YORK, PA- Trace the tracks of history and relive York County's past during this year's celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg! York County is home to many pivotal moments in Civil War history from the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge to President Lincoln's stop at Hanover Junction Train Station. Discover these moments and more during the month of June and throughout the summer.

Don blue or gray attire and step back in time at the National Watch and Clock Museum during its American Civil War Ball on Saturday, June 22. Celebrate the 150thAnniversary of the Burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge and pay homage to the men and women noted in the Museum's Enlisting Time exhibit. Tickets for the event are $30 per couple or $20 for individuals and can be purchased online.

History comes alive at York County's newest attraction, Steam Into History, which will travel the Northern Central Railroad between New Freedom and Hanover Junction Train Station during the summer months. As the engine chugs through the countryside, visitors will encounter re-enactors living out the story of the "War Between the States", complete with appearances from Union and Confederate soldiers, even President Lincoln! Steam Into History's Grand Opening Celebration is slated for Saturday, June 22.

Experience a spectacular display of American history during Prelude to Gettysburg: Flames Across the Susquehanna on Friday, June 28 on the grounds of John Wright Restaurant and Store. This event tells the story of how Pennsylvania militiamen blocked the Confederate advance to Lancaster by burning the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge.  Live music by Susquehanna Travelers begins at 7, while the burning of the braziers will take place at 9:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.

Discover York County's connection to crucial events in Gettysburg at York County Heritage Trust's newest exhibit, the Fiery Trial: York County's Civil War Experience, opening June 29. This exhibit will highlight York County and south-central Pennsylvania's national role in the Civil War. A variety of period artifacts, objects, unique papers, documents, and printed items will be on display. These relics document the fear, sacrifice, and loss, as well as joy, pride, and belief of a community and its citizens who witnessed the war first-hand.

The Battle of Gettysburg isn't the only conflict commemorating an anniversary this year. In addition, the equally important Battle of Hanover will observe its 150thanniversary in August. The 16th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and the Civil War Re-Enactors of Hanover will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Hanover and Civil War Living History Weekend at Codorus State Park from August 16-17. This two-day event includes activities such as a blacksmith demonstration, medical demonstration, battle/skirmish, a candlelight walking tour, as well as re-enacted speeches from President Lincoln and General Lee.

For more information on Civil War events happening in York County and central Pennsylvania, visit www.rivertownes.org or www.yorkpa.org.

The York County Convention and Visitors Bureau (York County CVB) is the Official Tourism Promotion Agency for York County. The Mission of the York County CVB is to plan, support and promote programs designed to stimulate and encourage meetings, conventions, sporting events, and leisure activities, and to develop and enhance tourism in York County, PA. York County is ranked tenth in the state in economic impact from tourism expenditures. Visitors spend more than $850 million in York County annually. For more information on the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, call 1-888-858-9675 or visit www.yorkpa.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Louise Heine
Destination Marketing Manager
York County Convention & Visitors Bureau
717-852-9675, ext. 109 or lheine@yorkpa.org

Contact: Allison Freeman, Communications Specialist
717-852-9675, ext. 103 or allison@yorkpa.org