For Immediate Release:
January 13, 2026
Contact:
Olivia Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Culture & Heritage Museums
www.chmuseums.org
803.792.2572
Wands Up for a Spellbinding School Year
Museum Transforms to Wizarding World Blending Magic, Science, and Fun
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Museum of York County invites families, young witches, wizards, and curious Muggles to step into Piedmont Alley for a spellbinding start-of-term celebration where magic meets real-world science. With wands at the ready, Muggles and magicians alike can explore whimsical stations filled with hands-on activities, enchanting demonstrations, and interactive learning experiences that reveal the science behind magic.
Wander past Platform 9 ¾ to meet and greet magical characters, visit the York County Bookmobile where young wizards in training can discover which natural history house they are a part of before continuing their back-to-school adventure. Highlights include:
- Madam Ledger’s Broomstick Parlor & Owl Post —Craft your own mini broom to send a special message through the Ebenezerville Owl Post
- Bonner’s Bare Bones Beast Division — Discover fascinating creatures from the wizarding world
- Purecell’s Blissful Botanicals & Apothecary — Explore herbology, potions, and plant-based natural remedies
- Robin’s Magical Beast Stand — Match with the perfect magical beast companion
- Vander Olli’s Wand Shop — Choose a wand from various woods and decorate it while learning about wand trees and Bowtruckles
- Trivia Stations – Answer trivia questions to collect stamps on your certificate. Collect them all for an official signed wizard certificate from Professor Bumblebee
- Planetarium shows — Every hour beginning at 10:30 a.m., with telescope tutorials included
Don’t forget to visit Ross the Balloon Guy for a custom balloon character, our gift shop for everything a young wizard needs (with a few enchanting surprises), and don’t miss the Butterbeer and themed concessions.
Costumes are encouraged! Cast your own spell and join us for another unforgettable Harry Potter Science Saturday!
Harry Potter Science Saturday at Museum of York County is intended for the education of our audience and has not been prepared, approved, or licensed by any person or entity that created, published, or produced the Harry Potter books or related properties nor is Harry Potter Science Saturday affiliated with any such person or entity.
WHAT: Harry Potter Science Saturday
WHEN: Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: Museum of York County, 4621 Mt. Gallant Rd., Rock Hill, S.C. 29732
TICKETS: Pre-registration strongly encouraged at chmuseums.org/event/harry-potter/. Admission is $15 for adults, seniors, and youth. Free for Culture & Heritage Museum members and children under 3.
IMAGES:
- Headmistress interacts with a young Harry Potter fan
- Visitors like to dress up in their Harry Potter inspired outfits. Costumes are encouraged!
Images courtesy of Culture & Heritage Museums. Contact omitchell@chmuseums.org for high resolution images.
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About Museum of York County:
Museum of York County highlights the world of natural history in the Carolina Piedmont through award-winning exhibits, planetarium shows, and special programs. “Before the Ice Ages: Miocene and Pliocene Beasts of the Southeast” is Museum of York County’s newest permanent exhibit that looks at the strange and bizarre creatures that roamed the southeast before the Ice Ages of the Pleistocene. “Ice Age Carolinas: Exploring Our Pleistocene Past” is a journey-back-in-time experience that features the gigantic and fantastic beasts that once roamed the Carolinas. The Naturalist Center, with over 2,500 natural history specimens, provides hands-on opportunities for self-guided discovery and educational programs. The Settlemyre Planetarium presents a changing array of full-dome digital planetarium shows. The Museum Store has a selection of local handmade pottery and goods, locally produced food products, and nature-themed gifts. Outside, the museum has a picnic facility and a three-quarter mile nature trail.
Museum Membership:
Become a Culture & Heritage Museums member and enjoy one year of exclusive benefits including free general admission to all CHM museum sites: Historic Brattonsville, Museum of York County and Main Street Children’s Museum. Membership helps support the work of preserving and communicating the cultural and natural history of the Carolina Piedmont. Consider becoming a CHM member and/or give the gift of CHM membership. Details at chmuseums.org/membership.