This file is as complete and accurate as possible, however if you
should find errors, have additions or deletions, send them to me
and I will update the file.
 
Bill Green         bgreen@milo.nodak.edu     bill90@Delphi.Com
 
Date of last update: 4 November 1993
 
**************************************************************************
 
  GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES OF PENNSYLVANIA
                         Version 7
                       4 March 1989
                      Robert McLaren
                    7810 Kincardine Ct.
                 Alexandria, VA 22310-4025
 
The following file contains a listing of genealogical and historical
societies in Pennsylvania.  Included in the listing, where known,
are telephone numbers and yearly dues.  This listing is donated to the
public domain and may be freely copied.  Under no conditions can this
listing be sold or used in any other commercial fashion.  If you think this
list has any value, then donate that value in helping your local genealogical
society (or the National Genealogical Society).
 
If you write to any of the societies on this list for information, remember
to include a self addressed stamped envelop (SASE).  Many of these societies
work with a limited budget, supplemented by volunteers, and can not afford to
respond unless a SASE is included in your letter.
 
 
     Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
     1300 Locust Street
     Philadelphia, PA  19107           (see below under Archives)
     215-545-0391
       Dues:  $35.00 per year (single); $45.00 per year (family)
 
     Historical Society of Pennsylvania
     1300 Locust Street
     Philadelphia, PA  19107-5699      (see below under Archives)
     215-732-6201
       Dues:  $35.00 per year (single); $65.00 per year (family)
 
     Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
     P.O. Box 1135
     State College, PA 16804
       Dues:
 
     South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
     P.O. Box 1824
     York, PA 17405
       Dues:  $10.00 per year
 
     Pennsylvania German Society
     Box 397
     Birdsboro, PA 19508
       Dues:
 
     The Huguenot Society of Pennsylvania
     Hall of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
     1300 Locust Street
     Philadelphia, PA 19107
       Dues:
 
     Pennsylvania Chapter of Palatines to America
     P.O. Box 535
     Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-0535
       Dues:
 
     Genealogical Computing Association of Pennsylvania
     (GENCAP)
     c/o Tom Deahl
     815 Carpenter Lane
     Philadelphia, PA  19119
     BBS 215-438-2858
       Dues:  $15.00 per year
 
     German Society of Pennsylvania
     611 Spring Garden Street
     Philadelphia, PA  19123
     215-627-2332
       Dues:  $40.00 per year (single); $50.00 per year (family)
 
Adams County
 
     Adams County Historical Society
     Drawer A
     Gettysburg, PA 17325
       Dues:
 
Allegheny County
 
     Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
     4338 Bigelow Blvd.
     Pittsburgh, PA 15213
     (412) 681-5533
       Dues:  $16.00 per year (single); $22.00 per year (family)
 
     Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania
     4338 Bieglow Blvd.
     Pittsburgh, PA 15213
     (412) 681-5533
       Dues:
 
     Tarentum Genealogical Society
     c/o Community Library of Allegheny Valley
     315 East Sixth Avenue
     Tarentum, PA 15084
       Dues:
 
     Jewish Genealogical Society of Pittsburgh
     c/o Julian Falk
     2131 Fifth Avenue
     Pittsburgh, PA 15219
       Dues:
 
Armstrong County
 
     Armstrong County Historical and Museum Society, Inc.
     300 North McKean Street
     Kittanning, PA 16201
       Dues:
 
Beaver County
 
     Beaver County Genealogical Society
     c/o Historical Research Center
     Carnegie Free Library
     1301 Seventh Avenue
     Beaver Falls, PA 15010
     (412) 846-4340
       Dues:  $7.00 per year
 
Bedford County
 
     Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County
     Box 421
     Bedford, PA 15522
       Dues:  $8.00 per year
 
Berks County
 
     Berks County Genealogical Society
     P.O. Box 14774
     Reading, PA 19612
       Dues:  $15.00 per year (single); $20.00 per year (family)
 
     Historical Society of Berks County
     940 Centre Ave.
     Reading, PA 19601
       Dues:  $20.00 per year (single); $25.00 per year (family)
 
     Tulpehocken Settlement Historical Society
     Box 53
     Womelsdorf, PA 19567
       Dues:
 
