The Yorkville Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1978 to foster and promote historical preservation and restoration in the city of York, SC, and its surrounding area.
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Divine Savior Hospital and
the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy South Carolina
Historical Marker
The Yorkville Historical Society is pleased to have submitted an application for a historical marker recognizing the Divine Savior Hospital and the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy.
In 1938, four Sisters from the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Charleston—Mary Martha, Margaret Mary, Felicitas, and Gertrude—arrived in York to provide much-needed healthcare, thanks to Mrs. Church Carroll’s generous donation of her home on Congress Street. They quickly established a clinic and residence that became the foundation for Divine Saviour Hospital, with the first hospital building completed in 1942. Renamed the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy in 1949, the congregation was known for its compassionate, hands-on care, exemplified by the tireless Sister Gertrude. Their work marked a turning point in medical services for Western York County. Due to declining numbers, the Sisters transferred the hospital to Bon Secours in 1989; by 1991, emergency services had ceased, and the facility was sold to White Oak Manor, which now operates as a nursing home.
Because of a very large backlog of pending historical marker applications, it will likely be 6-9 months from out submission in July 2025 before work will begin on our application.
Use this link for additional information.
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YHS Booth during Summerfest
Antiques, Artisans & More Show
Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23, 2025
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. each day
Church of the Good Shepherd
108 East Liberty Street, York, SC
The Yorkville Historical Society will have a booth during Summerfest at the Antiques, Artisans & More show held at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Our wonderful tour book and other items will be available for purchase.
We hope you can stop by!
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Our Next YHS General Membership Meeting
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Church of the Good Shepherd
108 East Liberty Street, York, SC
This meeting will feature Zach Lemhouse, who will present the second part of his lecture series on the history of York from the Colonial Period to the 20th Century.
The Second Founding: Division & Reconstruction in York County Zach will cover the sectional crisis that divided our country and the attempts following the Civil War to reunite it. This lecture will include York County’s Antebellum Era, its role in the Civil War, and the promising yet tumultuous era of Reconstruction.
Directions to the meeting: From East Liberty Street, turn onto Trinity Street. Turn left into the parking lot. Enter the Parish Hall through the right-hand door that faces Trinity Street.
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Stories of the Stones: Echoes of Valor
A Walking Tour of Veterans’ Grave Sites
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 1:00 p.m.–4 p.m.
Rose Hill Cemetery
229 East Liberty Street, York, SC
Join the Yorkville Historical Society for a powerful afternoon of remembrance and reflection at “Echoes of Valor”, a special guided walking tour through the historic Rose Hill Cemetery. This unique event honors the legacy of local veterans who served our country with courage and commitment.
On your tour, you’ll meet actors in period attire standing beside the graves of York’s servicemen and women, portraying the lives and stories of those who once walked these very streets. Through live interpretation and dramatic storytelling, the past will come alive—sharing voices long silent and sacrifices never forgotten.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a visitor to our historic city, “Echoes of Valor” offers a meaningful way to connect with the lives behind the headstones and pay tribute to those who served.
Tickets will be $8.00.
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History of York from the Colonial Period to the 20th Century Lecture Series
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 7:00 pm
Church of the Good Shepherd
108 East Liberty Street, York, SC
Zach Lemhouse, Historian at the Culture and Heritage Museums of York County, will be presenting the third part of his three part lecture series for our YHS general membership meeting.
A More Perfect Union: The Civil Rights Movement in York County
In the final installment, Zach explores the national struggle to live up to America’s founding principles. This lecture will cover York County’s role in the broader Civil Rights movement.
Note: This meeting is on November 13 which is not our usual last Thursday of the month.
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YHS 2025 Historic Yorkville Holiday Home Tour
Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025
Save the dates—This event should be another fabulous Holiday Home Tour. More details will be posted once they are available.
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2025 YHS Meetings
Our meetings are usually scheduled for the last Thursday of the month starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 108 East Liberty Street, York, SC.
Our 2025 expected meeting dates:
- July: No meeting
- August: No meeting
- September 25: Board meeting 5:45 p.m. General meeting 7:00 p.m. (Zach Lemhouse presentation 2nd in the series)
- October 23: Board meeting 6:00 p.m.
- November 13: Board meeting 5:45 p.m. General meeting 7:00 p.m. (Zach Lemhouse presentation 3rd and last in the series—meeting date moved to November 13 instead of the last Thursday of the month)
- December: No meeting, Holiday Home Tour December 13 and 14
General Membership Meeting Information
Our general membership meetings are usually held every other month and typically start at 7:00 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Details are posted on our website, and a notice is emailed to our email distribution list.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is located at 108 East Liberty Street, York, SC. (From East Liberty Street, turn onto Trinity Street. Turn left into the parking lot. Enter the Parish Hall through the right-hand door that faces Trinity Street.)
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-> A Guide to Olde York: The White Rose Tour—Our wonderful tour book has fascinating information and pictures about York and its history. Follow this link to find out how to get your copy.
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Research Requests
The Yorkville Historical Society has no archives, genealogical records, or research staff.
A great resource for your genealogical and historical research inquiries is the Historical Center of York County. The Historical Center of York County opened in 1989 to serve as York County’s archival repository to collect and preserve information of historical importance and is located at 210 East Jefferson Street, York, SC. Use this link to find out how to submit your research request to the Historical Center of York County, or check the YHS resources page for other options.
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Our email: yorkvillehistoricalsociety@gmail.com
You can use this link to be added to our YHS email distribution list to get updates and notices of our upcoming events.
See more information on our Facebook page.
YHS Membership
Follow this link for more information on YHS memberships.