The Library

Holdings

The Library contains a wealth of information for the researcher – whether your interests are genealogy or local history, property research or antiques. Beginning with the first donation to CCHS back in 1893, our manuscript collections have now grown to number over 500,000 items and include both personal and family papers, as well as the records of businesses, organizations, churches and schools throughout Chester County. Over 25,000 published volumes fill our Library. We have an extensive collection of genealogies, plus many books and periodicals covering state and local history (including works on neighboring states and counties). The Library's large collection of published works on decorative arts is a resource for both our museum and the public. Chester County newspapers are available on microfilm, CD and in our renowned newspaper clippings file. A collection of local historic maps will aid both the property and family researcher. All of these and many additional resources are available for use by researchers. 

Newspapers

Newspaper clippings File
The Library's most frequently consulted resource is its newspaper clippings file. Characterized as "one of the state's best", it was begun in the 1930s by CCHS volunteers and has grown to fill over 150 file drawers. The file contains articles clipped from Chester County newspapers (over 40 titles represented), and covers the time period of about 1810-1970. It is divided into 3 sections:

1. Family Surname - alphabetically arranged by last name and then first initial, this is where you will find obituaries, marriage announcements, etc.
2. Chester County - alphabetically arranged county wide headings such as county offices and organizations
3. Township - alphabetically arranged by township or borough and then by headings for local businesses, real estate, history, lands, maps, etc. 

Newspapers on Microfilm and CD
The Library has a collection of local newspapers on CD and microfilm. Includes:

• The Daily Local News, 1872 to present
• Coatesville Record, 1908-1993
• various Phoenixville papers, ca. 1871-1994
• Village Record, 1818-1916
• Jeffersonian, 1843-1910
• Downingtown Archive, 1877-1974
• Oxford Press, 1866-1977; etc.

Collections

Family Collections
There are several Family collections available to researchers. This material is organized by surname and may contain Bible records, genealogical group sheets, family charts, copies of wills, notes and material compiled by family researchers, etc.

Church and Cemetery Records
The Library has a collection of records on local churches and cemeteries. Included may be baptismal, marriage and burial records. Please contact the Library for more information.

Genealogist Research Collections
The Library has several collections of research compiled by past genealogists who worked professionally.

Manuscript Collections
The Library holds a broad range of manuscript collections spanning more than three centuries of Chester County history. In these collections can be found letters, diaries, and other personal papers, business and organization records, land and legal documents and other manuscripts that help illuminate many aspects of life in Chester County.

Included in these collections are materials that document the history of local families, businesses and organizations, as well as the history of women, African Americans, Civil War soldiers, immigrants, Quakers and the many others who have called Chester County home. In order to increase information about, and access to, our collections beyond the confines of the Library’s reading room, a list of finding aids or guides to the contents of our collections is now available online. We will be adding to this list as more guides become available.

Diary Collection
The Library currently holds over 2,000 diaries dating from the 18th to 20th centuries. Through a multiyear volunteer project, we now have improved access to the content of these diaries. Please contact the Library for more information.

Map Collection
The map collection includes the Witmer atlas from 1873 and Breou atlas for 1883 for all townships. Many maps include names of property owners. Additional earlier and later maps may be available for some areas.  

Census Records

U.S. Federal Census records
Printed indexes of PA federal census for 1790-1860 (also some early censuses for other states) and CD indexes for census for 1810-1880 and 1910-1930. Microfilm of Chester County federal census for 1790-1930; also Delaware County 1850-1930; Lancaster County 1850-1870, 1930; Montgomery County 1850-1920 (part), 1930; Berks County 1850-1920 and Bucks County 1820-1920. We also have a large collection of census microfilm for Philadelphia - please ask us about these!

Pennsylvania Septennial Census
Paper copies of the State Septennial census for Chester County. This is a state census of taxables (usually males of legal age), taken every seven years beginning ca. 1800 for most townships (lists names - sometimes includes occupations). This census was used by the state to calculate local representation at the state level. 

In-house Databases

Event Log
An ongoing database project containing birth, death and marriage information from various sources such as Quaker records and Justice of the Peace dockets.

World War II Veterans
An ongoing database project created by Society volunteers containing information about Chester County World War II veterans. There are two parts to the database, one contains burial records and the other general information gathered from newspapers, interviews and questionnaires.