Repositories for Philadelphia Genealogy

Researchers are urged to consult the web sites listed for each repository for information about holdings, current hours, and current admission fees.

Basic repository list (requires the free Adobe Reader)

PhilaRepositories.pdf


Supplementary resources

Religious Archives in the Philadelphia Area
  • CATHOLIC: Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Archives and Historical Collections, 1000 E. Wynnewood Rd., Overbrook, PA, 19096-3001. (610) 667-2125 or http://www.rc.net/philadelphia/pahrc/
  • JEWISH:
    • Philadelphia Jewish Archives Center (PJAC), 128 N. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 925-9080.
    • Jewish Genealogical Society of Philadelphia, c/o 1279 June Rd., Huntington Valley, PA 19006-8405 (215) 947-7374 or http://www.jewishgen.org/jgsp/
  • BAPTIST: Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, City Line and Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19096 (610) 896-5000.
  • EPISCOPAL: Episcopal Church - Diocese of Pennsylvania Headquarters, 240 S. 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 627-6434.
  • LUTHERAN: Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia, 7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119 (215) 248-4616
  • SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (Quakers):
  • METHODIST: Historic St. George's United Methodist Church, 235 N. 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 925-7788
  • PRESBYTERIAN: Presbyterian Church (USA), Department of History (Presbyterian Historical Society), 425 Lombard St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215) 627-1852

The Pennsylvania State Archives
350 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120. (717) 783-3281

Major Genealogical Resources:

  • Passenger lists.
  • Naturalization records.
  • Birth, marriage, and death information.
  • Military and war records.
  • Occupational records.
  • Prison records.
  • Land records.
  • Church records.
  • Cemetery records.
  • County records.
  • Census records.
  • Family papers.
  • Miscellaneous records.


Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. Downloadable request forms

Major Genealogical Resources:

  • This office has birth and death records for all Pennsylvania counties since January 1906.
  • For birth and death records prior to 1906, contact the Orphans Court at the County Court House in the county where the event occurred
  • If the event occurred in Pittsburgh from 1870 to 1905 or in Allegheny City from 1882 to 1905, write to the Office of Biostatistics, Pittsburgh Health Department, City-County Building Pittsburgh, PA 15219.