Visiting the Archives

Archives Research Room Hours:

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 

Records will not be pulled after 4:45 p.m.

If you cannot visit the archives please send us an email with your request at archives@lancastercountypa.gov    Prepayment of all requests is required and records can be emailed directly to you.  Archives staff cannot perform research for you but will check available indexes.     

Research Room Policies:

We proudly preserve historical government records dating back to the creation of Lancaster County in 1729.  To preserve our records for future generations please note the following:      

• All persons must register at the front desk upon entering the Archives.
• Personal items may be kept in lockers. 
• Food and drink are not permitted within the Archives.
• Archives staff will retrieve all historical records.  Historical record indexes are available in the research room on public computers via the Archives website.
• The Archives reserves the right not to photocopy documents that are fragile.
• All records are $5.00 for up to 20 images or copies.  Each additional image or copy over 20 is $.50 cents.  Records in a specialized format such as records in large docket books, may require additional processing time.
• Credit card payment can be made at our public computers via our webpage.   
• Archives records will not be removed from the Archives for any reason.
• Thumb drives or any USB-related devices are not permitted on Archives public computers.  Archives staff can email images of records to your email address upon request. 
• Please silence your cell phone and refrain from speaking on it within the research areas.   

Archives staff are here for your research assistance so please ask questions.