Library Research Services

LIBRARY RESEARCH SERVICES - DIGITAL DELIVERY

To help researchers who are not able to use the Library in person, the Library offers three types of distance research services.

Please note that staffing changes may result in delayed replies. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Document Copy Request Service

For $10.00 the Library will provide scanned copies of a specific document or file. Please consult our online catalog and collection guides to identify a call number or manuscript number for the document(s) you wish to request, as this service does not include research performed by library staff. Email your research request to [email protected]. A librarian will provide a link to our PayPal platform in a confirmation from CCHC. We will also specify total number of pages and final cost if the document requested exceed 15 pages. An additional charge of $.50 per page will apply if more than 15 pages are delivered.

Basic Research Service

For $15.00 the Library will provide scanned copies of relevant material in response to a basic research request, which includes informational requests on an event, business, organization, obituary, etc. When requesting research, please provide all information you have on the event or entity so that we are sure we retrieve the correct information. This service is limited to documents in the Chester County History Center Library and does not include information on the genealogy of an individual or property history. Email your research request to [email protected]. A librarian will provide a link to our PayPal platform in a confirmation from CCHC. We will also specify total number of pages and final cost if copies exceed 20 pages. An additional charge of $.50 per page will apply if more than 20 pages are delivered.

Genealogical Research Services

Our Genealogical Research Service is intended to provide the researcher with basic information and resources pertaining to one specific individual, as well as recommendations and copies of relevant records found. Note that we will not attempt to construct a line of descent. This search references available resources in the Chester County History Center collection.

You may request a search for more than one person, but each will require pre-payment of $40.00 ($35.00 for CCHC members). The genealogical research service includes copies of any records located in the search, up to 20 pages. An additional charge of $.50 per page will apply if more than 20 pages are delivered. Please allow up to six weeks for the return of results. You may request a search for more than one person but a minimum charge of $20 per person ($15 per person for CCHC members) will be added to the initial research fee. Please download the form linked below and email it to [email protected]. Provide detail when appropriate. Good information ensures that we locate the correct person and can use a variety of relevant record types. A librarian will provide a link to our PayPal platform in a confirmation from CCHC.

Property Research Services

The Chester County History Center does not provide property research services to distance researchers. We recommend property researchers begin their research by developing their chain of title with county government offices. For more information on establishing your chain of title, please read the guide available from the Chester County Archives. After working with County offices to build chain of title, visit us in person at CCHC to review our maps, newspaper clippings, and other land-related materials.