Explore Our Research Offerings
The Cumberland County Historical Society’s Archives and Library is the perfect place to spend the day for the genealogist, local historian, scholar, or student. One goal of CCHS is to make the history of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania accessible to all patrons. The library is a closed stack, archival library and contains an extensive collection of original documents and manuscripts as well as over 40,000 published volumes. The library is located in CCHS’ main building on 21 N. Pitt Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Library & Archives
Reserve a time to visit the Cumberland County Historical Society’s Library & Archive.
Non-CCHS Members will need to pay a $5.00 per person fee to use the Archives and Library, but patrons can also sign up for a membership here.
Make an AppointmentManuscript and Photo Collections
Visitors search the manuscript and photo collections by using our PastPerfect computer catalog. Make an appointment here. Staff and volunteers are available at all times during open hours. In addition, other finding aids and inventories are available to help patrons with their research. Significant components of the collection include: genealogy files, family histories, Cumberland County histories, manuscripts, business records, church and cemetery records, newspapers, and Carlisle Indian Industrial School materials.
Students (with ID) and CCHS members can use the resources at no cost. Non-CCHS members pay a $5 nominal fee per day. Furthermore, in 2015 CCHS and the Cumberland County Library System created a partnership in which county library card holders can visit and use the CCHS resources offered at no charge. To take advantage of this program, patrons must check out the special CCHS/CCLS pass at any library branch of the Cumberland County Library System and show it to our visitor services desk at the Society’s entrance.
If you have a question please reach out to Cara Curtis via email. If you live outside of the area, or cannot make it to CCHS for a visit, we can process research requests for a fee. Please fill out the appropriate form below for the research you’re interested in. Members receive discounts on Genealogy and Carlisle Indian School Research Requests. Join Here.
Prices
Paper Photocopies
- Single side page is $.50 per copy
- From Microfilm Reader is $.50 per copy
Camera
- $5.00 for use of personal camera/cell phone for taking images of Library/Archive material per visit.
Students
The following special prices pertain to students at all educational levels:
- Entrance fee for access to CCHS Archives & Library collections waived.
- Photocopies/Microfilm copies – first 6 free (any combination) then $0.50 each
- Digital scans – first 2 free, then $5.00 each