Add pieces to your family history puzzle
If you have ancestors from York County, the Library & Archives has a wealth of resources to help you with your local history research. We have more than 9,000 family surname files that contain information from many sources. You can also explore our rich trove of military records and documents dating back to the Revolutionary War, sort through obituaries and wedding and engagement announcements from York’s two daily newspapers, and find resources to uncover the history of your home or business property. We also have subscriptions to Ancestry.com/Library Edition and Newspapers.com/Pennsylvania edition. For more information about our library and archives, please visit our Research page.
You can expect to spend several hours on your research, and we ask that you schedule your research visit in advance by clicking on the Make A Reservation button on this page.
Visit us
Library admission is $12 a day, $10 for seniors, Members and students are free
York County History Center Library & Archives
121 N. Pershing Ave., York PA 17401
717-848-1587

First-time visitor?
Because the Archives house primarily rare and one-of-a-kind materials, using archival collections can be different from using other libraries. First-time visitors should contact us before scheduling so that we can assist you with planning your visit. Please call 717-848-1587 x 214 or email Emma Streb at estreb@yorkhistorycenter.org if you have questions or would like to arrange a visit.
Upcoming Programs
Civil War Roundtable, February
ALLVETS, February
South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
York County Postcards
Our online library of York County postcards captures a specific moment in time of communities across York County. Browse through more than 1,000 postcards featuring scenes ranging from the Accomac Hotel to the York Water Company.Explore our postcard collection.
Thank you to our Partner Programs
Genealogical Society discusses new State Archives building
Aaron McWilliams with the Pennsylvania State Archives provided a detailed look at the new State Archives building in Harrisburg and its search room operations during the Society’s April meeting. The presentation covered basic search room policies and procedures and what genealogy researchers can expect when visiting the new facility.
In Case You’re Wondering
Here are a few of the most asked questions that we’ve heard from first-time visitors to the Library and Archives.
Daily admission to the Library & Archives is $12. There is a $2 discount for seniors and students are free.
Plan Your VisitIn that case, you might want to consider a History Center membership. Members can visit any of our sites, including the Library, as many times as they want in a year. Membership starts at $45 for seniors.
Become a memberThe History Center Museum and Library has ample FREE parking in the lot behind the building off North Pershing Avenue.
Learn more about parkingHave a question about your research?
The Library and Archives staff and volunteers are happy to help you with your research questions. Simply fill out the form here and tell us what you’re looking for. Be specific about family names, municipalities or key dates, if you have them.
Continue your research journey with us in the History Center Library and Archives.