Blair County
 
     Blair County Genealogical Society
     P.O. Box 855
     Altoona, PA 16603
       Dues:
 
     Blair County Historical Society
     P.O. Box 1083
     Altoona, PA 16603
       Dues:
 
Bradford County
 
     Bradford County Historical Society
     21 Main Street
     Towanda, PA 18848
       Dues:
 
     Tuscarora Township Historical Society
     Bradford County
     R.D. #2, Box 105-C
     Laceyville, PA 18623
       Dues:
 
     Twin Tiers Genealogical Society, Inc.
     P.O. Box 763
     Elmira, NY 14902
       Dues:  $4.00 per year
 
Bucks County
 
     Bucks County Genealogical Society
     P.O. Box 1092
     Doylestown, PA 18901
       Dues:  $12.00 per year
 
     Bucks County Historical Society
     Pine and Ashland Street
     Doylestown, PA 18901
       Dues:
 
Cambria County
 
     Cambria County Historical Society
     521 West High Street
     Ebensburg, PA 15931
       Dues:  $10.00 per year
 
     Windber - Johnstown Genealogical Society
     c/o Elder Kerr
     85 Colgate Ave.
     Johnstown, PA 15905
       Dues:
 
Cameron County
 
     Cameron County Historical Society
     c/o Mrs. Merle L. Bowswer
     RR 2, Box 54
     Emporium, PA 15834
       Dues:
 
Chester County
 
     Chester Co. Historical Society
     225 North High Street
     West Chester PA 19380-2691
     215-692-4800
     FAX: 215-692-4357
 
Staff will answer requests as follows:
$15.00 in advance non-refundable for each name search which includes:
 
* Name index search of Chester Co. tax lists 1699-1758; 1775-1783
* Index (1713-1850) and abstracts (1713-1834) of Chester Co. wills
  and administrative papers.
* Index of Chester Countians in the American Revolution and Oaths
  of Allegiance of Chester County
* Search of Chester Co. newspaper clippings
* Check card catalog
* Check other indices as deemed appropriate
* Check the index to the book "History of Chester County, PA by
  Cope and J.S. Futhey
 
Includes up to 10 pages of photocopies... additional at $0.35/page
Pricing established 1981
Others have said that they do a very fine job.
                                 "(Tom Lincoln)" <lincoln@RAND.ORG>
 
     Valley Forge Historical Society
     Box 122
     Valley Forge, PA 19481
       Dues:
 
Clarion County
 
     Clarion County Historical Society
     Courthouse
     Clarion, PA 16214
       Dues:
 
Clearfield County
 
     Clearfield County Historical Society
     104 East Pine Street
     Clearfield, PA 16830
       Dues:
 
Clinton County
 
     Clinton County Historical Society
     East Water Street
     Lock Haven, PA 15370
       Dues:
 
Crawford County
 
     Crawford County Genealogical Society
     848 N. Main St.
     Meadville, PA 16335
       Dues:  $15.00 per year (single); $18.00 per year (family)
              $20.00 per year (sustaining)
 
     Crawford County Historical Society
     848 N. Main St.
     Meadville, PA 16335
       Dues:  $5.00 per year
 
     Cochranton Heritage Society
     P.O. Box 598
     Cochranton, PA 16314
       Dues:  $7.50 per year
 
Cumberland County
 
     Cumberland County Historical Society
     P.O. Box 626
     Carlisle, PA 17013
       Dues:  $5.00 per year
 
     Capital Area Genealogical Society
     P.O. Box 4502
     Harrisburg, PA 17111-4502
       Dues:
 
Delaware County
 
     Delaware County Historical Society
     Box 1036
     Widener College
     Chester, PA 19013
       Dues:
 
Dauphin County
 
     Capital Area Genealogical Society
     P.O. Box 4502
     Harrisburg, PA 17111-4502
       Dues:
 
Elk County
 
     Elk County Genealogical Society
     P.O. Box 142
     Johnsonburg, PA 15845
       Dues:  $5.00 per year
 
     Elk County Historical Society
     County Courthouse
     Ridgway, PA 15853
       Dues:
 
