Celebrating Our Community’s Rich History: A Look Back at CAYHCC’s First Community Night
Yesterday evening, our Crispus Attucks York History and Culture Center (CAYHCC) hosted its first-ever Community Night, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the outstanding turnout! The event was a heartwarming reminder of just how much our shared history matters and how deeply connected we are as a community. Jeff Kirkland, Lead Historian of our Crispus Attucks York History and Culture Center, opened the CAYHCC Community Night by saying, “Our community has faced tremendous adversity and challenges…”
A Night to Remember
We welcomed community members of all ages who brought their curiosity and passion for local history to the table. Our goal for the evening was to connect people with the past by diving into our collection of archived photographs. These archives, filled with snapshots of York’s people and places over the decades, tell powerful stories—some of which remain unfinished due to the mystery of unidentified individuals captured in these historic moments.
That’s where you, our community, stepped in. Attendees poured over these photos, offering names, memories, and connections that will help us finally put identities to these faces. Whether it was recognizing a family member or recalling a familiar face from the neighborhood, every bit of information shared contributes to a greater understanding of our shared history.
Why Your Participation Matters
CAYHCC’s mission is to preserve and celebrate the history of York’s African American community and the broader stories of the region. Without the community’s active engagement, key pieces of our past risk fading into obscurity. By helping us fill in the blanks on these archives, you’re ensuring that future generations can access a more complete and accurate picture of our heritage.
In addition to working through the photo archives, participants took part in conversations about York’s evolving cultural landscape. These discussions sparked meaningful reflections on how our history informs the present and future, reinforcing the idea that the preservation of history is an ongoing, living process.
What’s Next?
We’re excited to continue building on the momentum of this first Community Night. In the coming months, we plan to host additional events that will focus on different aspects of local history, including oral history sessions, artifact review workshops, and more photo identification gatherings. Whether you’re a long-time York resident or a newcomer eager to learn more about the area, these events are for everyone.
The dedication, time, and effort that each of you brought to this inaugural event were invaluable. Together, we’ve taken a significant step toward preserving the rich cultural tapestry of York’s past, ensuring these stories continue to be told for years to come.
Thank You
We want to express our deepest gratitude to every individual who joined us for this milestone event. Your involvement has reaffirmed that preserving history is a community effort—one that requires collaboration, enthusiasm, and a shared sense of purpose. Because of you, we’re able to honor the past while shaping the future of our community.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and ways to get involved. We look forward to seeing you again and continuing this incredible journey of discovery together!
•The Crispus Attucks York History and Culture Center Team