Library and Archives Search

What Catalogs Can I Search?

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

Archives (including Pictorials):
                    database of the archives, including major historic
                    collections, Baldwin Specification Cards, photographs,
                    negatives, slides.
                         (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. 
                    Description of Archival Holdings.
                    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, subject to certain conditions. Please check here for further information. 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 inquire about an appointment at least one week in advance by contacting the Museum. 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:
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 regarding 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, provided major financial assistance in initial 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 Information Technology 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.

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 the Museum Director, the Project Manager is Jim Alexander, with technical services provided by George Burbage, and cataloging management by Robert R. Donecker, all of the FRM.