     St. Marys and Benzinger Township Historical Society
     Genealogical Department
     319 Erie Ave.
     St. Marys, PA 15857
       Dues:
 
Erie County
 
     Erie County Historical Society
     417 State St.
     Eria, PA 16501
     (814) 454-1813
       Dues:
 
Fayette County
 
     Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
     4338 Bigelow Blvd.
     Pittsburgh, PA 15213
     (412) 681-5533
       Dues:  $16.00 per year (single); $22.00 per year (family)
 
Fulton County
 
     Fulton County Historical Society
     Box 115
     McConnellsburg, PA 17233
       Dues:
 
Greene County
 
     Cornerstone Genealogical Society
     P.O. Box 547
     Waynesburg, PA 15370
       Dues:
 
Huntingdon County
 
     Huntingdon County Historical Society
     P.O. Box 305
     Huntingdon, PA 16652
       Dues:
 
Indiana County
 
     Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County
     Silas M. Clark House
     S. Sixth Street & Wayne Ave.
     Indiana, PA 15701
     (412) 463-9600
       Dues:  $12.00 per year (single); $15.00 per year (family)
 
Jefferson County
 
     Jefferson Co. Historical & Genealogical Society
     P. O. Box 51
     Brookville, PA 15825
       Dues: $12.per year     Quarterly newletter, "Jeffersonian"
                                  [accepts queries]
 
Juniata County
 
     Juniata County Historical Society
     c/o Mr. David Shellenberger
     Star Route
     Mifflintown, PA 17059
       Dues:
 
Lackawanna County
 
     Lackawanna County Historical Society
     232 Monroe Ave.
     Scranton, PA 18510
       Dues:
 
Lancaster County
 
     Lancaster County Historical Society
     230 North President Avenue
     Lancaster, PA 17603
       Dues:  $20.00 per year
 
     Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society
     2215 Millstream Road
     Lancaster, PA 17602-1499
     (717) 393-9745
       Dues:  $20.00 per year
 
     Historical Society of Cocalico Valley
     249 West Main Street
     Ephrata, PA 17522
       Dues:
 
Lebanon County
 
     Lebanon County Historical Society
     924 Cumberland Street
     Lebanon, PA 17042
       Dues:
 
Lehigh County
 
     Lehigh County Historical Society
     414 Walnut Street
     Allentown, PA 18102
       Dues:
 
Luzerne County
 
     Wyoming Historical and Genealogical Society
     69 South Franklin Street
     Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
       Dues:
 
Lycoming County
 
     Lycoming County Historical Society and Museum
     858 West 4th Street
     Williamsport, PA 17701
       Dues:
 
     Muncy Historical Society and Museum of History
     131 South Main Street
     Muncy, PA 17756
       Dues:
 
McKean County
 
     McKean County Historical Society
     Courthouse
     Smethport, PA 16749
       Dues:
 
Mercer County
 
     Mercer County Genealogical Society
     Box 812
     Sharon, PA 16146-0812
       Dues:  $8.00 per year
 
     Mercer County Historical Society
     119 South Pitt Street
     Mercer, PA 16137
       Dues:  $5.00 per year (single); $8.00 per year (family);
              $3.00 per year (student, over 65)
 
Mifflin County
 
     Mifflin County Historical Society
     17 North Main Street
     Lewistown, PA 17044
       Dues:
 
Monroe County
 
     Monroe County Historical Society
     901 Main Street
     P.O. Box 488
     Stroudsburg, PA 18360
     (717) 421-7703
       Dues:  $10.00 per year
 
Montgomery County
 
     The Historical Society of Montgomery County
     1654 DeKalb Street
     Norristown, PA 19401
       Dues:
 
     Old York Road Genealogical Society
     1030 Old York Road
     Abington, PA 19001
       Dues:
 
Northampton County
 
     Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society
     101 South 4th Street
     Easton, PA 18042
       Dues:
 
Northumberland County
 
     Northumberland County Historical Society
     1150 North Front Street
     Sunbury, PA 17801
       Dues:
 
Perry County
 
     Historical Society of Perry County
     Headquarters and Museum
     129 North Second Street
     Newport, PA 17074
       Dues:
 
