Other Local History Resources

Local Resources

Franklin County has a wealth of local historical societies and museums that preserve and bring to life Franklin County’s rich history:

Antietam Historical Association

Coyle Free Library

Franklin County Historical Society

Allison-Antrim Museum

Waynesboro Historical Society

Mercersburg Historical Society

Mont Alto Historical Society

Shippensburg Historical Society

Middleburg/Mason-Dixon Line Historical Society

Conococheague Institute

Fort Loudon

Renfrew Park and Museum

Battle of Monterey Pass Park and Museum

Franklin County Veterans and 9/11 Memorial Park

Wilson College Archives

The Fendrick Library

Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce’s Heritage Center

Other Resources

Pennsylvania State Archives

Franklin County was formed from Cumberland County in 1784. For records prior to 1784, please visit the Cumberland County Archives.

Cumberland County was formed from Lancaster County in 1750. For records prior to 1750, please visit the Lancaster County Archives.

Online Resources

The Valley of the Shadow - A project undertaken by the University of Virginia that details the life in two communities, Franklin County, PA and Augusta County, VA, from just prior to the start of the Civil War through Reconstruction. The website includes a thousands of letters, diaries, newspapers, speeches, census and church records. 

Familysearch.org - Hosts thousands of pages of Franklin County probate records from Estate records, Orphan Court dockets, Widow’s Appraisements, and Wills. The website also holds similar records for the surrounding counties.

Pennsylvania Tax Lists and Census Records

Misc. Franklin County related documents

Linkpendium has links to numerous genealogical links related to Franklin County.

Bridgehunter.com has an incredible collection of photographs and histories documenting the historic bridges of Franklin County.