Archives & Record Services

NOTICE


The Chester County Archives is now scheduling research appointments. Researchers will only be permitted into the reading room by appointment. Please call our office at 610-344-6760 during business hours or send us an email to schedule an appointment with one of our archivists. Please do not arrive at the Archives without a confirmed research appointment. Please read the “Visiting the Archives” section of our website for the new procedures on entering the county’s Government Services Center. 

Created in 1982, the Chester County Archives was established to preserve and make available the historic records of Chester County. The archives currently holds over 2,940 volumes and 1,823 cubic feet of original public records of enduring historic and cultural value. Serving over 3,000 researchers a year, the archives is a primary destination for genealogists, property researchers, local historians and academics researching all facets of Chester County history. 

In 1985 the archives expanded to include micrographics and records management sections. To help facilitate the disposal, access, preservation and management of current public records, records management ensures that county departments follow the guidelines established by the state of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Courts. 

The Chester County Archives is administered by the Chester County History Center in cooperation with the County of Chester.