Our research committee specializes in historic landmarks as well as the people that were important to the history of Beaver County. The BCHRLF resources do not include a large genealogical base for the average individual. The reference library is generally related to the history of Beaver and the surrounding counties. The library has also been expanded to include books about native Americans, French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. We have a limited number of books on WWI and II. We have additional books that are related to the historical social aspect of life in regards manners, customs and traditions as well as textile based books on how to weave, crochet, knit, and quilt and lace making with bobbins.
BCHRLF Collections
The BCHRLF collection includes the history of the Captain William Vicary Family as well as personal documents and or/artifacts from Beaver County individuals. The collection also includes deed searches done in the Ambridge area, archival boxes that contain information about each of the Beaver County Communities as well as related topics of historical interest. Recently acquired were the photos/negatives from the Graule Photography Studio in Rochester. This collection includes high school and wedding photos as well as photos that were taken in the early 20th century. Also available are newspaper files from the Beaver County Times. Limited textile related items such as men and women’s clothing, table linens, woven coverlets and quilts have been acquired for educational purposes.
On-Site Archives
We have created a room to house and organize our archive collection as well as the necessary computer hardware and PastPerfect software to allow us to accession and control our archives. Archives are available to researchers Monday thru Friday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Contribute to County History
We would be honored to have from your attic the following items that reflect some facet of Beaver County’s history:
• Diaries and/or scrap books
• Letters
• Other papers of individuals
• Other unpublished materials
• Records of institutions or businesses
• Any other papers
• Photographs of sites, places, buildings, cities, streets etc.
• Photographs of people who have had an impact on county history
• Pictures of historic sites and/or events
We cannot accept published newspapers that are generally found in libraries.
If you think you have something you would like to donate, please call the office at 724-775-1848, or stop by the Mansion during our regular hours of operation.
Resources
Pennsylvania Geneology is a good source of Beaver County records, as well as other counties in Pa.