Our Research Facility contains archives, court records, genealogy materials, photographs and much more.

Until further notice, our research facility is open Wednesday, 10am – 2pm, by appointment only.

There is a $5 fee for non-members to conduct research in the facility.

The Archives

contain more than 250,000 original source items dating back to the 1600s. These include plats, deeds, letters, diaries, scrapbooks, ledgers, documents, maps, postcards, newspapers, and legal and business correspondence. Attendants are available to assist researchers.

Court Records

are available at Harford County’s courts. Records begin about 1774 when Harford County came into existence. Cataloging has proceeded up to about the mid 19th century. The materials are being cataloged and indexed by volunteers for use by researchers. Volunteers hope to eventually have all of the records computerized to assist researchers in finding material for future projects. The records provide background on everything from criminal charges to land transactions, bastardy cases, indentures and emancipation of slaves and servants and more.

Family History (Geneology)

The Society is an excellent source of Harford County, state and regional family history. If you are interested in research, but unable to visit, view our Historical, Genealogical, & Cemetery Research Services below.

Research Library

The Henry C. Peden, Jr. Research Library houses an extensive collection of print material on Harford County and Maryland history. All materials are cataloged, many are indexed, and attendants are happy to help researchers. Maps, microfilm, newspapers, vertical file materials, and African-American history files are also part of the collection. PastPerfect, our digital database is continually expanding. If you are interested in research, but unable to visit our library, view our Historical, Genealogical, & Cemetery Research Services below.

Photographs

There are over 11,000 photographic images in our collection. The collection includes photos of many diverse subjects and is comprised of prints, negatives, glass plates/negatives, tintypes, cartes de visite and postcards.

RESEARCH BY MAIL

For researchers unable to visit us, we provide a Basic Research Service and a Document Photocopy Service for pre-paid, written requests.

Basic Research Service Fee: $30 Pre-Paid

The Library will search its holdings for answers to one historical or genealogical query for up to one hour.

Please include all relevant information on the subject that will assist us with your specific question, i.e., dates, locations, family members, etc.

Please be advised that your fee is not refundable if no information is found.

Photocopy Service Fee: $10 Pre-Paid

If you know exactly what you want from our Library and you require a copy, we photocopy one specific record or document per request. Please send us the complete citation, including title, page numbers, etc. Fee includes up to 10 photocopies. Additional pages are 25 cents each.

Cemetery Data Base Search Fee: $10 Pre-Paid

A search will be made for one name in our Cemetery-Data-Base and a report of that search will be sent to you. Please allow 2-4 weeks for a reply.

To initiate a search, either write to The Society or contact the Cemetery Project Coordinator via email at hshcweb@comcast.net

MAKE YOUR CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
“The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc.”

SEND YOUR REQUEST AND CHECK TO:
RESEARCH SERVICES
The Historical Society of Harford County, Inc.
143 North Main Street
Bel Air, Maryland 21014