Philadelphia County
 
     Jewish Genealogical Society of Philadelphia
     c/o Jon E. Stein
     332 Harrison Avenue
     Elking Park, PA 19117-2662
       Dues:
 
Potter County
 
     Twin Tiers Genealogical Society, Inc.
     P.O. Box 763
     Elmira, NY 14902
       Dues:  $4.00 per year
 
Schuylkill County
 
     Historical Society of Schuylkill County
     14 North Third Street
     Pottsville, PA 17901
       Dues:
 
Snyder County
 
     Snyder County Historical Society
     30 East Market Street
     P.O. Box 276
     Middleburg, PA 17842
       Dues:
 
Somerset County
 
     Historical and Genealogical Society of Somerset County
     RD 2, Box 238
     Somerset, PA
       Dues:  $10.00 per year
 
Susquehanna County
 
     Susquehanna County Historical Society
     Montrose, PA 18801
       Dues:
 
Tioga County
 
     Twin Tiers Genealogical Society, Inc.
     P.O. Box 763
     Elmira, NY 14902
       Dues:  $4.00 per year
 
Union County
 
     Union County Historical Society
     Mrs. Jeanne Sampsell, Secretary
     Laurelton, PA 17835
       Dues:
 
Venango County
 
     Venango County Genealogical Club
     P.O. Box 811
     Oil City, PA 16301-0811
       Dues:  $5.00 per year
 
     Venango County Historical Society
     P.O. Box 101
     Franklin, PA 16323
       Dues:  $5.00 per year (single); $9.00 per year (family)
 
Warren County
 
     Warren County Historical Society
     210 Fourth Ave.
     Box 427
     Warren, PA 16365
       Dues:
 
Washington County
 
     Genealogical Society of Southwestern Pennsylvania
     P.O. Box 894
     Washington, PA 15301
     (412) 681-5533
       Dues:  $8.00 per year
 
     Washington County Historical Society
     49 East Maiden St.
     Lemoyn House
     Washington, PA 15302
       Dues:
 
Westmoreland County
 
     Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
     4338 Bigelow Blvd.
     Pittsburgh, PA 15213
     (412) 681-5533
       Dues:  $16.00 per year (single); $22.00 per year (family)
 
     Westmoreland County Historical Society
     102 North Main Street
     Greensburg, PA 15601
     (412) 836-1800
       Dues:
 
     Ligonier Valley Historical Society
     Star Route East
     Ligonier, PA 15658
       Dues:
 
Wyoming County
 
     Wyoming County Historical Society
     P.O. Box 309
     Tunkhannock, PA 18657
       Dues:
 
York County
 
     Historical Society of York County
     250 East Market Street
     York, PA 17403
       Dues:
 
**************************************************************************
 
                       VITAL RECORDS
 
Statewide Records of Births and Deaths
 
Statewide registration of births and deaths began in January, 1906, and was
generally complied with by 1915. You can obtain copies by writing to:
 
        Division of Vital Statistics
        State Department of Health
        101 South Mercer St.
        P.O. Box 1528
        New Castle, PA 16103
                      412-656-3100
 
State your relationship to the individual you want information about and your
reason.
 
Local Records of Births and Deaths
 
The Bureau of Archives and History has records of births and deaths kept by
the register of wills in some counties for the years 1852 to 1854.  A few of
the larger cities also kept vital records.
 
Delayed Birth Records
 
Delayed registrations of births began in the various counties in different
years.   You can write to the Registrar of Vital Statistics at the county
seat.
 
Marriage Records
 
Individual counties or cities have recorded marriages. Some cities began
keeping records in the early 1800s. Most counties began keeping marriage
records in October, 1885. You can obtain copies from the clerk of the orphans
court in the appropriate county.
 
Divorce Records
 
Divorce proceedings are usually kept by the clerk of the court of common
pleas (called the prothonotary).
                                   (Source: FHC Research Guide)
 
Birth Certificate   $ 4.00 (include S.A.S.E.)
     Subject's full name at birth
     Date of birth
     City and County of birth
     Parents names including mother's maiden name
     Your relationship to subject
     Reason for request
 
Death Certificate   $ 3.00 (include S.A.S.E.)
     Subject's full name
     Date of death
     City and County of death
     Your relationship to subject
     Reason for request
 
Prices as of September 20, 1991.
 
