cumberland county historical society

This is the second time we have visited the CCHS. It is a wonderful historical society and museum. The staff and the displays are excellent.

It covered many aspects of the long history of Carlisle including the moving story of the Carlisle Indian school, wrenching native American children from their homes thousands of miles away in an attempt to Americanize them by forcibly removing their language and culture. The industry sections were interesting as were the early artifacts.

Very interesting. Easy to find and in historical part of Carlisle. They have a library to visit for a fee. We only were there for the museum, which was free. Was very surprised when getting off elevator to the second floor. Very large area of several rooms. Great display of the areas history. A timeline relating events to the nations and worlds events. Many many pictures on a wall, with a notebook to look up each numbered picture. Also many other displays. Past area warehouses and factories. Furniture of different periods also on display. The docent was available to answer questions. Enjoyed very much.

CCHS is one of the Country's oldest historical societies with a library and museum. Noteworthy was the Schimmel woodcarvings and the material from the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.Yvonne, a local, who lived in the area since birth kept us entertained with many story tidbits. I enjoyed the antique peanut cart where the peanuts wee not only sold but roasted.

I have attended many programs at the Historical Society, including several walking tours. Each one has been exceedingly well done and very informative. My children have participated in numerous programs for youths and are always eager to return. The staff are very knowledgeable and engaging. In addition to the programs and displays, the staff are considerably helpful with research quests. Be sure to check out the museum store, which has a delightfully curated assortment of works by local artists.

Visit the Historical Society's shop on High Street, around the corner from their museum and library. It has a very good range of items of local interest: books, postcards, art, reproductions and the like. The visitors center is currently at the same location. There is parking in the rear as well as on the street in front.

Very nice displays and artifacts which change frequently.. Knowledgeable staff. Lists of upcoming events, lectures, tours, etc.

I am lucky to have this "gem" in my very own backyard! The exhibits are interesting and well put together. Their programs and workshop are not to be miss. What a wonderful place to honor and maintain Cumberland County history! The building is quite beautiful and full of history or all to enjoy. I have use the historical society many times for both research in the library, to view exhibits and to attend their educational programs. I am proud to say that my husband and I are both members.

It was a free museum and just the right size to spend an hour or two and learn a little history of the area. I thought it was nicely displayed and interesting.

With family history so close in the tiny burg of Newville, I wanted to conduct some family research. The librarians here are amazingly helpful and persistent and uncovered exactly what we were looking for!

wish finding the welcome center + museum were easier to locate brochure in hotel! The volunteer in the museum made the displays and history come alive her enthusiasm was wonderful. Carlisle has much more to offer than car shows.

On May 16, 2013 I walked through the museum with 14 ladies, the majority who lived 60-70-80 years in Cumberland County. In addition to the small museum at 21 North Pitt Street, the Cumberland County Historical Society offers a research library; Two Mile House, on the National Register of Historic Places; "History on High", the Cumberland Valley Visitors Center with books and crafts of local artisans; and educational programs. We first had lunch at Cafe Bruges: my $12.72 crab cake sandwich was mostly filler. Then we walked across North Pitt Street to the museum. After our visit, I was irritated to learn that the spokesperson for our group who lived in Carlisle over 80 years and apparently thought she knew all the background information, turned down the offer of a guided tour. Background stories and information associated with the exhibits would have been a significant enhancement. One large wall had a timeline of Cumberland County Events, some of which are: 1720 James Letort establishes trading post; 1753 Benjamin Franklin negotiates a treaty with Native Americans at Carlisle; 1776 three county attorneys sign the Declaration of Independence-James Wilson, James Smith, and George Ross; 1783 Dickinson College chartered; 1794 President Washington mustered troops in Carlisle during the Whiskey Rebellion; 1834 Dickinson Law School established; 1863 Confederate invasion of Cumberland County; 1879-1918 10,000 Indians attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School; and 1912 Jim Thorpe and Louis Tewanima, Carlisle Indian School students, win Olympic medals. The permanent exhibits that I liked best were: a large photo of Indian School students, and vintage quilts. "1863 Invasion in the Valley", a good special exhibit running through October 26, 2013, commemorates the 150th anniversary of Confederates invading Cumberland County in June of 1863, which lead up to the Battle of Gettysburg. It includes 10 video stories on the Civil War.

A small operation staffed by enthusiastic and dedicated regular staff and volunteers. They have always been more than willing to spend time with me explaining where to find things and actually helping me with reasearch.

The museum was nicely done and informative. Both my mom and I were happy we were able to take the time and read all the exhibits.

many many records from central PA. Especially Cumberland Cty. and CarlisleExhibits not as impressive as books & records.