RESOURCES AT THE LANCASTER ARCHIVES

Lancaster County, PA has a wealth of documents for someone doing genealogy.  The indexes are on line at ( https://www.co.lancaster.pa.us/193/Genealogy-Research-Historical-Indexes ).  I am in Indiana now and cannot just run to Lancaster anytime I find documents in the index I would like to have so I email the info I would like a copy of. It is helpful to the staff there if you tell them what you want (example: delayed birth certificate), and whatever info is listed in the index for page, volume, or book. I have found the staff to be very helpful and prompt.  How fast you will actually get the documents has to do with how busy they are. In my experience it is usually within a few days to two weeks.

The charge is very reasonable - I believe 25 cents a page plus postage, or 25 cents a page and it will be emailed to you if that is your request.

There can be a bit of a learning curve as each document type seems to have a bit different set up for the index, but basic research skills and some old fashioned patience will go a long way toward finding what you wish.

The hours are: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 5.

Address: 150 N. Queen Street, Suite 10, Lancaster, PA 17603

Phone: 717-299-8319

If you are in Lancaster or planning a trip there, the staff suggests that you come with a good idea of what you are looking for.  At the archives, you will have access to micro film and/or micro fiche for printing your documents. They are not set up for saving documents to thumb drives - they make their money from the copy charges. Please be understanding about this. 

They also offer free classes periodically - check the website for schedule:

  • Discovering Your Roots: Genealogy Sources at the Lancaster County Archives

  • Homemade History:  

    Researching Your Historic Home at the Lancaster County Archives

This is a fantastic resource, please utilize it if you have roots in Lancaster County, PA






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