Archives, Libraries, Societies - HIS 250 | Historian's Craft | Slavery in PA & the Americas

Locate Archival Materials

To locate Pennsylvania archives, county historical societies, or museums that may contain primary source material on your topic, run Google searches. I'd try for the county you're interested in AND "historical society".

Run several different permutations of your search:

"Lancaster County" AND archives
"Lancaster County" AND museums

PA County Slave Records

Records available from the PA Historical & Museum Commission:

American Philosophical Society
With roots extending back to the founding of the Society in 1743, the Library of the American Philosophical Society houses over thirteen million manuscripts, 350,000 volumes and bound periodicals, 250,000 images, and thousands of hours of audio tape. The Library's holdings make it among the premier institutions for documenting the history of the American Revolution and Founding, the study of natural history in the 18th and 19th centuries, the study of evolution and genetics, quantum mechanics, and the development of cultural anthropology, among others.
National Archives
American Slavery, Civil Records.
Library of Congress | Slaves & the Courts

Historical Society of PA
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, founded in 1824, is one of the nation’s largest archives of historical documents. We are proud to serve as Philadelphia’s Library of American History, with over 21 million manuscripts, books, and graphic images encompassing centuries of US history.
PA Historical & Museum Commission
Slavery and underground railroad resources guide. Provides an extensive listing of documents relating to slavery from all branches/offices of Pennsylvania government.