Research room day pass
Access to the archive, microfilm readers, and staff guidance for a full open day.
Founded 1947, all volunteer until 1981
The county's record, kept where it happened
Our archive holds more than 90,000 photographs, county newspapers on microfilm back to 1785, and family papers you will not find in any state collection. The research room is open to anyone.
1947founded
90,000+archived photographs
1,240members
38active volunteers
What we offer
Archive access, research help, and programs
Members receive free research room access, and everyone is welcome to visit the museum.
Individual membership
Free research access, the quarterly journal, and early registration for programs.
Household membership
Covers two adults and children at home, with the same access and journal.
Remote research request
Staff search our holdings for a name, property, or date and send scans by email.
Photo scan and use license
High resolution scans from the photo archive with print or publication permission.
School and group tours
Guided museum and archive tours built around Pennsylvania social studies standards.
About the society
A working archive, not a display case
Twelve residents founded the society in 1947 to keep county records from leaving the area. Nearly eighty years on we operate a museum, a research library, and a conservation program from the Pitt Street building, staffed by three part time archivists and thirty eight volunteers. We are a registered nonprofit and roughly two thirds of our budget comes from memberships and gifts.
•County newspapers on microfilm back to 1785
•Deeds, tax lists, church records, and more than 400 family paper collections
•Ongoing digitization, with about 14,000 images searchable online so far
•Free access for Cumberland County students and teachers
Reviews
From researchers and members
“I found the 1832 tax record that finally proved which of two brothers owned the farm. Two years of dead ends solved in one afternoon.”
Eleanor H., Genealogist, Ohio
“The volunteers pulled a folder of photographs of my grandmother's street that nobody in the family knew existed.”
Frank D., Member since 2019
FAQ
Visiting and using the archive
Do I need an appointment to use the research room?
Walk ins are welcome during open hours, but calling ahead lets us pull materials before you arrive, which can save you an hour. Anything stored offsite or in the conservation queue requires at least two days notice.
What should I bring, and what is not allowed?
Bring a pencil, a laptop or phone for photos, and any family information you already have. Pens, food, drink, and bags larger than a laptop sleeve stay in the lockers by the door, which is standard practice for protecting original documents.
Can you research my family if I cannot visit?
Yes. Our staff take remote requests at $35 per hour and will tell you upfront if a search looks unlikely to succeed rather than billing you for four hours of nothing. Most requests are answered within three weeks.
Will you accept a donation of family papers or photographs?
Often, yes, if the material relates to Cumberland County and we can care for it properly. Our collections committee reviews offers monthly and will discuss what we can accept, since taking in more than we can conserve serves nobody.
Contact
Come see what we hold
Call or email before your visit and we will have the relevant boxes and microfilm ready. Membership can be started at the front desk any open day.
Phone(717) 555-0136
Address21 North Pitt Street, Carlisle, PA 17013, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
HoursTue to Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am to 2pm, research room by appointment
AreaCumberland County and the greater Harrisburg region