After a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Historic Tours of Prospect Hill Cemetery have returned!  Tours are sponsored by the Historic Prospect Hill Cemetery Heritage Foundation and offered at NO CHARGE! They are wheelchair friendly and fun for everyone!.  Community members are encouraged to explore York’s history on tours offered at 12:00pm and 2:00pm, one Sunday per month.

This will mark the 4th year that tours have been offered at Prospect Hill. Nearly 1,000 people have toured with us and spots continue to fill quickly – register early to secure your tour! The “History Tram”, pulled by a small tractor, will accompany 22 guests per tour, on a 90-minute ride throughout our hallowed grounds. Seating is limited. While walk-ins are welcome, we cannot guarantee seating to be available. We urge those interested to visit www.prospecthill.org/historic-tours to register and reserve their seat(s). Guests will also enjoy light refreshments one-half hour before their scheduled tour time.

2021 Sunday Tour Schedule

June 13, 2021 @ 12:00pm

June 13, 2021 @ 2:00pm

 July 11, 2021 @ 12:00pm

July 11, 2021 @ 2:00pm

 August 15, 2021 @ 12:00pm

August 15, 2021 @ 2:00pm

 September 19, 2021 @ 12:00pm

September 19, 2021 @ 2:00pm

October 17, 2021 @ 12:00pm

October 17, 2021 @ 2:00pm

The Sunday Tour dives into the rich history behind the beginnings of Prospect Hill Cemetery, which was chartered in 1849, and many other topics including military history, Victorian symbolism, First Responder and veteran memorials, and more. Prospect Hill is the final resting place of men and women from the 19th and 20th centuries who created the industrial and social fabric of York County! Prospect Hill is also the final resting place for soldiers from every war in which our nation has participated! Additionally, Soldiers’ Circle is a federally owned site given to America after the Civil War. It serves as the final resting place for 162 soldiers, some of which died of wounds from the Battle of Gettysburg. The tour also explores Victorian-era architecture and symbolism that can also be found throughout York City. The Foundation and cemetery host several ceremonies throughout the year that honor service to our country and community. Our annual Court of Valor and Safekeepers Shrine ceremony, with York’s observance of the anniversary of 9/11 is held at Prospect Hill Cemetery! The Community Mausoleum is also featured on this tour. It’s arguably the only place in York you can find two handcrafted sphinxes! This building tells the story of cultural shifts on a national level, like pop culture and burial practices that are still emerging today.

Private tours are offered to groups of fifteen or more people. You may also register for private tours at www.prospecthill.com/historic-tours. Private tours feature the same Sunday Tour at a time more convenient for the group (i.e. VFW posts, service clubs, and community center groups). Join Jack Sommer and the Historic Prospect Hill Cemetery Heritage Foundation for a fun, historic tour like no other!

COVID-19 Warning – Although this is an outdoor event, we recommend that attendees wear a mask, even if they have been vaccinated, as there is no opportunity for social distancing once passengers have boarded the History Tram.