Historical Society of Carroll County’s Research Library

Since the Historical Society’s founding in 1939, generous donors have helped it gather and preserve many primary source records, documents, pamphlets, clippings, pictures and books relating to the history of Carroll County. This collection is key to promoting the research and study of county history. Articles written by HSCC for The Baltimore Sun and The Carroll County Times highlight events and people in county history. Unique collections such as the Dr. Arthur Tracey Papers (which includes drawings, surveyors’ books, maps and file cards for eighteenth century Western Maryland land tracts and families) and the Basil Crapster papers (which chronicle Taneytown’s history) can aid researchers interested in tracing their Carroll ancestors.

The Research Library is open Wednesday-Saturday noon-4:00 P.M.

Collection Descriptions and Availability

The research library of the Historical Society contains an important collection of original manuscripts and printed ephemera. Manuscripts include personal and business account books, minute books, diaries, letters, deeds, land patents and original writings. Local newspapers in the Leland Jordan Collection and others comprise the bulk of the printed materials. Few county historical societies in Maryland have comparable collections. There are also numerous examples of rare books, family Bibles, maps, broadsides, handbills, booklets, programs, certificates, diplomas, rosters and directories.

Research Library Fees and Policies

The Historical Society of Carroll County (HSCC) encourages researchers to visit the Society to conduct research. For patrons who cannot visit the Library, the Society will conduct research for a fee in the following categories.

A reasonable effort will be made to answer fee-based requests, however, HSCC cannot guarantee research results.

Rights and Reproductions

The Historical Society of Carroll County provides reproductions of images in its collection for a fee. The Society reserves the right to restrict copying of fragile materials that may be harmed by copying. Images are provided for private use only. Possession of an image from the Society’s collection does not constitute permission to use, distribute or publish the image.

Permission to use, distribute or publish the image may be granted by the Society on a case-by-case basis through the completion of a Photo License Agreement.

Research Resources

At present, the Historical Society’s library is home to more than 25,000 primary documents and nearly 5,000 historical photographs as well as important secondary sources relating to Carroll County history. These materials provide researchers with a rich resource for exploring a wide variety of local topics—family history, community history, business history, and environmental and architectural history.

Archival Storage Materials for Your Family Treasures

Stop by the Kimmey Bookshop to purchase archival storage materials for your family treasures. The Society’s staff will be happy to answer your questions and help you select the appropriate storage materials. Click the box below to see the materials we currently offer.

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