A public meeting was held on Wednesday 02 October 1968 in the CWA Hall York, convened by Miss E.L. Marwick, to discuss the preservation of the historic town of York. During this meeting a Mr A. Boultbee proposed: "the formation of a society for the preservation and restoration of buildings of historic, architectural and aesthetic importance which contribute to the traditional character of York and for the preservation of scenery within and around the township. This will be called The York Society"

The York Society faced its first test of strength within two weeks of its formation with the occurrence of the Meckering earthquake on the 14 October with the subsequent damage to many of York's historic buildings. Although some were beyond repair, with help and guidance from the York Society many were restored to their former glory.

The York Society now has a broad membership which extends beyond the boundaries of the town and Shire. Its members are representative of a wide range of people all with a common passion for heritage, cultural and artistic endeavors. We manage the York Research and Archival Centre which houses a large collection of published and documented material.

In 1986 York Society members embarked on an ambitious project to relocate the old Tipperary schoolhouse from Tipperary Farm, eight kilometres north of York. The schoolhouse was one of the very few remaining single-teacher schoolhouses in the district and was in danger of crumbling away due to years of disuse and weathering.

The schoolhouse was dismantled brick by brick, brought in to York and re-erected at the Sandalwood Yards in Avon Terrace. Much of the work was carried out by dedicated volunteers and members of the Society.
Today the schoolhouse has been refurbished as a 'school museum'.
Visits may be arranged by contacting [email protected]

The Schoolhouse was gifted to the York Society by Keith & Mary Burges former owners of Tipperary Farm in York.