Franklin County Archives Opens Doors To Public

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners are pleased to announce the Franklin County Archives will be open to serve the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays beginning Oct. 3. The Franklin County Archives is located at 340 N. Second St., Chambersburg.

During these hours, archives staff will be dedicated to assisting members of the public find the information they need. Staff can answer questions, refer the public to appropriate online materials, or help them in planning a research visit. Additionally, staff will provide brief research services, upon request, in response to specific and clearly defined questions based on information available in the Franklin County Archives records

Franklin County Archives’ public records are open to all for research. Although an appointment is not necessary, the public is encouraged to contact the Franklin County Archives in advance to ensure the requested materials or information is available. In-depth research requires a personal, in-person visit.

Franklin County’s archives and records management have been consolidated into one operation as part of the larger, multi-phase court facilities improvement project. Although staff continued to respond to public requests for information and materials during the construction, consolidation and relocation of the department, this marks the first time the Franklin County Archives will be open to serve the public since the department moved to its rehabilitated facility on North Second Street.

“A lot of hard work has gone into consolidating the historic records of Franklin County in one place where they can be preserved and protected. That effort is still ongoing, but we have reached a point in our progress where we feel we’re able to continue that mission while providing staffed walkin-in hours in the Archive's public research room,” said Rikki Chesley, Franklin County’s archives and records management director. 

“We are proud to be able to move forward with the opportunities this will bring to serve the residents of Franklin County,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller.

For more information, contact the Franklin County Archives at 717-261-3154 or archives@franklincountypa.gov. Information can also be found through the county’s website, www.franklincountypa.gov.

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