Has your research come to a roadblock? Wondering where to look next for your ancestors? On Saturday, May 17 at 1pm, unlock the past and discover new avenues for research by exploring Lancaster County’s historic government records! Join Heather Tennies, Director of Archives & Manuscript Collections, and Marianne Heckles, Archives Assistant, to examine the historic government records held at LancasterHistory, how to access them, and how the records can be used for genealogical, historical, or property research.

On May 17, the class will focus on Civil and Criminal Court Records. These records include documents produced by the Court of Common Pleas and the Court of Quarter Sessions, as well as other county offices. Additional records will include Mechanics’ Liens, Bridge Papers, and Tavern Petitions.

This class is recommended for those with previous research experience. We also recommend taking Part 1: Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court Records on May 10, but this class may be taken by itself.

Unraveling The Red Tape: Researching Historic Government Records | Part 2 will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 1-3pm at LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave., Lancaster. Tickets are $20 for LancasterHistory Members and $25 for Non-Members. Advance registration is encouraged as the class has limited capacity. To register, please click here to register online or call (717) 392-4633 to register over the phone.

Those who successfully register receive a confirmation email. No supplies or tools are required to take this class, but note-taking items are recommended.