Old York in Postcards
This presentation is a companion to Scott’s popular York postcard book.  It focuses on the greater York area in the first half of the 20^th century.  The presentation includes several dozen postcards including Centre Square, businesses, institutions, public buildings, streetscapes, parks, Codorus Creek, and the York Fair.  Many buildings are long gone and parks have changed greatly over the years.  For some in the audience this will be a trip down “Memory Lane,” while for others it will be an introduction to the “Golden Age” of the City of York.  Scott has given this presentation to the Postcard Club of York, Rotary Club of York, Rotary Club of York – North, Rotary Club of York – East, Rotary Club of West York, Sunrise Rotary Club, Sertoma Club of York, and several nursing homes / seniors groups. 

York’s Historic Architecture
This presentation is a companion to Butcher’s Web site, “Virtual York: An Architectural Experience” (www.virtualyork.com) as well as his upcoming book, York’s Historic Buildings. This informative presentation encompasses an overview of York’s historic architecture from both the perspective of architectural styles as well as its viewpoint within York’s history. The presentation is heavily slanted toward York City; however, the history and buildings of York County are also discussed, depending upon time available.  Scott has given this presentation to the Rotary Club of York - East and Rotary Club of York - North.  A second version developed for the Rotary Club of Hanover featured expanded content on the buildings of southwestern York County.   Scott serves on the board of directors of Historic York, Inc. and has written about York’s architecture for Pennsylvania magazine and Showcase PA! 

York, Pennsylvania: Prize of the Confederacy
York was the largest Northern town occupied by the Confederate Army during the Civil War, and the possible planned point of concentration for the entire Confederate Army.  York was also home to Camp Scott and a major U.S. Army Hospital.  This presentation introduces York’s importance during the Civil War, with a specific emphasis on late June 1863 and the days leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg.  The presentation also includes information on the skirmish for the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, raid on Hanover Junction, and Battle of Hanover.  Scott has given this presentation at the Pennsylvania Civil War Trails kick-off workshop at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg and recently served as a guest instructor for the “Living History Players” program at HACC.  He is the author of Civil War Walking Tour of York, Pennsylvania, created a local Civil War themed Web site, www.yorkcivilwar.com, co-created the Civil War themed York Patriot Days event, and served on the York Committee for the Pennsylvania Civil War Trails program.

A Brief History of the York County Court House
For 250 years, York was home to a building named the York County Court House.  The first courthouse stood in Centre Square and hosted the Second Continental Congress.  The second courthouse was located on East Market Street and hosted an unwelcome visitor: the Army of Northern Virginia.  The third courthouse was constructed on the site of its predecessor, and was greatly renovated and expanded in 1957 before closing in 2004.  This presentation gives an overview of all these buildings, architectural highlights, and key events in their history.  Scott spoke about courts buildings at the dedication of the York County Administrative Center and recently completed a book about the history of the courthouses, A Brief History of the York County Court House.  In addition, he coordinated the creation of The Evolution of the York County Court House exhibit in the third-floor rotunda of the York County Administrative Center.

William C. Goodridge: Slave, Businessman, Underground Railroad Conductor
William Goodridge was born into slavery in Maryland.  He apprenticed to a local minister and tanner in York, eventually earning his freedom.  From these beginnings, Goodridge emerged as a prominent York businessman – he owned 20 properties, constructed York’s first 5-story (4.5) building, and started several businesses.  He was also an important conductor and stationmaster on the Underground Railroad, using his properties and railcars to conceal and transport fugitive slaves.  His is a captivating story, and one that has remained untold for far too long.  By blending extensive research with local tradition, Scott weaves together a fascinating tale of one of York’s most unique personalities from the 19^th century.  He serves on the William Goodridge Museum Task Force and is Nutec’s project manager for design of renovations to the Goodridge House to convert it into a museum. 

French Toast: Lafayette & the Making of a Myth
With the unveiling of a life-size statue of the Marquis de Lafayette toasting General George Washington, the story of Lafayette’s toast is again in the forefront of York history.  But how much of is it is really true?  Lafayette was in York in January 1778 and did meet with the Board of War.  But his account of the meeting – and the political intrigue surrounding his visit – may surprise you, as will the evidence suggesting that Lafayette may have never even stepped foot inside the Gates House!  Scott extensively researched the event and the growth of the legend surrounding it for his his book, French Toast: Lafayette & the Making of a Myth.  This eye-opening presentation will place the story in the proper context, and chart the subsequent growth in the story with each new retelling of it.  Scott recently gave this presentation to the Rotary Club of York - North.

Introduction to York’s History – American Revolution, Underground Railroad, Civil War
This presentation gives an overview of three major periods in York’s history – the American Revolution, Underground Railroad, and Civil War.  Key personalities, important dates and events, and significant locations are all included.  Scott previously gave this presentation at a living history training program of the York County Heritage Trust. 

Historic Properties: The Ultimate Green Buildings

The green building movement has been growing exponentially since the turn of the millennium.  Cities, counties, and even states have enacted new ordinances requiring green or LEED-certified buildings.  But until now, little attention has been given to the inherent sustainable or “green” features of historic buildings.  Historically, buildings were built with many of the same features that are today touted as “green.”  Scott Butcher’s informative presentation reviews some surprising statistics about how environmentally-friendly new green buildings really are, dispels a few myths about the energy efficiency of older buildings, and looks at historic buildings in terms of modern sustainable features.  York already has several green historic buildings, leading the way toward a national movement to recognize the environmental importance of the existing building stock.  Scott debuted this presentation as keynote speaker for the Historic York, Inc. 2008 annual meeting / preservation awards. 

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