Library

For research purposes, visitors can make photocopies or take images of books, newspaper clippings, and manuscripts under fair use law.

• https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/more-info.html

Photocopy Fees:

• Letter and legal-size pages: $.25
• Ledger-size pages: $.50
• Color letter and legal-size pages: $1.00
• Color ledger-size pages: $2.00

Camera Fees:

Researchers may take an unlimited number of images with a camera, phone, or tablet. Camera licensing does not apply to the historical photograph collection.

• One-day camera license: $5
• Annual camera license (CCHC members): $24

Document Copy Request Service ($15)

• Provides scanned copies of a specific document or file. Consult our online catalog and collection guides to identify a call number or manuscript number for the document(s) you wish to request.  This service does not include research performed by Library staff.
• If the total number of pages exceeds 15 pages, an additional charge of $.50 per page will apply.

Basic Research Service ($20)

• Provides scanned copies of relevant material in response to a basic research request, including requests on an event, business, organization, obituary, etc.
• When requesting research, provide all information you have on the event or entity to ensure we retrieve the correct information. This service is limited to manuscripts in the CCHC Library and does not include information on the genealogy of an individual or property history.
• If the total number of pages exceeds 20 pages, an additional charge of $.50 per page will apply.

Genealogical Research Service ($35 CCHC member, $40 non-member)

• Provides the researcher with information pertaining to one specific family. Note that we will not attempt to construct a line of descent. This service provides the entirety of what the CCHC family files contain for one specific surname.
• If the total number of pages exceeds 20 pages, an additional charge of $.50 per page will apply. Please allow up to six weeks for the return of results.
• Genealogical Research Request Form – Aug 2024
  

Postal Mail Research Service

• The above services are also available via postal mail
  • Document Copy Request ($15)
  • Basic Research ($20)
  • Genealogical Research ($40; $35 with CCHC membership)
• In your letter, indicate:
  • the type of research service you are requesting
  • describe the manuscript materials and their call number/manuscript number.
  • If you are requesting Genealogy Research, download the form and include it in your request: Genealogical Research Request Form – Aug 2024.
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a check or money order payable to Chester County History Center for each document requested.
• If the total number of pages exceeds 20 pages, a librarian will contact you and an additional charge of $.50 per page will apply. Checks are cashed upon project completion, usually within 6 to 8 weeks.

Property Research Services

• CCHC does not provide property research services to distance researchers. We recommend property researchers begin their search by developing their chain of title with county government offices.  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.
• For more information on establishing your chain of title, please consult the following resources:
  • Chester County Archives (CCA) Home Page: https://www.chesco.org/192/Archives-Records
  • CCA Property Research Guide: https://sway.office.com/SehTtQcFo97msT16?ref=Link
  • CCA Property Research Youtube video link: https://www.chesco.org/192/Archives-RecordsProvides the researcher with information pertaining to a specific family. Note that we will not attempt to construct a line of descent. This service provides the entirety of what the CCHC family files contain for one specific surname