On Friday, May 2, 2026, community members, elected officials, supporters, partners, alumni, and generations of Crispus Attucks York families gathered together to celebrate the historic Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Crispus Attucks York History & Culture Center (CAYHCC) — a transformative new space dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the rich African American history and culture of York County.

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The long-awaited moment marked more than the opening of a building. It represented nearly 95 years of perseverance, vision, service, and community impact by Crispus Attucks York.

The celebration began with excitement, reflection, prayer, and gratitude as supporters gathered outside the stunning new facility before the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Because of the Faces…”

CEO Robert “Bobby” Simpson opened the ceremony by reflecting on the generations of people who helped build and sustain Crispus Attucks York over nearly a century.

“Because of the faces on that book cover, it is the reason this four-block campus exists,” Simpson said while holding the event program. “These are pictures of the pioneers who helped build this organization.”

Simpson acknowledged the many challenges the organization faced throughout its history, including moments when people doubted whether the History & Culture Center project could even become reality.

“Once again, we were told there wasn’t enough support in the York community for this to happen,” Simpson shared. “But look where we are today.”

Throughout his remarks, Simpson repeatedly encouraged visitors to appreciate the decades of dedication represented throughout the building.

“As you tour this building today, I just want you to appreciate, appreciate, appreciate Crispus Attucks’ legacy, involvement, and contribution to the community,” he said.

Simpson also recognized the countless volunteers, staff members, board leaders, and supporters who carried the organization through difficult moments and helped transform the dream of the History & Culture Center into reality.

 

Honoring 95 Years of Service

Pennsylvania State Representative Carol Hill-Evans presented a special citation recognizing Crispus Attucks York’s 95th anniversary and honoring the organization’s impact on York City through education, workforce development, youth programming, senior services, cultural preservation, and neighborhood revitalization.

 

The citation highlighted major milestones throughout Crispus Attucks York history, including the founding of the Rising STARS program, the Employment & Training Center, the Active Living Center, the Crispus Attucks Charter School, the Early Learning Center, the Goodridge Freedom Center & Underground Railroad Museum, and now the History & Culture Center.

Representative Hill-Evans described the opening as an “epic and momentous milestone” for the York community.

“Why Does CA Need to Exist?”

Before introducing the construction and architectural teams behind the project, Dr. Scott Deisley reflected on the deeper significance of the History & Culture Center and the lasting impact Crispus Attucks York has had on the community for nearly a century.

“You may hear some repetition in what I’m about to say, but it’s important enough to say it a second time,” Deisley shared.

Deisley spoke about the founding of Crispus Attucks York in 1931 and the challenges the organization faced throughout its history, including periods when some questioned whether CA should continue to exist.

“Many in the community asked, ‘Why does CA need to exist?’” he said. “Many felt it was time to close the doors.”

He explained that community leaders Dan Elby and Ray Crenshaw answered that question in 1979 by asking Robert “Bobby” Simpson to step in and help stabilize the organization during one of its most difficult periods.

“Bobby Simpson answered that question definitively,” Deisley said. “The History & Culture Center answers that question as well.”

Deisley emphasized that the Center stands as a reflection of nearly 95 years of community impact, cultural preservation, education, and service to York.

“Imagining a York that did not include CA and the work that they have done over this nearly 100 years would be a bleak history,” he shared.

Building a Vision Into Reality

Tim Tate, President and CEO of Stewart and Tate Construction, reflected on the organization’s resilience through difficult periods in history when some questioned whether Crispus Attucks York should continue to exist.

“Many felt it was time to close the doors,” Tate shared while discussing challenges faced during the 1960s and 1970s. “The History & Culture Center answers that question as well.

Tate emphasized that without the determination of past leaders and supporters, many of the life-changing programs and community revitalization efforts that followed may never have happened.

“Imagining a York that did not include CA and the work that they have done over this nearly 100 years would be a bleak history,” he said.

He also celebrated the continued expansion of the organization’s mission over the decades.

“Nothing has changed since 1931. CA continues to live up to its mission,” Tate shared. “And yet, everything has changed.”

“It’s hard to think that almost two and a half years ago many of us stood right here for the groundbreaking of this incredible building,” said Tim Tate.

The project team praised the collaboration between Crispus Attucks York leadership, the building committee, contractors, designers, and community supporters who worked together to make the project possible.

“As the first multi-story cross-laminated timber structure in South Central Pennsylvania, I think you’ll agree with me that it’s nothing short of amazing,” Tate said.

Guests were especially encouraged to experience the building’s dramatic staircase, rooftop observation deck, and immersive exhibits designed to tell the story of York’s African American community.

 

“This New Place Is Not a Museum”

Architect Frank Dittenhafer of Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects delivered one of the day’s most memorable reflections, describing the deeper vision behind the design of the building.

“This new place is not a museum,” Dittenhafer explained. “It is a place where everyone is welcome — where people of all ages, all races, and beliefs can meet, listen to each other, and learn together.”

Dittenhafer described the History & Culture Center as a place rooted in light, openness, honesty, and conversation.

“This History & Culture Center is about light,” he said. “Seeing the light. Sensing the light. Spreading and reflecting the light.”

He also highlighted the intentional design choices throughout the building, including interactive exhibits, the Unity Courtyard, rooftop gathering spaces, community galleries, and historical storytelling experiences designed to inspire visitors while encouraging difficult but important conversations.

“Designing this building was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Dittenhafer said. “It’s not just another project. Truly, truly a privilege.”

A Community Celebration

Judy A. Ritter-Dickson, Chairwoman welcomed local dignitaries, elected officials, and longtime supporters while celebrating the deep connection many community leaders share with Crispus Attucks York.

“A lot of us came through CA,” Ritter-Dickson said proudly.

The ceremony concluded with prayer, gratitude, and the official ribbon cutting as children helped open the doors to the new History & Culture Center for the very first time.

As guests toured the exhibits, explored the rooftop terrace, visited the gallery spaces, and gathered throughout the building, the significance of the moment was felt throughout the community.

“We can’t do this without a big pair of scissors,” joked Interim Director Dr. Scott Deisley as families and children prepared to help officially open the building.

The new History & Culture Center stands as a powerful reminder of the stories, struggles, resilience, and accomplishments that helped shape York’s African American community while creating a space where future generations can continue to learn, gather, and grow together.

After nearly a century of service, Crispus Attucks York continues to fulfill its mission of “Giving Rise to Possible” through education, cultural preservation, workforce development, and community empowerment.

This was more than a ribbon cutting. This was history CA ALL DAY! VIEW MORE IMAGES BELOW