life.

Step inside a world where craftsmanship meets precision. The National Watch and Clock Museum showcases intricate timepieces from around the globe, revealing how artisans transformed gears, springs, and cases into both functional tools and works of art.

Explore galleries filled with towering clocks, delicate pocket watches, and mechanical marvels. As you move through time, you will uncover stories of innovation, industry, and the skilled hands that kept communities running on time.

Dive into the delicious world of flavor creation at the Turkey Hill Experience. Interactive exhibits invite you to experiment, mix, and discover how simple ingredients become beloved treats enjoyed across the country. The Turkey Hill Company started more than 85 years ago, delivering milk in Lancaster County. The Frey family named the farm and business after their location on the Susquehanna River. The name of the ridge is believed to be from the Susquehannock people, who found it a good hunting ground for turkey. Even deeds from the Penn family reference Turkey Hill. The name today is synonymous with ice cream, which the Frey family started producing in 1954.

A visit to the Turkey Hill Experience showcases the history of the business in interactive exhibits. Create your own ice cream flavor, learn the science behind brewing tea, and connect with the region’s agricultural roots. This playful stop blends craftsmanship with creativity, offering a fun and memorable experience for all ages.

Uncover the stories that shaped Lancaster County through objects, artifacts, and lived experiences. The Lancaster History Museum highlights generations of makers, entrepreneurs, and communities who contributed to the region’s identity.

From early industry to everyday craftsmanship, each exhibit reveals how skill and ingenuity powered growth. As you explore, you will see how local traditions continue to influence the way people live and work today.

Walk through a living village where history comes to life through craft. At Landis Valley, skilled interpreters demonstrate trades such as blacksmithing, weaving, and woodworking using traditional methods.

Engage with artisans, explore historic buildings, and see how daily life relied on skill and resourcefulness. This immersive experience invites you to connect with the enduring traditions that shaped the region’s culture.

Discover how belief and daily life shape creative expression at the Mennonite Life Museum. Exhibits highlight handmade objects, quilts, and tools that reflect a deep commitment to simplicity and purpose.

Learn how craftsmanship connects to identity, family, and tradition. As you explore, you will gain a deeper understanding of how intentional living influences the objects people create and use every day.

Step into a historic bakery where tradition still rises fresh each day. The Sturgis family started this bakery in 1861 and still owns the business today. Like many makers, the bakery in Lititz was also his home. The sturdy stone house was built in 1784 and still includes many original features. At the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, you can learn the art of pretzel twisting from skilled bakers who carry on a centuries-old craft. Join a hands-on lesson, hear the story of pretzels in Pennsylvania, and enjoy the warm aroma of baking dough. This stop blends history, flavor, and craftsmanship into a truly memorable experience.

Go behind the scenes of advanced manufacturing at New Holland Agriculture. Guided tours reveal how cutting-edge machinery is designed and built to support farmers around the world. Watch skilled workers and technology come together on the production floor. This experience connects traditional agricultural roots with modern innovation, showing how craftsmanship continues to evolve. The history exhibit traces back New Holland to 1895 through present day – you can see artifacts firsthand you’ll never see anywhere else. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:30 Eastern time, and by appointment.