Old York Historical Society

Purpose: Supporting Lifelong Learning The mission of the Old York Historical Society (OYHS) is to preserve and promote the history of the York, Maine, region for the education and enjoyment of the public. Recent strategic plans have addressed a perception among community members and trustees that that OYHS needed to broaden its audience by dramatically expanding the ways it serves the community. Specific elements of the new programs are designed to fill gaps in age groups and kinds of people served. Targeted audiences are middle school and high school students; families and small, multiage groups of museum visitors; and adults outside the formal education system. For example, OYHS will tie new programs for middle school and high school students to specific curricular needs through direct consultation and collaboration with teachers, and will offer a wide range of lectures and workshops. Partners in the project are local senior and adult education service agencies, a public library, and another nonprofit historical organization. Program elements fulfill the goals defined in the latest OYHS strategic plan, adopted in 2002 after a process that included community members and other constituents.