Time:  3 - 8 Weeks Generally
       3 - 4 Weeks (September 20, 1991, recorded message)
       4 - 6 Weeks (February 5, 1990, recorded message)
       6 - 8 Weeks (February 5, 1990, switch board operator)
 
For special help call the following phone numbers:
 
     Birth Certificates       412-656-3126
     Death Certificates       412-656-3138
              >>From: Tom Cunningham <TPC%IUP.BITNET@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
 
 *************************************************************************
 
                       STATE ARCHIVES
 
         Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
         Bureau of Archives and History
         P.O. Box 1026
         Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026
 
        The Bureau of Archives and History includes two divisions of
particular interest to genealogists. The Division of Archives and Manuscripts
houses Pennsylvania government records, manuscripts, and other historical
materials. The Division of Land Records maintains the Commonwealth land
purchase records which begin in 1681.
 
        Historical Society of Pennsylvania/
        Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
        1300 Locust Street
        Philadelphia, PA 19107
 
        Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania/
        Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
        4338 Bigelow Boulevard
        Pittsburgh, PA 15213
 
        Library Services Division
        State Library of Pennsylvania
        Forum Building
        P.O. Box 1601
        Harrisburg, PA 17105
 
        Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
        4400 Forbes Avenue
        Pittsburgh, PA 15213
                                   (Source: FHC Research Guide)
 
 
 (1)  SNYDER County Historical Society (717) - 837-6191
 (2)  UNION County  Historical Society (717) - 524-8666
 (3)  Historical Soc. of Millersburg and Upper Dauphin County...
      ( this is Across the river from Snyder Co. and might be
       helpful )     717- 837-6191
 
History and Museum Commission
Box 1026, Harrisburg, PA   17108-1026
 
Commission Information  717-787-3362
FAX                     717-783-1073
 
     Bureau of Archives and History
     General Information  717-783-3281
     Land Office, Edward Price   717-783-9884
               >>From: Tom Cunningham <TPC%IUP.BITNET@VM1.NoDak.EDU>
 
From: STEINER@MUPPET.DNET.GE.COM (Gary Steiner)
 
     Grand Army of the Republic
     War Museum and Library
     4278 Griscom St.
     Philadelphia, PA  19124
     215-289-6484
 
     Philadelphia City Archives
     401 N. Broad St.
     Philadelphia, PA  19107
     215-686-1580
     (formerly at City Hall Annex)
 
     Free Library of Philadelphia
     Logan Square
     Philadelphia, PA  19141
     215-686-5322
 
 
Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania
1300 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA  19107
215-545-0391
 
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
1300 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA  19107-5699
215-732-6201
 
GSP and HSP are housed in the same building, but are two separate and unique
organizations.  Their collections cover all of the original 13 colonies, and
concentrate heavily on Pennsylvania.
 
 
**************************************************************************
 
                NEWSPAPER GENEALOGICAL COLUMNS
 
   From: Dorothy Sminkey
     The "Press and Journal" is a weekly newspaper published at
          20 South Union Street
          Middletown, Pennsylvania 17057.
     This newspaper serves the southern area of Dauphin County...near the
     state capital city of Harrisburg. Cost per issue is 45 cents.  A yearly
     subscription, mailed to your out-of-state home, is $25.
     The newspaper publishes a fine genealogy column titled "Our Keystone
     Families."  It is written by     Schuyler Brossman
                                      Post Office Box 43
                                      Rehrersburg, Pennsylvania 19550
     Mr. Brossman accepts genealogy queries that have a Pennsylvania
     connection, include at least one date, and are not over 150 words in
     length.  The "Press and Journal" telephone number for subscription
     information is: 1-717-944-4628.
 * Origin: ROOT CELLAR, California, MD (301) 862-1241 (1:109/603)
 
--
****************************************************************************
*   Bill Green       Minot, North Dakota  58701  *       Home of the       *
*            bgreen@milo.NoDak.Edu               *      NORSK H0STFEST     *
*              Bill90@Delphi.Com                 *        Velkommen!       *
****************************************************************************
 
