Library and Archives Search

What Catalogs Can I Search?

Library --    thousands of historic books and magazines about railroads.
                    Description.
                    Start your library search.

Pictorial --   photographs, negatives, slides. Tens of thousands of historic
                    images of railroad history. Description.
                    Search for pictorials.
                    (Some negative catalogs are also available in print in the
                    Museum Store.) Once you find what you what, you may
                    order a copy of certain images. Mail-in photo order forms
                    are available here. Digital Scan order form, here.
                    See important note on quality of online
                    thumbnails versus ordered prints or image files here.

Archives --  other databases from the archives, including Baldwin
                    Specification Cards. Major historic collections. Description.
                    Search the archives.

How Does the Search Work?

Select the search screen for the material you want to search. You can do a basic search, or a more advanced one.

Search options are provided to allow you to narrow your search. Be as specific as you can, to avoid getting too many hits. Use the And, Or, and Not buttons to be selective. Popup screens can be used to see available search terms.

Help and additional guidance are provided on the search screens. From there, you can also see more advanced search techniques.

How to Visit Us or Obtain Access to Materials?

The Reading and Research Room is available by appointment only, 10:00 AM to Noon and 1:00 PM through 5:00 PM Monday through Friday when the museum is open (not certain holidays nor certain Winter Mondays; see here for schedule). Paging of materials ceases at 4:30 PM.  Regular museum admission fee must be paid at the front desk, but no additional fee is charged for use of the Library/Archives. Fees are charged for duplication of materials.

Library and Archives stacks are closed, but visitors are encouraged to use finding aids and our online catalog, or request staff assistance in locating desired materials, which will be delivered to the Reading and Research Room. Materials are not lent out.

Researchers should make an appointment at least one week in advance by contacting the Museum's Librarian/Archivist. Employee records: we do not have many at all, and they may be subject to specific legal and user restrictions; please inquire. For further advice on sources of railroad employee records, go here.

Mailing Address for Research Inquiries:
Librarian/Archivist
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Library and Archives
P.O. Box 15
Strasburg, Pennsylvania 17579

Street Address:
Rt. 741 East (300 Gap Road)
Strasburg, Pennsylvania, PA 17579

Phone:  717 687-8628      Fax: 717 687-0876

Click here to E-mail the Library/Archives. Because of the volume of inquiries, we can not answer research inquiries submitted by email. Please use email only for general inquiries about our holdings and our research operations, or to make an appointment.

How Is This Service Made Possible?

	The North American Railway Foundation (NARF), a private, non-profit operating foundation, has provided major financial assistance in placement of this service on the web. NARF was formed in 1996 to explore, nurture and support railway safety, efficiency and technology and to educate the public about and preserve the history of railroads in the United States and Canada, and has partnered with the Museum on several important projects.
	The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, an agency of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, owns the library and archives and provides overall direction.
	Friends of the Railroad Museum (FRM) , provider of tens of thousands of volunteer hours, infrastructure development, and financial investment. This Library and Archives Data Retrieval System was conceived by its Computer Committee, which also performed systems planning, grants management, and project coordination services; cataloging and data entry by its Library and Archives Committee.
	Andornot Consulting, Inc. has provided final database configuration services, and hosts the search program. The databases are operated with Inmagic's CS WebPublisher Pro software.

NARF has been a generous supporter of the Museum; this financial support, coupled with FRM investment, is designed to facilitate research into the railroad industry's impressive history. With tens of thousands of books, negatives, photos, timetables, and other items of unique historic value, the project will also assist the internal management of these holdings. It's part of a long range effort to enhance the usefulness of our historic treasures of the important railroad industry.  Led by Museum Director David Dunn, the Project Manager is Jim Alexander, with technical services provided by George Burbage, and cataloging management by Robert R. Donecker, all of the FRM.