Collections

Explore Our Collections

Collecting and interpreting history has always been at the center of LancasterHistory.org's mission. With the help of our many dedicated volunteers, Lancaster County's Historical Society and President James Buchanan's Wheatland have produced many exhibits, encampments and educational programs. We have also worked with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Pennsylvania Federation of Historical and Museum Organizations to broaden our outreach horizons. LancasterHistory.org continues to bring history alive to those who seek a deeper understanding of Lancaster County and its place in the world. We hope these on-line tools will help make our collections more accessible to the public.

Use the shortcuts below to access our new Discovery Tool and other searchable parts of our collections, or use the menu to the right to learn more about what our collections hold and how you may go about exploring them. Keep in mind that what you will find online merely scratches the surface of our collections. We encourage you to plan a visit in person to make the best use of our resources and services.
 

Campus of History Updates

The Lancaster Campus of History

LancasterHistory.org—Lancaster County's Historical Society and President James Buchanan's Wheatland—has experienced more than a decade of pronounced change and growth, made possible by strong leadership, innovative educational programming, exceptional strategic planning, first-rate historical collections, and enthusiastic support from the community.

The Lancaster Campus of History will build on the strengths of LancasterHistory.org, and will transform Lancaster County's official historical society and Wheatland, a National Historic Landmark and the home of Pennsylvania's only U.S. President, into a new national model for historical learning and public programming. It will place Central Pennsylvania at the forefront of a movement exploring foundational themes of American history by demonstrating the relationship between local, regional, and national stories, events, and people, creating a center for critical reflection on America's past.

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Our Blogs

History in the Making

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My name is Ashley Metzger and I am a graduate student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I received my B.A. in History with a minor in Anthropology in 2011 and will graduate with an M.A. in History and a focus in Public History in December 2012. I hope to become a museum educator when I graduate and would love to work with the history of fashion if I have a chance. I am an intern with LancasterHistory.org this summer and I know it will give me the skills that I will need for the future.

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Historically Speaking

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The staff and volunteers of the Archives Department at LancasterHistory.org never know what they'll find when working on the documents and records in the collections.  Fortunately, when they do discover something noteworthy they are very willing to share!

[Read Our Blog]

Marianne's PhotoBlog

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Because pictures are worth a thousand words, but sometimes they need an interpreter.

You know that cliché about a picture being worth a thousand words? Ok, well, imagine the stories going on in my head after cataloging several hundred photos every single day!

[Read My Blog]

Wheatland: A Love Story

Who would have guessed that a young lady would fall in love with an old President and his old house?

One Young Lady, One Old House, Two Hundred Years of History

I’m Jennifer Walton, Assistant Director of President James Buchanan's Wheatland, and I love an old President and his old house! Over the past six years, I’ve learned quite a lot about both, and I would love to share it with you!

[Read My Blog]

We'd Love Your Help

Help us preserve and promote Lancaster's history. You, too, can play an important role in keeping Lancaster's past present!

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